Congratulations to the talented creators behind the 2024 winning films! These filmmakers have captivated both audiences and judges. Enjoy watching their films and discover what inspired them in a short clip.
Synopsis: Two strangers exchange a conversation in a cinema lobby, connections are made but awkwardness follows.
Kea Gargiulo (TAS)
Raised in Tasmania and now based in Hobart, Kea studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) and worked at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. She further trained at 16th Street Acting Studio in Melbourne and earned a Theatre Studies/Arts degree. Shkëndijë is Kea’s debut as a writer, director, producer, co-editor and cast member. Watch a short clip of Kea discussing “Shkëndijë” here.
Synopsis: The woman needs to do the dishes but her brain is broken so she waits for The Something, the spark, the chemical shift in her brain that will allow her to pick up the scrubbing brush and return to her life.
Grace Quealy (VIC)
Grace (she/her) is a multi-disciplinary artist with a special interest in the effect of storytelling on society. Watch a short clip of Grace discussing “the Something” here.
Synopsis: A woman stuck; lost her spark; her neuro-divergence has been a difficult revelation; if only she had an opportunity to stop and discover everything she missed, perhaps then; happiness.
Jane Hamilton-Foster (TAS)
Actor; Writer; Comedian. Watch a short clip of Jane discussing “Loop” here.
Synopsis: In this exploration of rites of passage, inclusion, and belonging, four film students reflect on their high school and formal experiences as people with disability, culminating in the chance to redo their formal dance experience.
Kylie Skinner (QLD)
Raised in rural Queensland and now based in Brisbane, Kylie is completing her Master of Screen Production at Griffith University. As an emerging filmmaker, she explores themes of belonging, identity, and inclusion. Kylie has produced, directed, and edited short documentaries, films, and music videos. Watch a short clip of Kylie discussing “Formal Take Two” here.
Synopsis: A young girl learns Italian in a last attempt to communicate to her Nonno who is suffering from dementia.
Ella Demarchi (WA)
Ella is a 20-year-old filmmaker and actor from Perth. Her early short films, ‘Dear Me’ and ’Sincerely H,’ gained national recognition. A graduate of WAAPA with a diploma in Screen Acting, Ella has acted in numerous short films and is set to star in an upcoming Australian horror feature. Currently, she is furthering her studies in screen and media at North Metropolitan TAFE. Watch a short clip of Ella discussing “Remember Me” here.
Synopsis: While remembering my mother, I decided to make her steamed egg custard recipe.
Maru Collective (QLD)
Born and raised in Japan, Maruone and Marutwo have been making animations for many years. As members of Maru Collective, an animation group based in Brisbane, their films have been screened all over the world.
Synopsis: A Sunday afternoon seems like any other until Charlotte digs a little close to Grandma’s buried secrets. When she starts to piece it all together will she run away or help hide the evidence. “Spark” has been incorporated into the film throughout the dialogue. “Sparky” being the dog’s name and “Bright Spark” being one of the flowers ‘Charlotte’ plants in the garden.
Kaelyn Ward (NSW)
Kaelyn, from Coonamble in Central West NSW, recently discovered her passion for filmmaking. In just a few years, she has written, directed, produced, and edited five short films: ‘The Switch,’ ‘Fear Forest,’ ‘Thief,’ ‘Hireath,’ and ‘Uprooted.’ Watch a short clip of Kaelyn discussing “Uprooted” here.
Synopsis: “JACHELT,” meaning wind-bent trees, is a short horror film set on Bruny Island. It follows a young girl who starts her day with household chores and then ventures to the beach alone to celebrate her birthday…
Stella & Ruby Kurzel (TAS, 18 years)
Ruby and Stella are passionate about filmmaking and storytelling. Ruby, studying English studio, focuses on honing her writing skills, while Stella blends her love for English and photography. Together, they are learning to write film scripts and create films, driven by a shared love for the horror genre. “JACHELT” is their first film. Watch a short clip of Stella & Ruby discussing “JACHELT” here.
Synopsis: A spark of friendship between two robots as they grow old together.
Hayden Best (NSW, 15 years)
Hayden is a 15-year-old high school student. He is an aspiring filmmaker who loves to tell stories through many different media. He particularly enjoys stop-motion animation as it allows him to creatively tell stories. Hayden would love to direct a feature length film one day. Watch a short clip of Hayden discussing “Kinetic Connection” here.
Synopsis: Do you believe in Karma? Fate? ‘Amor Fati’ is about a happy teenage girl who suddenly finds herself cursed.
Adi Bocman & Asher Vogel (NSW, 15 years)
Adi began making films over two years ago. She recently joined her school’s new Film Club and took on the role of Director/Producer for their inaugural project. Asher collaborated with Adi, contributing across the film and serving as the editor. His creative talents includes drumming, and has a strong passion for cooking and baking. Watch a short clip of Adi, Asher and Leille discussing “Amor Fati” here.
Synopsis: In this short documentary, we follow the journey of a young teenager, Jake, whose life is turned upside down by his parents’ divorce.
Jake McCormack (SA, 14 years)
Jake McCormack, a homeschooled filmmaker from South Australia, has been passionate about creating quirky short films since early childhood. His interest grew after starring in the award-winning short film, “The Outside.” Two of Jake’s films have won People’s Choice Awards. He also manages a YouTube channel where he regularly shares content. He’s an aspiring actor and filmmaker. Watch a short clip of Jake discussing “Change – A True Story” here.
Synopsis: Fourteen is about a girl called Luna whose family die in a car crash on her thirteenth birthday.
Aquinnah McKendrick, Daisy Belle Adams & Billie Chatto (TAS, 14 years)
Billie, Aquinnah and Daisy form a dynamic production crew with extensive experience in producing plays, musicals, and films. They achieved Best Screenplay and Technical Achievement awards for their film “If Water Could Talk” at the MyState Student Film Festival in 2022. They continue to expand their skills through films and other creative projects. Watch Aquinnah, Daisy & Billie discussing “Fourteen” here.
