Show Me Shorts 2025 Award Nominees Announced

The rising stars of the Aotearoa screen industry have been unveiled

The nominees for this year’s Show Me Shorts awards have been unveiled. These are the filmmakers to watch, who have achieved excellence in their craft. As an Oscar-qualifying short film festival, Show Me Shorts provides a pathway to international recognition at the highest level.

There are sixteen films and music videos nominated across eight categories. The most nominated film is When The Geese Flew, directed by Arthur Gay with three nominations.

Here is the full list of Show Me Shorts award nominees:

Department of Post Best New Zealand Film
1. Jason Taylor, Allan George for Mirumiru (Bubble)
2. Laura Ganotis, Arthur Gay for When the Geese Flew
3. Raymond Edwards, Lindsay Gough for Ace

Best International Film
1. Aaron Blaise, Nicholas Burch for Snow Bear (USA)
2. Gus Flind-Henry, George Malcher, George Telfer for A Sisyphean Task (UK)
3. Jake Wachtel, Sok Visal, Alan R. Milligan for The Sentry (Cambodia, Norway, USA)

NZ on Air Best Music Video
1. Jermaine Leef, Piotr Kwasnik for Mau Moko - Alien Weaponry
2. John Ross, Tali Enjalas Jenkinson for Hold Me - Vallé
3. Marlon Williams, Jessica Todd for Aua Atu Rā

Toi Whakaari Best Actor
1. Brit O'Rourke for Are You Still There
2. Dahnu Graham for Flagfall
3. Katlyn Wong for Chrysanthemum

DEGANZ Best Director
1. Allan George for Mirumiru (Bubble)
2. Arthur Gay for When The Geese Flew
3. Liam Ngahina Joseph Maguren for The Charm Of The Magpies

DEGANZ Best Editor
1. Joe Lonie for Flagfall
2. John Ross for Hold Me - Vallé
3. Kerri Roggio for Are You Still There

Best Cinematographer
1. Adam Luxton for Growing Still
2. Dave Garbett for Ace
3. Tammy Williams for Open Looks

Script to Screen Best Screenplay
1. Alex Farley for Wild Nights, Wild Nights!
2. Arthur Gay for When The Geese Flew
3. Michele Powles for Growing Still

Jury members praised the high calibre of films overall. Casting Director Stu Turner said, “As a jury we were struck by the richness and diversity of the films presented this year. The standard of storytelling was truly inspiring – making our discussions both challenging and deeply rewarding. Each film brought something unique to the screen. It is an absolute privilege to celebrate such a strong showcase of talent and creativity.”

The winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony taking place as part of Vista Foundation Industry Day on Sunday 12 October at Academy Cinemas Auckland. The Award Winners films are available as a collection that can be watched in Auckland, Katikati, Wellington, Christchurch, and On Demand.

Audience members will have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award, which will be presented at the conclusion to the festival. Voting is open throughout the festival via www.showmeshorts.co.nz.

This year’s honourable jury members consisted of:

National Jury
· Jaime Smith (Ngāti Whātua): Platforms Editorial Manager, Whakaata Māori
· Steve Newall: Editor, Flicks.co.nz
· Stu Turner: Emmy-nominated Casting Director

International Jury
· Betsy Bauer: Award-winning editor, colourist, and producer, Senior Media Producer and Post-Production Manager at Wētā Workshop
· Jim He: Chairman of Pacific Culture and Arts Exchange Centre (New Zealand) and chairman of New Zealand China Film Festival Committee
· Ryan Cooper: Head Writer / Director, Mukpuddy Animation

Screenplay Jury
· Alix Whittaker: Producer at Hot Candle Wave and Candlelit Pictures
· Jackie van Beek: Writer/Director/Actor/Producer
· Louis Sutherland: Multi-award-winning filmmaker

Show Me Shorts Film Festival is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most widely available festivals, with forty locations screening short films during 7-27 October 2025. This will include a three-day online festival at Show Me Shorts On Demand during Labour Weekend.

Tickets for all screenings and events are now available. Advance booking is recommended as some sessions have already sold out.

About Show Me Shorts Film Festival
Show Me Shorts is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading international short film festival and is considered one of the top 20 short film festivals globally. The festival is Oscar, BAFTA and Goya qualifying. They deliver an entertaining and thoughtful experience for audiences, with 127 screenings taking place in 40 cinemas and community venues nationwide each October. The festival also includes industry events, panel discussions and workshops for filmmakers.

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