The filmmaking competition was held throughout August / September 2025. Young filmmakers were required to include 'secret rules' in their films - mention of a keyword, at least one phrase and at least one item. To kick off the comp, these secret rules were published online.

Keyword: The film must include the word Connecting (said out loud, in Auslan or written)

Phrases Items: I'm not paying so it's all cool with me, Yeah Nah, That’s so AI, I dunno... I think it makes sense, This is actually what it’s like to be in 2025, So it will be banned?

Item: Fragrance, Crochet item or something handmade, Sandwich, World map / globe, Rubber gloves, Compost bin or worm farm

Finals and Awards night

There were an incredible 150 young filmmakers that submitted films - double the number from the previous year. Finalist films were shown at HOYTS Warringah Mall. A packed house watched the amazing short films made by the eleven teams in 3 age categories. Teams competed for a prize pool totalling over $12,000. Finalist films showcased a wealth of talented young writers, actors and cinematographers. 

We look forward to seeing even more growth from our homegrown young filmmakers at future events.

2025 Winners and Finalists

Best Storytelling

• 12 – 14 yrs (tie): Team Summer, Niamh, & Pema for the film “Fourteen”
• 12 – 14 yrs (tie): Kid Director for the film “Hidden”
• 15 – 18yrs: Filmerandy for the film “Why Connecting?”
• 19 – 24 yrs (runners up): The McGuffins for the film “The Sign Guy”
• 19 – 24 yrs: Hawkesbury Pictures for the film “The Roots of a Lily”

Best Cinematography

• 12 – 14 yrs:  B & E productions for the film “Connecting Colours”
• 15 – 18 yrs: Shore to Shore for the film “The Girl and Her Shoulder Pads”
• 19 – 24 yrs: Hawkesbury Pictures for the film “The Roots of a Lily”

Best Actor  

• 12 – 14 yrs:  Leon in “Connecting Spies”
• 15 – 18yrs: Andy in “Why Connecting?”
• 19 – 24 yrs (tie): Claudia in “The Roots of a Lily”
• 19 – 24 yrs (tie): Penny in “The Roots of a Lily”

Best Film 

• 12 – 14 yrs:  B & E productions for the film “Connecting Colours”
• 15 – 18 yrs: Filmerandy for the film “Why Connecting?”
• 15 – 18 yrs (finalist): Tin Man for the film “Regarding the light of Perspective”
• 15 – 18 yrs (finalist): CXNEMA for the film “Average”
• 19 – 24 yrs: Hawkesbury Pictures for the film “The Roots of a Lily”

Playlist

Check out all this year's winners, finalists and entrants on our YouTube playlist.