by FIlmInk Staff
Sydney Opera House and Chauvel Paddington 23-25 January 2026
Australia’s own hit international film fest the Smart Fone Flick Fest (SF3), reaches its glittering climax January 23-25 when its 11th annual festival weekend debuts a world of films all made on smart phones and screening at the Sydney Opera House and Palace Chauvel in Paddington!
SF3 – the biggest festival of its kind in the world – received around 450 entries from all over Australia and the Globe from filmmakers of all ages this year.
Now, the best of them face off – in front of celebrity and industry judges – for a share of more than $50,000 in prizes.
They’re competing across 5 categories: SF3 Gala Finals, SF3 Kids, Feature Films, SF3 Mini (for films 3 mins or less -this year with a theme of ‘Breath’) and SF3 AI.
The premiere event, the Gala Finals, takes place on Friday 23 January from 8:30pm at The Playhouse Theatre at the Sydney Opera House – all starting with a pre-show red-carpet reception.
The screening will feature the best 16 short films from across the globe, the awards presentation, VIPs, filmmakers and their stars on the red-carpet, photographer, videographer and a cash bar.
The SF3 Kids screening takes place Saturday 24 January from 1:30pm in the same iconic venue.
This will feature the best short films made by filmmakers 18 with all the same attendant razzamatazz!
The SF3 Mini & Feature Films screenings follow on Sunday 25th January from 1:30pm at The Palace Chauvel Cinema in Paddington, Sydney.
Likewise with all the red carpet, camera flashes and awards. Plus the opportunity for filmmakers to network with industry top guns.
SF3 lives by its motto of making filmmaking affordable and accessible to all. This year its filmmakers range in age from 4 to 79!
It’s also screening multiple films from filmmakers living with disability, including Bevan Garozzo, an emerging filmmaker with Down Syndrome, two other films by neuro-diverse high school classes and a Gala film by Indigenous filmmaker, Brandon Fairley, a Bus Stop Films student with neuro-diversity who learned all about smartphone filmmaking in a masterclass run by SF3 thanks to a grant from Sydney Water.
SF3’s pre-selection panel was headed by Festival Director, Angela Blake and Jordon Briggs, with incredible talent from across the industry and Screen Illawarra watching over 400 short films and 40 feature films to select the finalist films for screening.
Entries were received from more than 60 countries, with the lion’s share from Australia, America and the UK. But China, Afghanistan, Iran, Morocco, Nigeria, South Korea, Mexico, Canada and France also featured!
This was also the second year of the SF3 AI Best Film Award and with four-fold increase in entries in this category since last year.
The best of them, The 5-Minute Empire by Tez Frost, appears in the Gala Finals line-up. It’s a hybrid AI film with the human creator front and centre of the creation process. Festival director Angela Blake said SF3 will continue to support AI and AI filmmakers “but always keeping human creativity and ethics at the forefront of all SF3 AI films and entries”.
All info and bookings: www.sf3.com.au
Here are the 16 best smartphone shorts for our Gala Finals
Cactus by Brandon Geoffrey Fairly (Unanderra) & Steve Wilson-Alexander (Wollongong)
A man struggling with addiction is inspired by a plant to turn his life around.
DRIFTER by Kieton Beilby (Macquarie Park) & Damian Overton (Caloundra, QLD)
Plagued by a growing paranoia, a man (Rhys ? from Bondi Junction) isolates himself from the world to disconnect from reality.
Echo by Denise Roberts (Surry Hills)
In a powerless apartment shrouded in darkness, Clem and Rob huddle together, a flickering flashlight their only defense against the unknown. A strange sound at the door and a haunting, distorted whisper warn them they’re not alone. In one chilling moment, Clem realizes the truth: whatever is in the dark is wearing a familiar face.
Fed Up written by Tatjana Marjanovic (Coogee), directed by Nathan Colquhoun (Glenfield, NSW)
In a clash of cultures, cuisines, and tennis loyalties, a Serbian-Australian family Christmas unravels when one guest unknowingly brings their greatest enemy to the table – Roger Federer.
Le Pointe Finale by Dianne Weller (Erskinville)
Crushed by a relentless tide of bullying, a schoolgirl’s desperate pleas go unanswered/ Until, feeling abandoned and unseen, she’s forced to confront the devastating, irreversible choice she believes is her only escape.
My Wife Made Me Talk by Philippe Klaus (Randwick)
A Vietnam war bride takes English classes to disguise her accent. But as her husband struggles to adapt to civilian life, she finds settling into Australia more difficult than foreseen…
Starring (and produced by) award-winning George’s Hall actor Kathy Luu (Rhapsody of Love, The Good Place), this is a fresh take on a silent film with an all original score.
Our Tallulah by Stephen Lord (UK)
A young girl (10 years old), played by Molly Cartwright (The Conjuring: Last Rites), is struggling and is in desperate need of parental guidance. The sudden loss of her grandmother, the recent birth of her baby brother, her mother’s release from prison and her father spiralling into addiction, engulf her life. �Tallulah is at a loss and looking for help.
Skin Hunger by Thomas Finch & Lena Fellows (London, UK)
When a young carer takes on the responsibility of a spirited elderly woman, their daily interactions transform into a profound exploration of human connection, vulnerability, and the healing power of touch.
Squashbox by SJ van Breda (South Africa)
SQUASHBOX is a short poetic documentary that tells the story of the history, meeting, and work of Qadasi & Maqhinga, a SAMA (South African Music Award) Award-winning South African maskandi duo. Qadasi & Maqhinga are a Maskandi duo on a mission to revive and celebrate the powerful sounds of traditional Maskandi music. Both highly accomplished artists in their own right, their shared vision and unique synergy have produced a world-class fusion that resonates with audiences locally and internationally — a sound deeply rooted in the heritage of South African folk and Zulu culture.
Sundown Syndrome by Claudia Carmen Fick (Kyle Bay) & Livia Hendricks (Waterloo)
From the gentle chaos of a warm family kitchen where the weight of motherhood once consumed her, to the cold stark present where memory no longer holds. Haunted by the relentless ticking of a clock and the ghost of a ringing phone, Elsie relives a life of love, duty and loss of self as reality fractures. Elsie is caught in the haunting beauty of a life she once longed to escape but now cannot quite let go of.
SUPERBOYFRIEND by Kristy McDonnell (Engadine) & Nehir Hatipoglu (Bondi Junction)
When Elys is disillusioned by her boyfriend, she decides to take matters into her own hands. And since it’s 2050 —that means changing him, entirely. In this Sci-Fi horror, audiences are invited to question the cost of “The Perfect Partner”. Stars Quinlan Deakin of Budgewoi.
The 5-Minute Empire by Tez Frost (Braybrook, VIC)
Self-made guru prepares for his first speaking event, but faces challenges when hustling for the spotlight.
The Devil You Don’t Know by Tyrone Bruinsma (Crestmead, QLD)
A young woman haunted by a dark entity seeks an exorcism from a Chinese spiritualist. However, it soon becomes apparent that this dark entity will not let her go without a fight.
Umami by Aida Bahrami (Paris, France)
Visiting Paris with her indifferent husband, Charlotte encounters an escort who opens her eyes to the world of sex for hire. Invited to meet a client herself, she returns to put her marriage on a new footing.
Unsaved by Kirk Mihelakos (South Yarra, VIC)
When productive order dissolves into subtle chaos, an office worker begins to question what holds her world together. Stars Ali Wells of Balwyn, VIC.
Viol8te by Narelle Nash (Caringbah)
One Man. One Woman. One night. An examination of gender dynamics and female rage. How accepting are we as a society of raw expressions of female anger? When the lines of justice and revenge are blurred, which side are you on? Star Sontan Hopson (Clareville) and soccer star Pedj Bojic (Surry Hills)
SF3 Mini Finalists detail
A Dialtone Reverie by Joshua Belinfante – Sydney, NSW
iPhone 15 Pro
Once upon a time, in a world of infinite notifications, one man chose… the dial tone. A Dialtone Reverie is a groundbreaking exploration of that low hum we all ignore, now finally getting the screen time it deserves. Shot with reckless sincerity and at least one functioning phone, it’s the greatest love story never answered.
A Social Practice by Christina Mishell – Blacktown, NSW
iPhone 16
Sally works in a props store and has a crush on her colleague Josh. She’s awkward though. So when he asks her to come to his party, she needs a little help from her prop friends in order to practice the art of socialising.
A Touch of Romance by Victoria Wharfe McIntyre – Kangaroo Valley, NSW
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Florence is so lost in stories of love she doesn’t see Barney and his warm heart right in front of her! Barney just needs to take a breath and leave it up to his dog Bob to orchestrate a touch of romance.
Adam V Ammo by Kevin Jones – Oregon, USA
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Adam V Ammo—starring Adam the Bearded Dragon and army men.
Adam (she, her) uses her power to disarm the army men confronting her.
Aligned by Darya Miroshnikova & Swati Taldarr – Sydney, NSW & Melbourne, VIC
iPhone 14 Pro
Anaya, a fiercely independent Indian PhD student living in Australia, finds herself torn between her conservative family’s pressure to marry through a traditional matrimonial site and her own search for modern love—only to fall deeply for an AI chatbot designed to reflect her every desire, forcing her to confront what it really means to be seen, loved, and “settled” in a digital world.
Auditum by Natasha Reynolds – Erskineville, NSW
iPhone 16
Auditum explores the unnoticed noise of the city life versus the silence of deafness, framed through the theme o breath. The city moves in a restless rhythm, loud, consuming and unheeded, until silence strips it away.
Precious moments of laughter and connection unfolded with no audio, urging viewers to pause, breathe and to reconsider perspective. Through shifting landscapes and visuals captured on a smartphone, the film immerses us in the fragility of hearing and the rhythm of simply being.
Birrarung by Elfie & Max Schleser – Kew, VIC
iPhone
Birrarung is a portrait of Melbourne’s Yarra River. Birrarung is the traditional name of the river in the Wurundjeri country by the Kulin people. The screen production was commission by the 24-hour film marathon Shoot4Earth. In response to the theme “drop”, Elfie (10 years) developed the idea of the Yarra and explored its connection to county through an Indigenous perspective. Max (45 years) and Elfie filmed with Black Magic Camera app and then Max edited the project on LumaFusion in one day. Elfie provided the voice over to her script, which she researched on her iPad.
Elfie and Max live on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and hope to inspire others to connect to county and learn more about about the original storytellers of this place.
BRUSHSTROKES by Michelle Zeng – Campsie, NSW
Samsung Galaxy S25
In the quiet of her studio, an artist paints a radiant self-portrait, which contrasts sharply with her own restrained expression. Ambiguous and open to interpretation, the film invites audiences to question what is hidden behind appearances, how identity splinters between self and perception, and how art can blur the line between beauty, violence, and deception.
Colour by Gleb Forminykh – Northmead, NSW
Red Note 7
When the colours are only bright in your dreams, what remains in the real world?
Dr Frank’s Teddies by Kieran Clancy-Lowe – Glebe, NSW
iPhone 12
Dr Frank plays god. Again.
Evacuate by Ziyang Ye – Kensington, NSW
iPhone 14 Pro Max
A sudden zombie outbreak plunges the world into chaos as urgent government broadcasts order civilians to flee to designated safe zones. In a cramped apartment, one man desperately stuffs essentials into a bag, preparing to escape. But his movements are frantic, almost violent, and his breath grows uneven and guttural. As he reaches for the door, it becomes chillingly clear: he isn’t running from the infection.
Fractured Lines by Marina Zivkovic – Nowra & Wakely, NSW
Samsung S21 Ultra
Alone in a fractured reality, a woman spirals between dreams, memories, and waking life. Fractured Lines explores the subconscious landscape of isolation, obsession, and the quiet divide between creativity, madness and genius.
grief.exe by Riley Fletcher – Rouse Hill, NSW
iPhone 12 Pro Max
At what cost are we feeding the AI algorithm…….
Kung Fu Debut by Bevan Garozzo – Denham Court, NSW
iPhone 15 Pro Max & iPhone 16 Pro Max
Bevan, a man with Down Syndrome, is working on an ‘inclusive’ film set as a Director’s Attachment. However, no-one on set is taking him seriously or giving him any opportunities or work. He ends up standing in the corner watching and tidying up the coffee and tea table. When the lead actor gets injured during a fight scene, the set comes to a stressful standstill as the actor is rushed to hospital. Whilst this commotion is happening, Bevan, who has been watching the whole fight choreography, starts practicing what he saw. He is perfect and very skilled. The AD sees Bevan and rushes to the director to tell them that Bevan would be the perfect substitute. The director is hesitant but when the AD reminds them that they say they’re ‘inclusive’, the director agrees reluctantly. The film ends with a montage of Bevan on the red-carpet, a clearly successful actor and up and coming martial arts star.
Mira by Jock Davidson – WA
Google Pixel 8
Anya wakes up to find Mira out of bed and talking to… someone.
NAMASTE by Vladimir Zokitch – iPhone 12 Pro
Wollongong, NSW
Namaste is a one-take short film where serenity collides with chaos. What begins as a peaceful day, guided by calm breaths and meditation, takes an unexpected turn when a woman steps into a local florist shop. As events unfold and karma intervenes, the calm of namaste is replaced by sharp gasps of fear, and the desperate breath of those running out of time.
Nothing in the Dark by Kevin James O’Neill – Orlando, USA
iPhone 14
The world outside becomes quiet as his mind grows louder.
Over the Hill in Clackerville: Epidode 8 by Steven Caldwell & Nathan Baldassero – Coomera, QLD & Ontario, Canada
iPad Pro
On the verge of his IT Shop closing, a computer whizz but business loser meets an accountant turned porn star granny; but when the potential romance with her also means embracing the craziness of Clackerville, he is forced to “grow a pair” and become a man or risk losing everything he loves. If “South Park” had a sexual encounter with “Big Mouth” the love child would be “Over The Hill In Clackerville”. It’s an adult animated comedy series featuring a group of middle-aged oddities living their lives in the crazy town of Clackerville.
Earl of Earl’s Computers is up shit’s creek without a paddle as his IT Store is on the brink of bankruptcy. It’s a hopeless situation until he meets Mother Goose (a 65 year old accountant turned porn star) who he instantly falls for. However, forming a love bond with the star of “The Goose & The Pink Sock IV” will require a big change for this mild-mannered computer technician.
Meanwhile, tensions run high between Lilly and Charlie. Their marriage is in the crapper and despite his best efforts, Charlie can’t seem to flush 60 year old Lilly’s dreams of being a pop-singing sensation. And with a non-existent sex life, Charlie finds a release for his sexual tension through the ass in his backyard – literally.
“Over The Hill In Clackerville” is a story about those who are a bit long in the tooth, finding love and following their dreams. Even if it means getting fucked along the way.
Oh, and there’s also talking genitals named Vincent and Alfred – they sell real estate…
Scoot Life by Bella & Bea – Newtown, NSW
A scooter must live to scoot another day on the wild streets of inner Sydney.
Shadows by Olivia Cogorno & Juli Papa – Buenos Aires, Argentina
iPhone 12
If someone is chasing you, you better run.
Signal by See Hari Varma Sagi – Visakhapatna, India
iPhone 16 Pro
In this digital age, the signal(Wi-fi) is an omnipresent, invisible force—a continuous stream that has become as essential to modern life as breath itself. When that signal is lost, it’s a terrifying cessation, almost as if humanity has collectively stopped breathing.
The short film Signal plunges us into this nightmare reality, following a girl who awakens to a world suddenly deprived of the vital, invisible current that dictates our very existence .
The Chosen One by Aaron Scully – Rouse Hill, NSW
Samsung Galaxy Ultra 23
A friend is invited to a gathering only to find that they worship fresh breath.
The Day He Gave Me Flowers by James Guilar – Labrador, QLD
iPhone 16 Pro Max & iPhone 13 Pro Max
A modern twist on an old folklore.
Sophie comes to realise that her fiancé might not love her like he used to. And it couldn’t come at a worse timing as a plague targeting unrequited love hits our shores.
The Hue of Red (Laal) by Maanavi Bedi – Mumbai, India
OnePlus 13
LAAL is more than a colour. It’s the pulse of life itself. It’s the color of youth’s fire, love’s bond, the soul’s search, and the stillness of death… It burns in both life’s triumphs and its farewells, only to return with rebirth. Laal describes the eternal cycle of life and its journey through the colour RED.
ThreadLoop by Mark Bernard – Melbourne, VIC
iPad 9th Gen
In the animated film ThreadLoop, the main character, shaped by their mixed heritage of Indian and Australian roots from Victoria, struggles with an unending cycle of self-doubt and mental anguish. Caught between two cultural worlds, they glimpse a brighter future just beyond reach but can’t escape the feeling of being held back. As they battle to breathe in and break free from this ‘connected’ loop, they come to realize that the true force holding them back isn’t external—it’s a deeply ingrained part of themselves. This inner force, aware of their cultural identity, fears, and insecurities, manifests as the mental barriers they’ve built.
In their journey, they not only face personal struggles, but also the shared weight carried by many who live between cultures. As they move through a space shaped by memory, tradition, and inherited emotion, they find themselves in something bigger than their own story—a reflection of our collective home, where identity is layered, complex, and deeply connected. But even as they push forward, the loop begins to close again, pulling them back to where it all started.
SF3 & Spineless Wonders Best Adaptation Finalist
The Park by Aaron Scully and the Hills Drama School Adult Class – Rouse Hill, NSW
Samsung Galaxy Ultra 23
“Dave and Tom honour their dead friend’s birthday wish by celebrating in the park. Tom is confronted by his girlfriend as he is hiding a secret. Watching them from a balcony is Jared and Stace who have a secret of their own.”
SF3 Kids Feature Film Finalist
Unholy Union by Aaron Scully and the Hills Drama School Advanced Teen Class – Rouse Hill, NSW
Set in 1825 NSW Australia, the wealthy owner of a farm, Charles Williams, has mysteriously gone missing. As the farm members fall into chaos, his eldest daughter must make a decision. Marry a wealthy man to save the farm, or seek out a spirit medium to help find his killer.
SF3 Feature Film Finalist
Fire Alive by James Demitri – Lewisham, NSW
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy Ultra 23
On a lonely street stands Witch House. It waits…hungry, for new blood. When four students persuade the old woman who owns ti to let them film a low-budget documentary, they quickly discover they’ve gotten far more than they bargained for. The basement holds a secret, and when they play a game called Fire Alive, everything begins to unravel. As events spiral and reality twists, they are forced to confront forces that wil test their beliefs, their world, and their friendships.
Here are the best smartphone filmmakers aged 18 and under from all across the world.
Our youngest filmmaker is just 4 years old this season! Come and experience the stories and magic of these young filmmakers at our SF3 Kids Screening and Awards Ceremony on Saturday 24th January at 1:30pm at the Sydney Opera House! Tix on sale now – at SF3.com.au or https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/cinema/smartfone-flick-fest-gala-finals-and-awards
FINALISTS (in alphabetical order):
[STATIC] by Jordan Ho (Cherrybrook)
The discovery of a peculiar hat turns the world upside down as a guy finds out he’s the only one who can see like this with his entire worldview distorted. But there’s always a drawback to curiosity.
A Guide to Gaslighting by the Senior Class at Centre Stage Academy of Performing Arts (Ropes Crossing, NSW) Just what is gaslighting, where did it come from, and how do people use it in every day life? Join us as we discuss the origins and find out if the expression is used too much.
A Second Chance by Violet Beresford (Leichhardt/Haberfield)
“A Second Chance” follows Ellie, a lonely teen, who’s being bullied but dreams of being a singer. After a near-death experience, she enters a beautiful forest where angelic spirits help her rediscover joy, friendship, and her spark. Sent back to the real world, she narrowly avoids tragedy and begins to truly live. In the future, Ellie becomes the singer she always dreamed of, not through her phone, but by finding her strength within.
This story is important because it explores the dangers of social media and cyber bulling and how It can affect people, this ties in with the social media ban that is due to begin in December.
A funny story about the making of this film is for the scene when Ellie sheds a meaningful tear, we had tried to use an onion to get the waterworks flowing. It took so many tries and so many takes, absolutely destroying this onion trying to get her to cry and it wasn’t working! We stripped back layer after layer and we even rubbed onion under her eyes but still no tears! in the end izzy’s eyes were so red and raw that we gave up and used a droplet of water instead. Sorry Izzy!
Colo(u)rful 3D SQUARE by Dylan Quick (Caulfield North)
A boy lives very happily in his black and white world until colour shows up. Dylan was also an SF3 finalist in 2019 and awarded Best Actor for his short film Memory Wipe which was produced when he was 8yo. The whole family took the trip from Melbourne to Sydney for the screening at the George Theatre at the time. A wonderful memorable experience. Fast forward over Covid, lockdown, and post lockdown recovery; recently Dylan’s school (Wesley College Elsternwick) initiated a film competition as part of their house competition. It’s a great outlet for his filmmaking creatives and Dylan has won the competition every year he participated.
The theme for 2024 competition was black and white which inspired Dylan to produce Colo(u)rful 3D SQUARE. Dylans says: “In my school they recently started an annual film competition, and in 2024 the prompt was “Black and White film”. My first instinct was to subvert the prompt in some way and make the film focus on colour in contrast to black and white. After going through a couple ideas I focused on the central idea of a rubik’s cube and doing something weird and surreal. I also combined this with the decision to play around with aspect ratios, as I believe they are heavily underutilized as a visual technique. For the film I had imagery in my head of big ideas and I wanted to challenge myself to realize them despite the lack of resources. I’m proud of how I did things creatively and scrappily, with the lack of resources influencing creative choices.
Overall I now view the finished film as a learning experience, which has helped me improve my filmmaking.”
Communication by Indianna Thompson & Lily Stoll (Frenchs Forest)
Two teenagers are very confident when chatting online but things are different in person.
Communication is the 13th film from writer, director and editor Indianna Thompson, and the first film from producer and actor Lilly Stoll. The film was created to reflect the lives of teenagers today. Drawing from personal experience, this filmmaking team explores how technology impacts intimacy and connection, and the challenges this form of communication presents for their generation.
The girls have witness ed first-hand how disconnected their peers have become — phones constantly in hand, yet struggling to form genuine friendships and relationships. The film juxtaposes two scenes in which two teens attempt to communicate, highlighting how hiding behind a screen can feel easier than speaking face to face. The audience sees the intent for connection, yet the outcome depends on how they choose to communicate.
Set against the backdrop of Sydney’s Town Hall and the bustle of city life, Communication invites viewers to wonder whether these two characters can forge a lasting connection.
Indianna and Lilly are both students at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts and will graduate at the end of 2026. Indianna hopes to pursue a career in the film industry, with the long-term goal of becoming a feature film director. Lilly, who has always loved acting, singing, and dancing, has found great enjoyment in working both behind the scenes and in front of the camera for this project. Both girls hope audiences leave their film with a renewed perspective: can we put down our devices long enough to rediscover true human connection?
Cooking with Frankie & Pina by Aria, Frankie & Pina Macedone (Alexandria)
Twins Frankie and Pina take you through baking a cake for their Nanna on her birthday. Like most things that they try to do together, total mayhem ensues and there is more culinary carnage than anyone bargained for. Newtown Performing Arts HS.
Escalate by Edan Merritt (Matraville)
A hungry young man is so quick to take action that he doesn’t even take a moment to stop, breathe and think. If we all just take a few seconds to do this it might save us hours of stress and despair.
Knock Knock by Jade & Billie Chipper (Beaconsfield, Perth, WA)
‘Knock Knock’ is a short film following the ventriloquist doll, Louie, as he pursues his childhood dream of becoming a comedian. However, his frightening looks lends himself to making people scream, rather than laugh. Lucky for the odd couple who find him sleeping in their caravan, they see the potential in Louie for something sinister. This no-dialogue short film explores the nature of individuality, and the struggle to hold on to ones uniqueness in the face of criticism from society.
The film is about how one small motivation can completely change your energy and momentum. I wanted to capture that shift in a fun, visual way.
Looking for Parking by Charlie Truong (5yo – Braybrook, VIC)
The adventures of a goofy driver looking for parking.
Charlie completed his film at the age of 4 (Behind the scenes footage available)
Charlie’s film was shot entirely on an iPad, demonstrating that creativity can begin at any age — and that the next generation of storytellers are growing up with filmmaking literally in their hands.
This year, Charlie’s father Tez Frost and younger brother Alexis (7) have also been selected as finalists; his father, Tez Frost, is also making history as the first director to screen a film in the AI category (The 5-Minute Empire). The family’s story has become a celebration of creativity across generations, showing that storytelling and technology can bring parents and children together in meaningful, artistic collaboration. At 5yo, he is the youngest filmmaker in this year’s SF3 Gala lineup. It’s also the first time in SF3 history that all three members of one family have had films selected in the same season (see Alexis below).
Maxton and the Moon by Alexis Truong (7yo, Braybrook, VIC)
Curious young traveller Maxton climbs a staircase that reaches all the way to the moon. But as soon as he steps onto the lunar surface, the staircase vanishes!
Alexis made history at the 2024 SF3 Festival as the youngest director ever to be selected for competition, an achievement that drew wide admiration within the Australian film community.
Her 2025 selection marks an extraordinary return, showcasing her continued passion and growth as a young filmmaker. This year, Alexis’s father Tez Frost and younger brother Charlie (5) have also been selected as finalists. Alexis’ film was shot on an iPhone, reflecting SF3’s mission to democratise filmmaking and empower storytellers of all ages. The Truong family’s shared creative journey highlights the power of storytelling across generations, inspiring other parents and young creators to embrace filmmaking as a family experience.
Mission Peanut by George Crawford-Werry (Mittagong, NSW)
Mission Peanut started out as a little project for some young friends. I showed it
A friendly duck from outer-space ventures into uncharted territory to search for several missing peanuts. Across his journey he runs into new people and sees new things. Can he find the missing peanuts and is he really friendly?
NAIVE by Aston Di Donato (Port Kembla)
A group of teenagers slowly drift apart as academic pressure takes over their friendship.
The cast features students from Year 11 Drama Class at The Illawarra Grammar
Namaste by Emma Scully & Hazel (Rouse Hill)
The new yoga teacher has a new student. Lucky their are some instructions that will guide them through the process. (Emma and Hazel are both 5 years old, they have been best friends since they were 2. They created this idea during a holiday workshop)
Out of the Box by Hope St Youth (Woolloomooloo) & Milk Crate Theatre (Alexandria)
A young boy in Sydney’s Woolloomooloo wants to take boxing lessons but his family doesn’t have the money to pay for them. However, a young girl who lives down the street offers to train him for free. When a big boxing tournament comes to town, only one of them can win. This film was a community project – a collaboration between Hope St Youth in Woolloomooloo. Milk Crate Theatre and SF3. Over 8 weeks, SF3 taught smartphone filmmaking to these young kids and together they wrote, shot, edited and starred in this film.
Our Future, Our Way by Kyran Paul Vlasoff (Munruben, QLD)
8 year old Kyran is tasked with thinking of what the future looks like by his teacher. He imagines a number of futuristic possibilities before deciding on what the future might be for his generation. Kyran was just last weekend named Winner of the Ipswich Film Festival for Youth for this film! Here is a local news outlet article: https://localipswichnews.com.au/news/ipswich-film-festival-2/
Paradise by Ella Grace Helton & Mike L. Germaine
A young filmmaker with a vision for a music video goes on to write her debut original song and storyboard that vision into an epic adventure around the world with her friend.
“Paradise” is the music video for Ella’s debut original single song! She has been singing since before she was 2 and this is her first officially song she’s written down and recorded (done at age 11, she’s 12 now). But the back story plays right into who she is as a young filmmaker. She had a vision for the music video, and specifically for her script to include her close friend and busy young actor Luke Speakman (who just starred in the horror thriller “Weapons”). But Luke lives in Atlanta and Ella lives a 7+ hour drive away in Central Florida. As luck would have it, Luke booked a lead role in a feature that was filming in Ella’s hometown of Melbourne. This NEVER happens! We are an hour outside Orlando on the coast. So, on his two off days from filming the feature, he was able to work with Ella on her music video.
Ella is co-director, grateful to have the mentorship of experienced filmmaker Mike L. Germaine through the process of bringing her storyboard to life while she was busy singing on screen.
You’ll notice a nod to Australia in Ella’s video, part of her passport to adventure around the world.
Ella is currently in Austin, Texas, filming the new Skydance/Apple TV comedy called “Brothers,” where she plays the daughter of Matthew McConaughey. Also starring Woody Harrelson.
And in September, Ella finished filming the fifth season of “Sweet Magnolias” for Netflix in Atlanta. Look for news on both shows in 2026! “After a year of travel around the country for multiple film projects, we look forward to some time at home in December.”
Someone Like Me – An Allegory About Belonging by Megan West, Ashley Black & Beau Roberts (Newcastle NSW) and Students from the Callaghan College Jesmond Campus.
Someone Like Me – An Allegory About Belonging is a poignant stop-motion animation that delves into themes of identity, emotion, and belonging through the eyes of a faceless mannequin doll. Crafted by students from our Support Unit, the film follows the mannequin’s journey through surreal and often unwelcoming worlds, including towering kitchens, wild oceans, and corporate offices. Each meticulously animated scene challenges the audience to convey deep meaning through movement, sound, and visual storytelling. The result is a powerful exploration of the human experience, rendered in tactile, handmade frames that invite us to reflect on our own sense of self and place in the world. This film is made by the students from the Support Unit of Callaghan College Jesmond Senior Campus. They all have a disability and/or neurodiversity and some are Indigenous too.
Take the Shot by Johnny, Alan, Sebastian, Thiago, Alex, Aarya, Nihira, James (Rouse Hill) from The Hills Drama School. Two girls want to join a casual game of basketball. To join the games, one of them must make a shot to prove they can play.
The Brother Duel by Andy Tang (Frenchs Forest)
Two brothers fight to the death over an insult.
The City by Elina Myshanych (Ukraine)
Sisters Sasha and Kira survive together in a post-apocalyptic world ruined by war. Sudden deadly flashes strike, while dangerous gangs roam around. But there must be the city out there where people still live, right? An alien creature watches the sisters from space. Maybe it knows the answer?
The Darwin Awards: Dumb Ways to Die by the Intermediate Class at Centre Stage Academy of Performing Arts (Ropes Crossing, NSW)
Every year people die in the dumbest way possible. This year at The Darwin Awards they are choosing the dumbest way to die this year. Everything from a bandage wrapping incident, to a Christmas tree accident, a skateboard gone awry, a bird Tik-Tok video and metal in a microwave. Just who will win?
The Heist by Jonathan Shaw & Josh and Joyce (Rosemeadow, NSW & Mary Brooksbank School)
An evil organisation known as “The Exec” take over a local school and implement a cruel and heartless healthy eating policy for the school canteen. A pair of creative students emerge to strike back at “The Exec” in this fun and light-hearted film.
Joyce and Josh both attend a NSW Department of Education School for Specific Purposes, catering to students with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities.
They Call me BART by Zac Deren (Geelong, VIC)
Bartholomew is a teenage boy who lives in a magnificent mansion and is home-schooled by his awesome dad. Although he has a grand lifestyle, he becomes increasingly bored and feels it’s time to go to high school. So he sets off on an exciting adventure embracing change, making new friends and learning how to stand up for what’s right. Oh, I forgot to mention… Bartholomew and his dad are vampires!
Says Zac: “I was lucky enough to use the Barwon Park Mansion in my film. It is located in Winchelsea Victoria. It was built by Thomas and Elizabeth Austin between 1869 and 1871. It was built to host royalty such as the Duke of Edinburgh. Thomas Austin was most famous for introducing rabbits into Australia. I am a student at Grace Acting Studios in Geelong. The studios director is Sarah Grace who was a former cast member of the television show Winners and Losers. Six of my cast are also students from Grace Acting Studios. To learn more about film making I have been part of the Victorian State School Spectacular for two years as camera man in the vision team. Learning from industry professionals about how to use a commercial camera has helped my understanding of what is needed to get that perfect shot. On show day I get to work alongside the channel 7 camera crew. It’s exciting seeing parts of my footage on tv. I have added some photos.”
The Missing Cookie by Reily, Saira & Maiya (Rouse Hill) from The Hills Drama School
When a cookie goes missing a detective is on the case by Aaron Scully, Reilly, Sara and Maiya
Transformation by Lucette Meisner (Wollongong)
A young girl thinks she wants one thing but discovers that all is not as she thought it would be and she was happy all along.
Waves and Legends by Indie Jones (Eschol Park, NSW)
A Short Film about Home, culture and legends
Based around my own cultural history and the mythology behind it, this short film explores other cultures seen in Australia and how they connect.
