The rental crisis in Kiama and the broader issue of homelessness remains front and centre as filmmaker Sharon Lewis joined Bernie Hems on KCR’s Chat Tuesday to discuss Frances, the award winning short film highlighting housing insecurity.

Having already covered both the film and local rental concerns, including the property in Kiama that appears uninhabitable yet is advertised at $420 per week, this latest conversation ensures the issue stays in the public eye.

During the interview, Hems shone a spotlight on a growing but often overlooked crisis - housing insecurity among older women.

Research shows that women over 55 are the fastest growing demographic of homeless Australians, often due to relationship breakdowns, job losses, or simply the inability to sustain rental costs on a single income.

Many are left couch surfing, living in temporary accommodation, or, like Frances’ protagonist, forced to live in their cars.

“Too many older women are disrespected by a system that leaves them vulnerable after decades of contributing to their families, workplaces, and communities,” Hems said.

Lewis, who co-produced Frances with Richard Jones, shared how real life encounters with people living in their cars inspired the film.

“We met a woman walking her dog who was distressed about not being able to find a rental that would take her pet. At the same time, we noticed more people working on laptops from their cars. It was clear they were living in them,” Lewis said.

The film challenges common misconceptions about homelessness. “People assume there must be domestic violence, addiction, or mental illness involved,” Lewis said. “But Frances is a university lecturer. She’s independent, hardworking, and yet she finds herself without a home because of circumstances beyond her control.”

Pride, Lewis explained, also plays a role. “Frances doesn’t want to be a burden on her daughter, so she convinces herself she’ll be fine living in her car by the beach. But as the film unfolds, things go wrong, and she becomes increasingly vulnerable.”

The film has received widespread acclaim, winning Best Australian Film at the Titan International Film Festival and earning official selections at major international festivals. But it also has a strong Kiama connection - local makeup artist Meryll Faulkner played a key role in bringing Frances to life.

“We were so fortunate to have Meryll’s expertise,” Lewis said. “She graciously volunteered her time, and her work was incredible.”

While Frances raises awareness, the real world rental crisis continues to unfold. Gareth Ward MP has joined the conversation, calling for an independent Rental Commissioner with real powers to ensure properties meet decent living standards.

State agencies, such as the Rental Commissioner’s office, have been described as a “toothless tiger,” lacking the authority to enforce meaningful changes. There is now a push to explore local solutions, with discussions underway about how Kiama Council and community leaders can advocate for better renter protections.

“We can’t let this conversation fade,” Hems said. “This isn’t just about one film or one property - it’s about ensuring no one in our community is forced into homelessness simply because they can’t afford rent.”

Visit the Nantien Temple on 8 March 2025 to watch a free screening of Frances. Scan the QR code to get your tickets

With Frances continuing to gain attention and local advocates keeping the pressure on, the message is clear: homelessness can happen to anyone, and it’s time for real change.