Discover the 2025 winning films — bold, creative and uniquely Australian.
Synopsis: Diver and conservationist, Sandy Webb shows off her collection of pressed seaweed specimens, and shares her love of the ocean.
Lacelid Productions, director Jack Breedon (QLD)
Founded in 2022 by filmmaker-scientists Jack Breedon and Harrison Warne, Lacelid Productions tells stories about Australia’s natural world — its ecology, people, and the challenges it faces. Combining backgrounds in science and filmmaking, the duo makes complex environmental topics accessible and engaging. Originally from Melbourne, Jack holds a Master of Science in Marine Biology from James Cook University.
Synopsis: Alex returns home to visit his mum, but a request to clean out his old bedroom sparks unexpected memories of a long-lost friend.
Kristo Hakola-Parry (NSW)
Kristo is a 25-year-old filmmaker with a love for comedy. Since graduating in 2022 with a major in Media Arts and Production, he has been building a small production company with two friends. Together, they take on corporate and training projects to fund their creative pursuits — making short films, music videos, documentaries, and anything else that sparks their curiosity. The trio also runs a sketch comedy group, sharing weekly skits on Instagram and TikTok.
Tahlia Magistrale (NSW) Tahlia Magistrale is an Australian filmmaker based in Sydney. Her formative years spent living in the Northern Rivers of NSW has infused her creative voice and style in realism. She is drawn to stories which magnify the brilliance within the ordinary, and the characters which inhabit these worlds. She completed her studies at UTS in 2022, obtaining a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in Media Arts and Production & Digital and Social Media.
Synopsis: The heartfelt journey of ‘Nan’ as she navigates the challenges of her dementia.
Kaelyn Ward (NSW)
Kaelyn, from Coonamble in Central West NSW, has spent the last five years unfolding 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, ‘Uprooted,’ and adds ‘When Goodbye Begins.’ to the mix.
Synopsis: A single poppy seed threatens to unravel a rural diner robbery.
Lachie Pasfield and Tom K. Goldie (NSW)
Lachie Pasfield and Tom K. Goldie are a Newcastle-based filmmaking duo behind Goldfield Pictures. Their second short film, The Seeds of Supervention, follows their award-winning debut No One Will Hear This, which screened at festivals including Screamfest Hollywood and Far South Film Festival. Their work blends dark humour, sharp storytelling and bold visual style.
Synopsis: Ignored by his busy older brother, a bored 13-year-old decides to run away, but while packing, he finds a forgotten card game they made as kids.
Dari Justin (VIC)
Dari Justin’s passion for storytelling began with making home movies and has grown into a focus on films that capture the complexity of human relationships. After completing a Certificate III in Screen and Media (Video Production) and winning his school’s Year 11 Media Award for his horror-comedy short Frankie, Dari is excited to share his work at the 2025 Very Short Film Festival.
Synopsis: Two teens begin a relationship through endless texting but struggle to find the words in person, revealing the silent challenges of modern communication.
Indianna Thompson & Lily Stoll (NSW)
With a shared passion for storytelling, Indianna and Lily previously created The Hunt, a People’s Choice finalist at VSFF and a selection at Inner West, SF3, MyState and Dublin film festivals. Indianna recently studied at the New York Film Academy in Queensland, while Lily has performed in stage productions including Legally Blonde, Shrek and School of Rock.
Synopsis: A little girl is left home alone whilst her parents go to the movies.
Eames Atkinson (NSW)
Eames is an 11-year-old aspiring actor studying at NIDA Kensington. Passionate about cinema — especially horror — she has trained in drama and screen acting and loves exploring all aspects of filmmaking. Movie Night is her first film, which she wrote, starred in and directed. It quickly became an audience favourite.
