The 2025 Fraser Shorts Film Festival Awards Night lit up the Fraser Coast on Sunday, 26 October, as filmmakers, community leaders and film lovers came together to celebrate the incredible storytelling talent emerging from our region and beyond.
Held at The Clubhouse Hervey Bay, the event marked the culmination of a two-week festival that showcased more than 40 short films across a variety of genres, from heartfelt dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies to stunning animations and thought-provoking documentaries.
The night featured special guest Mayor George Seymour, who delivered an inspiring address about the importance of regional storytelling and presented the Best Local Film Award to Corals on Your Doorstep, Directed by Breannah Mitchell, a breathtaking documentary exploring the magic and fragility of the Great Barrier Reef.
Deputy Mayor Sara Faraj also took to the stage to present the Local School Student Award to Same Time Tomorrow, Directed by Juniper Ai Canning, recognising the creativity and emerging talent of the next generation of Fraser Coast storytellers.
“This year, we’re blown away by the level of creativity, technical skill and storytelling coming from our local filmmakers,” said Sam Gould, Co-Chair of Screen Fraser Coast. “The passion in this region is undeniable, from students creating their first short film to experienced filmmakers producing cinematic stories that rival national festivals. It’s proof that the Fraser Coast is becoming a true hub for screen talent.”
Other standout winners included:
- Best Short Drama – Once a Year (Calab Keyte & Mertcan Omer Damoglu)
- Best Short Comedy – The Hoist (Janneke Williamson)
- Best Short Animation – Cracked (Asker Hamit)
- Best Short Student Film – Dive (Tilly Bell)
- Best Short Documentary – Anangu Way (Tace Stevens)
- Best Short Indigenous – Marlu Man (Zac James)
- Best Short Experimental – Dynamics (Teo Baehler)
- Best Short Fiction – The Hunt for St Nick (Jordyn Gillam)
- Best Short Environmental – Corals on Your Doorstep (Breannah Mitchell)
- Best Short Music Video – Catfished (Vicky Wanless)
The night also saw the presentation of the Fraser Shorts Songwriter Award, recognising excellence in original music. Luke Handley, a local Fraser Coast musician, took home the top honour with his heartfelt song When It’s True. His moving lyrics and powerful vocals captivated audiences and judges alike. As part of his prize, Luke will receive two professionally recorded songs produced by Pacific International Music, along with $1,000 in prize money, an incredible opportunity to further his music career and represent the Fraser Coast’s thriving creative community.
Co-Chair Amy Friesen said the festival’s success reflects a growing appetite for storytelling across the region.
“The Awards Night wasn’t just about recognising winners, it was a celebration of everyone who had the courage to create and share their story. The Fraser Coast has an incredible pool of talent, and it’s exciting to see our local filmmakers gaining recognition and inspiring the next generation of storytellers.”
The event was filled with red-carpet arrivals, networking, and heartfelt celebrations as filmmakers connected with audiences and industry guests.
Screen Fraser Coast extended a heartfelt thank you to its sponsors for making the festival possible, including Fraser Coast Regional Council, Screen Queensland, Gould Marketing, Southern Cross Austereo, Ramada Hervey Bay, Hervey Bay Advertiser and many local supporters.
For a full list of finalists and winners, https://www.frasershorts.com.au/finalists-winners/
