2024 Award Winners:
Open Category
First place – Kea Gargiulo for Shkëndijë (TAS)
Second place – Grace Quealy for The Something (VIC)
Third place – Jane Hamilton-Foster for Loop (TAS)
Junior Category
First place – Ruby & Stella Kurzel for JACHELT (TAS)
Second place – Hayden Best for Kinetic Connection (NSW)
Third place – Adi Bocman & Asher Vogel for Amor Fati (NSW)
The Audience Award, presented by VSFF ambassador Leah Purcell, also went to Kea Gargiulo for Shkëndijë, highlighting a resonance between the judges’ and audience’s favourites.
From first place winner, Kea Gargiulo: “Making Shkëndijë for the VSFF has installed in me a grounding tolerance for uncertainty, backing of self-belief, and a lot of gumption. I share this win with everyone involved in the making of our film and with all participants: because committing to create a short film from start to finish is the biggest success.”
The showcased films were of outstanding quality, reflecting the diverse and remarkable talent of young and emerging filmmakers across Australia. Each story presented unique perspectives and explored significant themes including mental health, dementia, domestic violence, and friendship, impacting both the judges and the audience.
The Very Short Film Festival supports emerging filmmakers by offering free entry, a dedicated Junior category, and prizes that include a mentoring workshop from Australian industry leaders such as Leah Purcell, an acclaimed actor, writer and filmmaker, and Justin Kurzel, award-winning Australian director. Additional prizes include cash awards, and fully funded trips to the Premiere Event Screening in Tasmania.
David Balfour, a judge, commented: “The Very Short Film Festival enables people who don’t have access to, or the networks in the film industry, to make or get seen by people. To have conversations and communities for makers that contribute to developing more interesting stories as a Nation, and more interesting filmmakers from across the whole country. That’s a powerful thing.”
The official ceremony included screenings of the judges’ top twelve films—seven in the Open category and five in the Junior category, with Matilda Boseley from The Guardian, who MCed the evening. The night was made even more special with the presentation of the unique “Dorothy” awards, handcrafted by ceramicist Stephanie Philips.
Following the “Dorothy’s” awards ceremony, guests enjoyed an afterparty featuring live music from local artists, along with food, drinks and festive celebrations.
The Very Short Film Festival is proudly presented by Artology, an independent Arts non-profit, committed to championing the Australian creative community.
