What a Night: VSFF 2025 Opening Night Recap
It was a night to remember!
The 2025 Very Short Film Festival opened with a sold-out screening at the Civic Theatre in Newcastle — and what followed was something special. From the moment the lights dimmed, audiences were taken on a journey through bold, moving, and brilliantly crafted short films.
There were laughs, tears, applause, and that electric feeling when a story really lands. From heartfelt drama to unexpected comedy, the program featured voices from all ages and corners of the country — each film responding to this year’s signature theme, Seed.
Filmmakers took to the stage for a live Q&A, sharing the stories behind their work and giving the audience a rare window into their creative process.
And then came the moment everyone was waiting for — the 2025 Dorothy Awards.
Open Category
- Winner: The Kelp Collector – Lacelid Productions, Directed by Jack Breedon
- Second Place: Cleaning My Old Room – Kristo Hakola-Parry & Tahlia Magistrale
- Third Place: When Goodbye Begins – Kaelyn Ward
Junior Category
- Winner: Running Away – Dari Justin
- Second Place: Communication – Indianna Thompson & Lily Stoll
- Third Place: Movie Night – Eames Atkinson
Festival’s Choice: The Seeds of Supervention – Tom K. Goldie & Lachie Pasfield
Audience Award: Movie Night – Eames Atkinson
We’ll be sharing photos and more filmmaker highlights from the opening night very soon — so stay tuned.
And this is just the beginning. The 2025 Official Selection is now on tour, bringing these powerful short films to audiences across Australia.
Open Category Winners
Winner: The Kelp Collector by Lacelid Productions, directed by Jack Breedon
Second place: Cleaning My Old Room – Kristo Hakola-Parry & Tahlia Magistrale
Third place: When Goodbye Begins – Kaelyn Ward
Junior Category Winners
Winner: Running Away – Dari Justin
Second place: Communication – Indianna Thompson & Lily Stoll
Third place & Audience Award: Movie Night – Eames Atkinson
Festival Choice Award
The Seeds of Supervention – Tom K. Goldie & Lachie Pasfield
We’ll be sharing photos and more filmmaker highlights from the opening night very soon — so stay tuned.
And this is just the beginning. The 2025 Official Selection is now on tour, bringing these powerful short films to audiences across Australia.
What makes them such a hit? They’re short — just 2 to 5 minutes — and each one offers a fresh perspective, a surprising twist, or a powerful idea. There’s truly something for everyone.
Join the tour! Come celebrate bold Australian storytelling, meet the VSFF team, and connect with the filmmaking and creative community.
Don’t miss it — grab your tickets now.