Entertainment
14 August, 2025
Make the shortcut for gongs
THE coolest short film festival in the tropics is now also a shortcut for filmmakers to qualify for the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards.
All finalists in the open category of the 2025 Port Shorts Film Festival – to be held in Port Douglas on October 18 with more than $10,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs – will be eligible for the AACTA best short film award.
AACTA awards and industry development manager Ivan Vukusic, who experienced the magic of the Port Shorts Film Festival for the first time in 2024 as a judge, encouraged filmmakers and audiences to be a part of the show in 2025.
“There is nothing quite like the Port Shorts Film Festival,” Mr Vukusic said.
“It’s run with a lot of heart and passion by an incredibly dedicated team, it is the most picturesque festival in Australia, with a beautiful community vibe.
“I had a chance to meet some really proactive filmmakers and an inspiring bunch of young creatives – it was an absolute blast.”
Port Shorts Film Festival director Alison George said the Port Shorts crew was delighted to receive such a strong endorsement of the event from the AACTA team.
“Giving filmmakers the chance to qualify for the AACTA best short film award by screening as a finalist at the Port Shorts Film Festival is the icing on the cake for us and we’re excited to collaborate with the AACTA team to support the next generation of amazing filmmakers from around Australia,” Ms George said.
Those sentiments were supported by Port Shorts ambassador and judge, legendary Aussie actor Stephen Curry, who will resume hosting duties at the 2025 festival.
“Port Shorts has been filling my creative cup for the past 10 years, the quality of the films and the beauty of Rex Smeal Park under the stars with the palm trees, the Coral Sea and the Daintree rainforest as the backdrop is pretty hard to beat,” he said.
“They don’t have a street named after me yet but there is a Bonnie Doon Rd and the locals welcome me as one of their own, especially if it’s my shout at the bar.”
To enter your short film in the
2025 Port Shorts Film Festival visit https://bit.ly/3JhC3Dv
Read More: Port Douglas
