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Winners 2025

13/11/2025

 
​BEST STUDENT FILM $500
“Stonewall” by Lily Lunder & Koko Crozier
Sponsored by Benalla Rotary Club

BEST LOCAL FILM $250
“Koala-fied to Survive” by Hayley Warnock
Sponsored by Benalla Bowls Club

BEST DOCUMENTARY $500
“Women of the Waves” by Han Soo Yoo
Sponsored by The Willow Award

KEVIN PERRY ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD $250
'Aurora Australis' by Rene Martens
Sponsored by Laurie Watters and Associates

BEST PERFORMANCE $200
Steve Bastoni in “The Mediator"
Sponsored by North East Podiatry

PEOPLE’S CHOICE $250
Hayley Warnock
Sponsored by Benalla Travel

BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM $500
“Hold” by Josiah Junqueira Spencer
Sponsored by Anna Greenhalgh

JUDGES AWARD - BEST AUSTRALIAN FILM $1,000
“Human Resources” by Joel Stephen Fleming
Sponsored by Benalla Businesses

Benalla Shorts 2025 Director's Message

7/11/2025

 
The Benalla Shorts 2025 Program has been released, and with it the welcoming Director's Message from Anna Smith...
​

"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

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Benalla Short Film Festival 2025 - Download PDF

Judges selections for Benalla Shorts 2025

6/11/2025

 
"Women of the Waves" (5:06), Director Han Soo Yoo, Victoria

"The Pomegranate" (13:40), Director Mehrdad Jalali, Iran

"Stonewall" (5:00), Directors Lily Lunder & Koko Crozier, Victoria

"The Mediator" (11:45), Director Roman Anastasios, Victoria

"A Culinary of Errors" (6:33), Director Sherree Dawn Halliwell, Victoria

"Koala-fied to Survive" (12:17), Director Hayley Warnock, Victoria

"The Story Of Angelique" (3:24), Director Jessica Cross, Queensland

"Aurora Australis" (3:05), Director Rene Martens, Victoria

"Hold" (14:45), Director Josiah Junqueira Spencer, U.S.A.

"Human Resources" (12:03), Director Joel Stephen Fleming, Queensland

​

Finalists' Posters - 2025

24/10/2025

 

Poster - 2025

22/10/2025

 
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BENALLA SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL - PRIZES

20/10/2025

 
JUDGES AWARD for BEST AUSTRALIAN $1,000.00
and BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM $500.00

LOCAL AWARD (within 100 Km of Benalla) $250.00

PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD $250.00

STUDENT AWARD $500.00

BEST DOCUMENTARY $500.00

BEST PERFORMANCE. $200.00

The Kevin Perry ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD $250.00

​

Vale Kevin Perry OAM

10/10/2025

 
​Kevin Perry retired from the Victoria State Emergency Service in July 2007 after 31 years dealing with emergency situations and natural disasters.

Without Kevin’s generous spirit, big heart and enormous efforts the Benalla Short Film Festival would not exist today.

KP was not only my friend but he was my mentor, he shared my dedication and passion in creating an international event and together we worked through all the issues that would arise.

Nothing would stand in his way, not even COVID 19 when he suggested we take the Festival online. As usual he was absolutely right. This decision meant that we could proceed and fulfil all our obligations to the film makers and sponsors.

Kevin was diagnosed with MND (Motor Neurone Disease) in 2023 and passed away in May 2024. He was determined to do all he could for as long as he could.

Kevin would champion the little guy and he was a firm believer in reward for effort.

That’s why we have created the Category 'The Kevin Perry Encouragement Award' in his honour.

Anna Smith

Encore Screening of Benalla Shorts 2024      2pm Sunday 14 September 2025

29/9/2025

 
At 2pm on Sunday 14 September an Encore Screening of Benalla Shorts 2024 was Screened at the Violet Town Community Hall.
​​Sunday the 10 November 2024 was the 10th annual Benalla Short Film Festival and is like the genre itself- short, subtle, stimulating, and spectacular for national and international films.

A happy crowd of film lovers, film makers, producers, actors and sponsors were wowed by the quality and diversity of the 9 films shortlisted by the esteemed judges both with Hollywood experience, Krista Vendy –  BSFF judge since 2019, was joined by judge Bruce Hunt-Hughes in2024, Judges 2025.
​Along with the 9 films on offer at the Violet Town Community Hall on Sunday 14 September, we will screen “Gitar” by Jack Rintoul, staring Bruce Hunt-Hughes.

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2025 Judges

29/7/2025

 
Krista Vendy and Bruce Hunt-Hughes are returning to judge the Benalla Shorts films in 2025.
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​KRISTA VENDY

Krista Vendy has balanced her acting and modelling with a lifelong interest in charity, which is evident by her commitment as judge, now returning for her 6th gig.  Krista is an Australian actress known for her roles on TV shows including Neighbours, where she played teacher Teresa “Tess" Bell.

Since Neighbours, Krista has guest starred in television roles in Australia and the USA including Blue Heelers, Shock Jock, Nightmares and Dreamscapes, Leverage and Mental.  

Her film credits include The Writer, Fat Pizza, Horse Play and The Incredible Hulk and Matching Jack.

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​BRUCE HUNT HUGHES
​

Bruce holds a Bachelor Arts from the University of Western Australia and is also a graduate of the National Institute of the Dramatic Arts.(NIDA).  He is a highly-regarded facilitator and coach, who bases his work on more than 20 years of experience as a professional actor.

His extensive experience working in theatre and on screen, includes a season with “The Streetcar named Desire” in London.

Bruce is a mainstay of Australian television and is known for his roles in “A Country Practice”, “Halifax F.P”, “HOWZAT Kerry Packer War” , “ The Portable Door” and many more.
Film credits include “The Man From Snowy River”, Ghost Rider”, ”Darkness Falls”, “The Visitors” and “Rush”.

Video Highlights - Benalla Shorts 2024

5/5/2025

 
Michael Raso - Highlights from the 10th Annual National and International ​Benalla Shorts Film Festival 2024

​

Benalla Shorts' Community Awards Nomination Certificate presented at December Gala

13/12/2024

 
Anna Smith is presented with the Benalla Shorts Nomination Certificate at the Community Achievements Award Gala in Melbourne on December 13, 2024.

Benalla Shorts Film Festival 2024 - Award Winners Announced

10/11/2024

 
​​After the enthusiastically received screenings of the 2024 Benalla Shorts Film Festival today, we have great pleasure announcing the 2024 Festival Award Winners;
​
  1. Student Award $500 won By Rachel Tierney for “THE HUNT”.
  2. Local Award $250 won by Hayley Warnock for “TRAIL OF DILEMMA”.
  3. Best Documentary $250 won by Yanni Dellaportas for “BEAUTIFUL STORM”.
  4. Kevin Perry Encouragement Award $250 won by Nathalie Cerritelli for “COOKING SOLO”.
  5. Best Performance $100 won by Ayesha Gibson for “THE RETIREMENT PLAN”.
  6. Best International $500 won by Marius Conrotto for “COLLAGE”.
  7. Judges Award Best Australian $1000 won by John Erasmus for “THE RETIREMENT PLAN”.
  8. People’s Choice Award $200 won by Andrew Robb and Jessica Gerger for “CREEK GEEKS”.

Thank you to our Judges Krista Vendy and Bruce Hunt-Hughes, and to the total 76 submissions in this year's festival.

Benalla Shorts 2024 Director's Message

4/11/2024

 
The Benalla Shorts 2024 Program has been released, and with it the welcoming Director's Message from Anna Smith...

"Welcome to the 10th National & International Benalla Short Film Festival 2024. Benalla Shorts embraces national and international film makers across all age groups and walks of life.

We are so honoured and excited to have been Nominated for the Victoria Community Achievement Award 2024 in this our 10th year bringing Benalla and district unique thought provoking short films.

Our screen industry tells stories that allow us to connect with one another, and to better understand ourselves and each other. Of the 76 films entered, the judges have selected nine finalists for this year’s Festival, with one bonus film from Writer/Director Jack Rintoul, starring our very own new judge Bruce Hunt-Hughes.

We have also introduced a new category this year in honour of my dear friend and colleague Kevin Perry (Page 7).

The Benalla Shorts Team would like to thank the local community for their continued support for allowing us to grow for the last 10 years.

Sit back, relax and enjoy Benalla Shorts Film Festival 2024.
​Anna Smith" ​

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Benalla Shorts Program 2024 (Download PDF)

Finalists 2024 - Posters

24/10/2024

 

Finalists for the 2024 Benalla Shorts

23/10/2024

 
Thank you to all 76 entrants in the 2024 Benalla Shorts Film Festival.  And thank you to our Judges Krista Vendy and Bruce Hunt-Hughes for their efforts in judging the competition.

Finalists for the 2024 Benalla Shorts Film Festival are;
  1. She Made It Series: Women In QLD Manufacturing Ep 1 (4:45)
    1. Director Caitlin Johnston, Queensland
  2. Creek Greeks (5:32)
    1.  Directors Andrew Robb and Jessica Gerger, Victoria
  3. Collage (9:51)
    1. Director Marius Conrotto, Spain
  4. The Hunt (9:28)
    1. Director Rachel Tierney, Victoria
  5. Trail Of Dilemma (9:18)
    1. Director Hayley Warnock, Victoria
  6. The Retirement Plan (14:56)
    1. Director John Erasmus, Victoria
  7. Beautiful Storm (8:07)
    1. Director Yanni Dellaportas, Victoria
  8. Sock's Manifesto (3:30)
    1. Angeliki Pardalidou, Greece
  9. Cooking Solo (8:17)
    1. Director Nathalie Cerritelli, Victoria

There will be two screenings on Sunday November 10 at the Benalla Cinema 14 Mair Street Benalla.   The Premiere Screening at 3pm will be followed by a Second Screening at 6.30pm.

Prior to the Screening a short film Gitar will be screened featuring our judge Bruce Hunt-Hughes.

Purchase tickets for the 6.30pm screening online at www.benallacinema.com.au or purchase at the Benalla Cinema, Mair Street Benalla. 

Benalla Shorts - Poster 2024

22/10/2024

 
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Download the Poster

'Up for Award'

11/9/2024

 
From the Benalla Ensign, Wednesday September 11, 2024 p 1....

Up for Award

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. "
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2023 Benalla Film Festival at the new Benalla Cinema

16/7/2024

 
2023 Winners

BEST FILM $1,000.00
“The Ghost Hunter” by Michael Hollis

BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM $500.00
“Adieu Gaston” by Victor Guilbaud - France

BEST STUDENT FILM $250.00
“The Ghost Hunter” by Michael Hollis
Sponsored by Rotary Club

BEST LOCAL FILM $250.00
“The Honoured Ones” by Andrew Flenley – Kyabran Vic
Sponsored Benalla Bowls Club

BEST DOCUMENTARY $250.00
“Cry Of The Glossy” by Tim Brown & Michael Portway
Sponsored The Willow Award

BEST PERFORMANCE $100.00
Rebecca Perich
“The Fading End” by David Musical
Sponsored Terry White Chemist

PEOPLE’S CHOICE $250.00
“Cry of the Glossy” by Tim Brown & Michael Portway
Sponsored Friends of BPACC

    News Blog

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    2023 Winners
    2024 Winners
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    2025 Winners
    'Community Achievement Award Nomination'
    Director's Message
    'Festival Highlights - Videos'
    Finalists
    Judges
    'Kevin Perry Encouragement Award'
    Posters
    Prizes
    Programs
    Vale Kevin Perry
    Winners


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