by FilmInk Staff
Screen Queensland has selected six new bold Queensland projects to share in $300,000 through its inaugural Short Film Fund.
Launched in August, the Fund attracted more than 90 applications—demonstrating the depth, diversity and ambition of Queensland’s emerging and mid-career screen talent.
The program champions producers and directors to create short films (5–15 minutes) across any genre. Each selected filmmaking team will receive up to $50,000 to bring their fresh, homegrown stories to the screen—further strengthening Queensland’s reputation as a leading production destination.
The initiative is a key part of Screen Queensland’s commitment to developing above-the-line talent and expanding opportunities for local filmmakers to gain production experience, build industry credits and reach wider audiences through national and international distribution pathways.
The funded projects are:
- Bulb – a gripping drama by Felix Lovell
- Chook – a horror comedy from Sasha Aubort
- Clay – a hybrid animation comedy by Joe Bauer and Rita Artmann
- Return to Work – a deeply personal drama from Emily Avila
- The Novelty – a beautifully crafted drama by Charlotte Mungomery
- The Stockman – a powerful First Nations drama by proud Butchulla/Kamilaroi filmmaker Rhianna Malezer.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the new fund will support more Queensland stories on the big screen and help local filmmakers reach wider audiences.
“Queensland is the powerhouse of Australia’s screen industry, and this new fund is another plan to promote homegrown talent and develop a thriving screen industry,” Minister Langbroek said.
“Screen Queensland’s Short Film Fund supports Queensland-based creatives to develop distinctly local stories that connect directly with audiences at home and around the world.
““We want to unearth more budding filmmakers from across Queensland and support them on their journey, as they strive to become the next generation of Australian success stories working behind the scenes.
“I would like to congratulate the successful recipients this year and I look forward to following their careers.”
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said the Short Film Fund demonstrated the agency’s strategic focus on creating meaningful ‘calling card’ opportunities for the state’s screen storytellers.
“The selected projects represent the incredible breadth of creativity and innovation coming out of Queensland, with a clear pathway to audiences through film festivals, markets and distribution.” Ms Feeney said.
“This fund is an important incubator for local talent, enabling these six impressive filmmakers to refine their craft and grow their creative practice.”
Applications for the next round of Screen Queensland’s Short Film Fund will open in 2026.
More information is available at screenqueensland.com.au.
Image: (L-R) Felix Lovell, Sasha Aubort, Joe Bauer and Rita Artmann, Emily Avila, Charlotte Mungomery and Rhianna Malezer
