1 September 2025
Helpmann Academy and Flinders University have announced 14 films plus 1 trailer to preview at the inaugural Graduate Filmmaker Showcase screening at the Mercury Cinema on Friday 26 September 2025.
Curated from graduating cohorts in screen, film and television from Flinders University, University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide – the Graduate Filmmaker Showcase will celebrate the best of emerging filmmakers in our state.
“The next generation of filmmakers must find their way in a complex world, these practitioners are pushing themselves to create beautiful stories for diverse audiences. The inaugural Graduate Filmmaker Showcase puts the best emerging talent in South Australia on screen and in front of industry. Join us to celebrate an evening of finely crafted films and emerging talent, these are the filmmakers to watch!”
Associate Professor Tom Young, Discipline Lead, Screen, Film and TV, Flinders University
Across the genres of documentary, drama, experimental film, client video and music video, the Graduate Filmmaker Showcase will preview a diverse range of films at The Mercury, an independent and community focused cinema in the heart of Adelaide.
South Australia’s vibrant screen industry is set to receive a powerful boost with the upcoming Graduate Filmmaker Showcase, designed to spotlight the next generation of filmmaking talent. Positioned as a strong stepping stone for emerging creatives for the Adelaide Film Festival in October and the South Australian Screen Awards (SASA) in November 2025, the Showcase not only offers exposure for emerging filmmakers but also underscores the cultural and economic value of screen production in the state.
Connor Pullinger, who will MC the Showcase, graduated from Flinders Drama Centre with First-Class Honours in Acting. His first professional role was as OLIVER in Sophie Hyde + Closer Productions’ AACTA Award–winning SBS mini-series The Hunting. In 2024, he starred in SAPOL’s Stop Flirting with Death state-wide TV campaign. Beyond the screen, Connor starred in The CRAM Collective’s (Helpmann Creative Innovator 2022 winners) sold-out, 5-star theatre production FAG/STAG in 2024, including its encore season, which continued the show’s critical and commercial success.
According to the State Government, for every four South Australians employed in the screen industry, another three jobs are supported across the broader economy—demonstrating the far-reaching impact of creative sector growth.
This opportunity for growth for emerging filmmakers would not be possible without the generous support of presetting partner Flinders University; event partners The Mercury and Grigori Family Reserve; and award partners and donors Grosset Gaia Foundation, David McKee AO & Pam McKee, Helpmann Academy, and Richard Jasek.
“We are thrilled to partner with Flinders University in bringing together South Australia’s three universities to showcase the state’s most promising emerging filmmakers. These talented students have honed their visual storytelling skills and gained hands-on experience using professional equipment in real-world production environments. Events like this provide a valuable platform for graduates to shine and take their first steps into the screen industry.”
Jane MacFarlane, CEO, Helpmann Academy
Let’s shine a light on the next generation of talent.
FREE tickets available from the Helpmann Academy HERE.
KEY INFORMATION
Friday 26 September 2025
Award and film preview: 7pm – 9pm
The Mercury Cinema: 13 Morphett St, Adelaide SA
Cost: FREE – all welcome
PRESENTING PARTNERS
Helpmann Academy
Flinders University
GOVERNMENT PARTNER
Government of South Australia, through CreateSA
EVENT PARTNERS
The Mercury Cinema
Grigori Family Reserve
AWARD PARTNERS & DONORS
Grosset Gaia Foundation
David McKee AO & Pam McKee
Helpmann Academy
Richard Jasek
Images: (1) Queen of Adelaide, Image supplied by Kate Langley and Nik Long (2) Roxy Brown, Image supplied. (3) Juniper Dew, Image supplied by Dom Campaniello (4) Queen of Adelaide, Image supplied by Kate Langley and Nik Long (5) Juniper Dew, Image supplied by Dom Campaniello (6) Guttercat, Image supplied by Aubrey Porter (7) Dom Campaniello, Image supplied.