How long does it take before abnormal seems normal' At 17, Claudia Kelly (Emma Lung) is smart and enterprising. But she lives in a strange world of no school, no money, an indoor aviary and territorial fights with her sister Penny. And she's angry over her mother's recent suicide, and she can't understand her father's (Rex) passive approach to life.

When a strange woman dumps her children on the family and Rex doesn't protest, Claudia has had enough and hatches a plan to leave for Queensland. But she needs cash and know how - and she definitely must not fall for the cute kleptomaniac she meets at the supermarket. The little kids get sent off to camp but she's still determined to leave. She packs a bag and hitches a ride, ending up at the motel room where her mother killed herself.

It's only when Claudia faces her own ghosts and Rex takes control of the situation that she is able to accept her feelings towards her family... and the young kelptomaniac.

Melbourne director Stuart McDonald flexes his muscles with this uneasy comedy about rights of passage and living on the other side of normal, shot by Greig Fraser (Cracker Bag).

Sturart McDonald, Kathleen O'Brien, Lizette Atkins and Beth Frey will be attending the festival.