"We are so honoured and excited to have been Nominated for the Victoria Community Achievement Award for 2 years in row. This our 11th year bringing Benalla and district unique thought-provoking short films.
 
Screen culture tells stories that allow us to connect with one another, and to better understand ourselves and each other.
 
We are thrilled to welcome back our fantastic judges, Krista Vendy and Bruce Hunt-Hughes for another exciting year.

They have navigated a busy season with many film entries.
 
Out of the 87 films submitted, we are delighted to bring you the top 10 films to enjoy.
 
The Benalla Shorts Team would like to thank the local businesses that have contributed and the local community for their continued support for allowing us to grow for the last 11 years."

Anna Smith

​Anna Smith" ​

A Benalla group has been nominated for the 2024 Victoria Community Achievement Awards.

Anna Smith and the group of volunteers behind the Benalla Short Film Festival have been nominated in the Awards Australia Community Group Award Category.

The not-for-profit group, of which Ms Smith is the head, showcases and uplifts film-makers from Victoria, Australia and all around the world.

One of the festival's early winners, Michael Raso, went on to win 16 awards, and flew to France with the prize money, where he found himself at the Cannes Film Festival, viewing his own film Solitude on the big screen.

Over the years, many film and TV stars have helped out as judges, including Krista Vendy and David Forster, but it's the local faces who do the heavy lifting that are now getting their moment in the limelight.  

The festival has been running for over 10 years, starting off as a humble platform for regional Victorian filmmakers to enter their own short film to be viewed and judged.

From there, the festival grew to unforeseen heights, expanding online to include international entrants and judges.

In its time, the festival has helped boost many filmmakers' careers, exposing their talents and helping them get a foot up in the competitive industry.

"Our ultimate goal is that one day, one of our film-makers will be the next Baz Luhrmann or Peter Weir," Ms Smith said.

"It would be dream come true that we were able to assist someone in their career in the film industry."

Despite hardship, including restrictions during COVID-19 pushing the festival on-line, and a lack of funding, the festival is still going strong - a testament to the group's hard work and dedication.

The festival organisers are thankful  to receive support from local businesses, the community and though grants.

We are very proud of the work we do with the limited funds we receive, and we can only thrive thanks to our hardworking, dedicated wonderful volunteers and community support," Ms Smith said.

The competition will be judged in October, and winners will be announced on Friday, December 13 at a special Community Awards gala presentation dinner. "