26 September 2025
Four emerging filmmakers were presented with a total of $16,000 in awards at the inaugural Graduate Filmmaker Showcase, held at The Mercury, to celebrate the best of emerging filmmakers in our state.
Presented by Helpmann Academy and Flinders University, the showcase featured 14 short films and one trailer, highlighting the creative achievements of recent students and graduates from Flinders University, the University of South Australia, and the University of Adelaide, studying in screen, film, and television disciplines.
The showcase aimed to celebrate and elevate early-career filmmakers, providing a platform for them to share their work with industry professionals, peers, and the wider public.
“The next generation of filmmakers must find their way in a complex world and 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.”
Associate Professor Tom Young, Discipline Lead, Screen, Film and TV, Flinders University
This unique opportunity for professional growth was made possible through the generous support of presenting partner Flinders University, event partners The Mercury and Grigori Family Reserve, and award partners and donors including the Grosset Gaia Foundation, David McKee AO & Pam McKee, the Helpmann Academy, and Richard Jasek.
Guided by MC, Connor Pullinger, Flinders Drama Centre graduate and acclaimed actor, the audience were brought on a journey across the genres of documentary, drama, experimental film, client video and music video. The films truly reflect the creativity, skill, and diversity of stories that will go on to enrich South Australia’s screen industry.
“It’s a privilege to support the next generation of South Australian filmmakers at this Graduate Filmmaker Showcase. Witnessing the creative courage and drive of these emerging artists is truly inspiring. Helpmann Academy is proud to partner with Flinders University in bringing together South Australia’s three universities to showcase the work of their talented graduates. Helpmann continues to play a crucial role in facilitating and championing their career journeys and promoting the stories they have chosen to bring to life.”
Mark Roderick, Chair Helpmann Academy Board of Governors
Four awards were presented on the night, each designed to offer financial support and recognition to outstanding emerging filmmakers as they launch their careers in the film and television industries. Congratulations to the following recipients of the inaugural Graduate Filmmaker Showcase.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
The Moon Has Come To Lead Me | Director: Dominic Campaniello; Writers: William Singleton, Dominic Campaniello; Producers: William Singleton, Juniper Dew; Editor: Emily McDonald
Best Picture
$5,000 | Supported by Grosset Gaia Foundation
Genre: Drama
Institution: Flinders University
Buried | Director & Writer: William PlantJury Award
$5,000 | Supported by David McKee AO & Pam McKee
Genre: Drama
Institution: University of South Australia
Remember The Fairies | Director: Sid Christie
Jasek Award
$4,000 | Supported by Richard Jasek
Genre: Experiential
Institution: University of South Australia
Lamp (…Where I Belong) | Director: Roxy Brown; Producer: Lila Kolomitsev; Editor: Henri Lavenant
Helpmann Academy Award
$2,000 | Supported by Helpmann Academy
Genre: Music Video
Institution: Flinders University
This inaugural event will establish the Showcase as a launchpad for emerging filmmakers, serving as a pathway to prestigious industry opportunities such as the Adelaide Film Festival and the South Australian Screen Awards (SASA). A standout mention is Guttercat, written and directed by Aubrey Winslow, which has been officially nominated for the Adelaide Film Festival Shorts Award Competition and will celebrate its world premiere this October as part of the festival’s prestigious program.
FILMS SCREENED AT THE GRADUATE FILMMAKER SHOWCASE
Congratulations to all the film selected to be previewed at the inaugural Graduate Filmmaker Showcase:
Flinders University
Guttercat, Director & Writer: Aubrey Winslow (Trailer)
Oculus, Director & Writer: Cameron Watson
The Moon Has Come To Lead Me, Director: Dominic Campaniello; Writers: William Singleton,
Dominic Campaniello; Producers: William Singleton, Juniper Dew; Editor: Emily McDonald
The Queen of Adelaide, Director: Laila Scaparra; Producers: Kate Langley, Nik Long
Mercury ad, Director: Pierah Summers; Producers: Pierah Summers, William Singleton
AM I PRETTY ON THE INSIDE?, Director: Roxy Brown
Lamp (…Where I Belong), Director: Roxy Brown; Producer: Lila Kolomitsev; Editor: Henri Lavenant
University of South Australia
Desde El Sur Del Mundo, Director, Writer & Producer: Claudia Newson
The Red Thread of Fate, Director & Writer: Olivia Halliday; Producer: Trinity-Lee Brown
Remember The Fairies, Director: Sid Christie
Buried, Director & Writer: William Plant
Ink, Director & Writer: William Plant
University of Adelaide
Low Budget Oldboy, Director: Justice
Snakes & Ladders, Director: Melanie Cowmeadow; Directors: Billie-Rose Russel, Lara Wilson, Joey Haenen
Delusion, Director & Producer: Timothy Horasio; Writer: MA Wai Ki
IMAGE GALLERY
PRESENTING PARTNERS
Helpmann Academy
Flinders University
GOVERNMENT PARTNER
Government of South Australia, through CreateSA
EVENT PARTNERS
The Mercury
Grigori Family Reserve
AWARD PARTNERS & DONORS
Grosset Gaia Foundation
David McKee AO & Pam McKee
Helpmann Academy
Richard Jasek
Image credits: (1) Richard Jasek presenting Sid Christie ‘Remember The Fairies’ with the Jasek Award. Photography by Sam Roberts. (2) Mark Roderick presenting Roxy Brown, Henri Lavenant, Lila Kolomitsev and Gracie Archer ‘Lamp (…Where I Belong) with the Helpmann Academy Award. Photography by Sam Roberts. (3) Her Excellency, The Hon. Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia presenting William Plant ‘Buried’ with the Jury Award. Photography by Sam Roberts. (4) Georgie Grosset presenting Dominic Campaniello and Emily McDonald with the ‘Best Picture’ award for ‘The Moon Has Come To Lead Me’. Photography by Sam Roberts.