The inaugural Accelerator programme brings together some of Victoria and New Zealand's brightest filmmaking prospects. We're proud to present a selection of the participants' celebrated short films

Two Cars, One Night (New Zealand, D Taika Waititi) (Winner of the Panorama Short Film Award at the 2004 Berlinale, this is a tale of first love, set in the unlikeliest of places.

Heartworm (Australia, D Ben Chessell) Daniel has a crush that has taken over his life. To make matters worse, he's moving into a street with her name.

My Sister (Australia, D Yen Ooi) This beautifully photographed and conceived vignette tells of a young Chinese-Australian girl who's struggling with her cultural identity, and traditions that she doesn't understand.

His Father's Shoes (New Zealand, D Samantha Scott) A vagabond son returns home to collect his inheritance. The comedic interaction that results between parents and son only serves to highlight their estrangement.

Where is She' (Australia, D Richard Vette) Medical controversy. Questionable psychiatric methods. Secret footage in grainy Super8. Interviews with those who suspected something. Where is She' presents the bizarre facts of some strange goings on in the world of psycho-therapy.

Closer (New Zealand, D David Rittey) A poignant film about a deaf boy, coming to terms with the death of his sister. Screened at Cannes .

As Dreams Are Made On (New Zealand, D Gabriel Reid) It never rains, it pours for Reuben Mills, a struggling yet talented young actor. A rainy night provides the perfect backdrop for a series of calamities that culminate in a liberating decision.

Mona Lisa (Australia, D Sotiris Dounoukos) Over a single night in their small suburban home, widow Helen and her only child, George, 34, play out a volatile family ritual as they struggle with the intensity and intimacy of their co-dependent lives.

Accelerator is a Melbourne International Film Festival initiative in partnership with Film Victoria and the New Zealand Film Commission, and in association with Dendy Films and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image