Congratulations to this year’s Show Me Shorts award winners
Seven very different short films have won awards at this year’s Show Me Shorts festival.
Each year, Show Me Shorts crowns a fresh batch of deserving winners, and 2025 is no exception. Celebrating its 20th anniversary with this year’s festival, which is underway now, Show Me Shorts’ 2025 winners join the ranks of the past two decades’ very best short films.
Announced on Sunday night, the winning films span genres and nationalities, celebrating a range of filmmaking. And, as an Oscar, BAFTA, and Goya-qualifying festival, the fest provides a pathway to international recognition at the highest level.
The Award Winners films are available as a collection that can be watched in Auckland, Katikati, Wellington, Christchurch, and On Demand.
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 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 People’s Choice Award, decided by audience members, will be presented at the conclusion of the festival. Voting is open via showmeshorts.co.nz.
This year’s jury members:
National Jury
Jaime Smith (Ngāti Whātua): Platforms Editorial Manager, Whakaata Māori
Steve Newall: Editor, Flicks
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 on now, 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 with full info at the Show Me Shorts website.
