SIDE QUEST STORIES

Side Quest Stories follows Melbourne artist Kat Tillman as she transforms a derelict suburban building into a living artwork, using colour, humour, and creativity to reclaim space physically and emotionally. The narrative unfolds through the house painting process, blending the visual transformation of the house with intimate, candid conversations with survivors of domestic violence. Kat becomes the central character and guide, but the film’s message is collective. The voices of other survivors, volunteers, and community members weave into the murals, offering insight into the “side quests” that supported their healing. Each room, wall, and story reflects the personalities, resilience, and creative energy of those involved, making the house itself a character. The film balances moments of playfulness, chaos, and humour with profound reflections on recovery, presenting a fresh, hopeful approach to domestic violence storytelling while celebrating empowerment, creativity, and community.