Helpmann Academy and Flinders University are proud to present the inaugural annual 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.
“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
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.
KEY INFORMATION
DATE: Friday 26 September 2025
TIME: Award and film preview: 7pm – 9pm
WHERE: The Mercury Cinema: 13 Morphett St, Adelaide SA
WHO: All welcome
COST: FREE | Booking essential
FILM PREVIEWS
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
PRESENTED BY
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
ABOUT HELPMANN ACADEMY
The only organisation of its kind in Australia, Helpmann Academy empowers South Australia’s most promising emerging creatives to achieve their visions and build sustainable practices. Helpmann provides professional development opportunities including grants, awards, fellowships, mentorships, masterclasses, workshops, and artist residencies, tailored to South Australia’s tertiary education graduates and emerging artists. Helpmann Academy is a unique collaborative partnership, unifying the skills and resources of the state’s universities.
Images: Still from various films. Images supplied by artists.