SHORT FILM AWARD WINNERS
From confronting comedies to powerful documentaries, this year’s CinefestOZ Short Film Awards shone a spotlight on Australia’s boldest storytellers and freshest voices.
The 2025 program was the festival’s biggest yet, with more than 250 entries received from across the country and 28 finalists selected by an independent jury of industry professionals.
The results are in, and we are proud to announce the winners recognised for their outstanding creativity, vision, and storytelling:
Best Short Film: I’m the Most Racist Person I Know
- Director: Leela Varghese
- Producer: Suriyna Sivashanker
- Writer: Leela Varghese
- Cast: Shabana Azeez, Kavitha Anandasivam
Best Indigenous Short Film: Anangu Way
- Director & Screenwriter: Tace Stevens
- Producer: Brooke Collard
Cinewest Best WA Short Film: E-Mum
- Director & Screenwriter: Jessica Londono
- Producers: Jessica Londono, David Vincent Smith
- Cast: Emma Jackson, Aalia Afshar
Best Director: Darwin Schulze for Bluebird
- Director: Darwin Schulze
- Producer: Eric Zac Perry
- Cast: Annabel Wolfe
Best Animation: Drawn in the West
- Creators: Max Joyce, Alisa Dempster, Dung Nguyen, Frank O. Bear, Jen Doman, Mindee Chia, Skye Ogden, Winston Foong
Best Lead Actor: William Lodder in Soundboy
- Directors: Monty O’Brien, Lily Tallulah Stewart
- Producer: Harry Pearse
- Writers: Monty O’Brien, Lily Tallulah Stewart
- Cast: William Lodder, Lee Tiger Halley, Chris Alosio
Best Screenwriter: Dan Mansour & Tim “Gonzo” Ryan for Hero
- Screenwriters: Dan Mansour and Tim “Gonzo” Ryan
- Director: Andrew Cutcliffe
- Producers: Jeanavive McGregor, Andrew Cutcliffe, Lydia Chu, Melba Proestos
- Cast: Daniel Henshall, Matuse, Ibinabo Jack, Violette Ayad
NEW – Diversity & Inclusion Award: Dependent
- Director: Joseph Chebatte
- Producers: Julian Maroun, Luke Maroun, Lena Albin, Tristan Tringali
- Writer: Marcus Khoudair
- Cast: Julian Maroun, Luke Maroun
NEW – Best Music Video
Winner: Breakthrough
Director: Thomas Binns
Audience Choice: Unreliable Narrator, Dullhouse
Director: Reilly Mitchell
CinefestOZ CEO Cassandra Jordan said: “This year’s program showcases the incredible range of stories being told by Australian filmmakers, from bold social commentary to deeply personal narratives. The number and quality of submissions were outstanding, making it a challenging but rewarding process to select our winners.”
A huge thank you to our independent jury of industry professionals whose expertise and dedication helped shape this year’s awards. Their insights and passion for storytelling continue to elevate the festival and inspire filmmakers across Australia.
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists for sharing your stories and captivating audiences on the big screen.
With so many amazing short films showing at this years festival, we know it can be hard to chose, so we have written a guide to help you select the set/s which most suits you!
Or simply join us in celebrating our winners at the SHORT FILM WINNERS session on Sunday 7 Sep at Orana Busselton. Narrowed down from over 200+ entries, this is an amazing opportunity to see an incredible selection of new & upcoming cinematic talent.