As part of the Midsumma Festival (Australia’s premier queer arts and culture festival) audiences in Melbourne experienced the magic of scented cinema with a scented edition of Inky Pinky Ponky (2023), a heartfelt New Zealand–Tongan film directed by Damon Fepulea’i and Ramon TeWake.

Produced in collaboration with Snivure and Scented Storytelling, the project began with a series of workshops hosted by Brimbank City Council, where young people explored the power of scent in cinema and co-designed the olfactory track. This community-driven process culminated in free, sensory screenings at the Bowery Theatre, inviting audiences into a uniquely participatory cinematic experience.

The scent track reflected the layers of the film itself: from the sharp masculinity of Lynx Africa to the elegance of Coco Chanel, alongside other cues that evoked key narrative moments. Each was paired with a bespoke souvenir scratch-and-sniff card.

Audiences followed Lisa, a young fakaleiti, as she navigated intolerance and bigotry at St. Valentine’s High School while discovering love and happiness. Through scent, the story’s themes of identity, resilience, and queer joy were made immediate, immersive, and unforgettable.

Production Year: 2025
Scents: 9
Scent Direction by: Jas Brooks, Tammy Burnstock
Card Designed by: Jas Brooks

This experience has appeared at:

• Bowery Theatre, Melbourne, Australia (Midsumma Festival, presented by Brimbank City Council)