Inaugural Short Film Fund delivers for Queensland storytellers

Six Queensland short films have been selected to share in $300,000 through Screen Queensland’s inaugural Short Film Fund.
The funding supports the development of new Queensland stories and strengthens the state’s reputation as a leading screen production destination.
The Crisafulli Government continues to grow a vibrant screen sector and expand industry opportunities across the state.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Queensland’s film sector.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Queensland’s film sector with a new fund to help local filmmakers grow their careers, expand industry opportunities and support the development of Queensland stories.

Six bold projects have been selected to share in $300,000 from the inaugural Short Film Fund, as part of the Crisafulli Government’s Queensland’s Time to Shine: a 10-Year Strategy for Arts and Culture.

The selected projects supported through the Short Film Fund include:

Bulb - a gripping drama by Felix Lovell.

Chook - a horror comedy from Sasha Aubort.

Clay - a hybrid animation comedy by Joe Bauer and Rita Artmann.

Return to Work - a deeply personal drama from Emily Avila.

The Novelty - a beautifully crafted drama by Charlotte Mungomery.

The Stockman - a powerful First Nations drama by proud Butchulla/Kamilaroi filmmaker Rhianna Malezer.

Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the new fund aimed to promote more Queensland stories on the big screen and help local filmmakers reach wider audiences.

“Queensland is the powerhouse of Australia’s screen industry, and this new fund is another plan to promote homegrown talent and develop a thriving screen industry,” Minister Langbroek said.

“Screen Queensland’s Short Film Fund supports Queensland-based creatives develop distinctly local stories that connect directly with audiences at home and around the world.

“Short-form storytelling is one of the fastest-growing areas of the global screen industry and it presents a launchpad for emerging filmmakers to build audiences and launch their careers.

“After a decade of decline under the former Labor Government, we are committed to deliver a thriving creative sector with a cultural legacy plan, an arts education and creative careers roadmap, and increased support for regional arts and culture.

“We want to unearth more budding filmmakers from across Queensland and support them on their journey, as they strive to become the next generation of Australian success stories working behind the scenes.

“I would like to congratulate the successful recipients this year and I look forward to following their careers.”

Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said the Short Film Fund demonstrated the agency’s strategic focus on creating meaningful ‘calling-card’ opportunities for the state’s screen storytellers.

“The selected projects represent an incredible breadth of creativity and innovation coming out of Queensland, where the fund’s requirement mandated applicants had a pathway to audiences through film festivals, markets and distribution ensuring a market-relevant credit was obtained,” Ms Feeney said.

“This fund is an important incubator for local talent, enabling these six filmmakers to refine their craft and grow their creative practice.”

Applications for the next round of Screen Queensland’s Short Film Fund will open in 2026.

More information is available at screenqueensland.com.au

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Greg Thomson, 0447 221 816