Teenage Joans Announce New Short Indie Horror Film ‘The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest (The Film)’

The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest (The Film) is a completely self-funded and orchestrated short film written by Teenage Joans to accompany their debut album of the same name. Directed and edited by Jamie Al Kayyali, the film is a colourful debut from both Al Kayyali and the band.

The film follows Cahli and Tahlia of Teenage Joans (as themselves) on a magical yet leery journey through Rotland. After becoming acquainted with the Easter Bunny (played by Cahli Blakers) and Tooth Fairy (played by Tahlia Borg), the bewitching pair discover the lands forbidden fruits, the candy apples, and the hidden secrets that they hold.

Equally inspired by the golden era of punk a la Blink-182 and Paramore as much as they are by fellow modern Aussies Waax, Camp Cope and Tired Lion, Teenage Joans take their whimsical yet hard-hitting nostalgia to even greater heights as they approach the release of their debut full length The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest.

Embracing darkness, vulnerability and authenticity with more vigor than ever before, the duo’s debut album is definitely not the release most will expect. Never ones to do things “by the book”, The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest proudly swells between pop punk anthems, mosh pit-ready breakdowns and future karaoke classics; all while remaining searingly relatable and showcasing every inch of the Teenage Joans sonic psyche that has galvanized throughout the pair’s storied career.

Forming in 2018 as literal teenagers, Teenage Joans, aka Cahli Blakers and Tahlia Borg, would go on to nab the triple j Unearthed High crown in 2020 while also insatiably charming audiences around the country over the years with their self-professed “juice-box punk-pop” sonic stylings. Having previously shared stages with the likes of Amy Shark, Violent Soho, Ball Park Music, The Chats and many more, the duo have also continued to establish themselves as firm festival faves, with appearances at Spin Off, Yours & Ours, UNIFY Gathering and beyond.

Teenage Joans topped off 2023 along with their brand new album release, appearing at Grapevine Gathering, as well as embarking on their national headline album tour for The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest.

Fans can join Teenage Joans at select east coast cinemas this February to experience the colourful visual companion piece to The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest, with the pair set to perform intimate live shows with a Q&A alongside each film screening.