by FilmInk Staff
The Sunny Coast Showdown, a not-for-profit screen industry incubator presented by the Sunshine Coast Screen Collective, is proud to announce Josh and Lauren Capelin and their project, ‘After School’, as the winner of the ShowdownDOC 2026.
Proudly supported by Screen Queensland as the principal funding partner, ShowdownDOC was established to support bold documentary storytelling from emerging and established filmmakers, providing a pathway from concept to screen through industry mentorship, development support and production funding.
ShowdownDOC is open to Sunshine Coast-based filmmakers, reflecting its commitment to nurturing regional voices and strengthening the local screen ecosystem. Four finalist teams were selected from a highly competitive pool of local entrants.
As part of the development process, each finalist received a one-on-one consultation with acclaimed documentary producer Bettina Dalton of WildBear Entertainment, as well as an exclusive consultation invitation with an SBS Factual Commissioning Editor.
The ShowdownDOC judging panel brought together senior industry leaders across commissioning, funding, production and digital strategy, including Tanya Ellen (Head of Content, Screen Queensland), Adrian Swift (Head of Content, Production and Development, Nine Network), Hannah Barnes (Director of TV & AVOD at VA Media), and Helen Pankhurst (Commissioning Executive, Co-Founder Matchbox Pictures).
While all of the finalist projects received high praise from the judging panel, After School stood out by earning the highest score from each of the four judges independently. The judges unanimously recognised the project for its originality, exceptional execution, and strong market timing. It is a unique and highly developed concept with outstanding commercial potential. “The Sunshine Coast has fast become a hub for factual practitioners. The shortlisted projects spark social discourse and introduce an Australian perspective to the world. This program championed by the Sunshine Coast Screen Collective reflects the depth and diversity of screen stories in the region.” Tanya Ellen, Head of Content. Screen Queensland.
“It was a privilege to be asked to judge these awards. All the stories the finalists pitched are worthy of being told. While there’s only one winner, I hope all these ideas
can find an audience in today’s diverse media world.” Adrian Swift, Head of Content, Production and Development, Nine Network
Hannah Barnes, Director of TV & AVOD, VA Media said “The Sunshine Coast Screen Collective and ShowdownDoc are doing genuinely important work for the region. The quality and diversity of the submissions were really thought-provoking, and a real testament to the filmmakers and creatives in the area. Shout out to the Collective for providing the resources and encouragement that allow the industry to keep growing. Long may it continue.”
“Documentaries are my not-so-secret passion – I genuinely believe a great documentary can change the course of history, or at the very least make me question the way I see the world. Joining the jury for this exciting new strand of Sunny Coast Showdown is a genuine thrill, and I’m ready to be moved, challenged and surprised.” Helen Pankhurst, Co-Founder Matchbox Pictures.
As the winning project, After School will receive a production budget of over $100,000, alongside industry support from ShowdownDOC’s network of partners and mentors. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Sunshine Coast Screen Collective for backing a project with global ambition. After School asks one of the biggest questions of our time: how do we prepare children for an uncertain future? It’s fitting that this journey begins with support from our local screen community.” said Josh Capelin.
The initiative was further strengthened through the collaborative support of Bendigo Community Bank – Tewantin-Noosa, Cooroy, Marcoola, along with Sunshine Coast Council, Noosa Council, WildBear Entertainment, Film Sunshine Coast, the Sunshine Coast Screen Collective and other industry partners, who contributed resources including equipment access, production facilities, mentorship and networking opportunities.
The quality of submissions in this first year of DOC highlighted the depth of documentary talent emerging from the Sunshine Coast region, reinforcing its growing reputation as a centre for screen production and creative development.
Catherine Mack, EP of ShowdownDOC, said the calibre of submissions reflected the strength of storytelling talent in the region. “We were genuinely moved by the standard of storytelling that came through in this first year of ShowdownDOC,” she said. “The depth, honesty and creative ambition was exceptional.”
Lisa Fitzpatrick Sunshine Coast Screen Collective said “The Sunshine Coast Screen Collective is proud of the ongoing evolution of Sunny Coast Showdown, an initiative designed to foster local creatives and support the growth of the region’s screen industry. ShowdownDOC, the latest iteration both showcases the exceptional talent and compelling factual projects emerging from the Sunshine Coast and also marks another important milestone towards the region becoming a leading Australian screen hub.
ShowdownDOC looks forward to supporting the production and delivery of After School and continuing to foster the next generation of storytellers.
For more information, visit www.sunnycoastshowdown.com.au
