2025 Show Me Shorts Winners Announced

The winners of this year’s Show Me Shorts Awards were announced last night, celebrating the filmmakers whose exceptional storytelling and craft have set them apart. As an Oscar, BAFTA, and Goya-qualifying festival, Show Me Shorts continues to champion Aotearoa talent and provide a pathway to international recognition at the highest level.

Congratulations to all 2025 winners and nominees for their incredible achievements and contributions to short film.

Here is the full list of Show Me Shorts Award winners:

Department of Post Best New Zealand Film: Laura Ganotis, Arthur Gay for When the Geese Flew

Best International Film: Jake Wachtel, Sok Visal, Alan R. Milligan for The Sentry (Cambodia, Norway, USA)

NZ on Air Best Music Video: Marlon Williams, Jessica Todd for Aua Atu Rā – Marlon Williams

Toi Whakaari Best Actor: Dahnu Graham for Flagfall

DEGANZ Best Director: Allan George for Mirumiru (Bubble)

DEGANZ Best Editor: Joe Lonie for Flagfall

Best Cinematographer: Dave Garbett for Ace

Script to Screen Best Screenplay: Alex Farley for Wild Nights, Wild Nights!

Jury members praised the high calibre of films overall. Jury Member and 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 Award Winners films are available as a collection that can be watched in Auckland, Katikati, Wellington, Christchurch, and On Demand.

Audience members have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award, which will be presented at the conclusion of the festival. Voting is open via 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 includes a three-day online festival at Show Me Shorts On Demand during Labour Weekend. Tickets for all screenings and events are now available.
 

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