2025 Award Nominees announced
The nominees for this year’s Show Me Shorts awards have been unveiled. These are the filmmakers to watch, who have achieved excellence in their craft. As an Oscar-qualifying short film festival, Show Me Shorts provides a pathway to international recognition at the highest level.
There are sixteen films and music videos nominated across eight categories. The most nominated film is When The Geese Flew, directed by Arthur Gay with three nominations.
Here is the full list of Show Me Shorts award nominees:
Department of Post Best New Zealand Film
Jason Taylor, Allan George for Mirumiru (Bubble)
Laura Ganotis, Arthur Gay for When the Geese Flew
Raymond Edwards, Lindsay Gough for Ace
Best International Film
Aaron Blaise, Nicholas Burch for Snow Bear (USA)
Gus Flind-Henry, George Malcher, George Telfer for A Sisyphean Task (UK)
Jake Wachtel, Sok Visal, Alan R. Milligan for The Sentry (Cambodia, Norway, USA)
NZ on Air Best Music Video
Jermaine Leef, Piotr Kwasnik for Mau Moko - Alien Weaponry
John Ross, Tali Enjalas Jenkinson for Hold Me - Vallé
Marlon Williams, Jessica Todd for Aua Atu Rā
Toi Whakaari Best Actor
Brit O'Rourke for Are You Still There
Dahnu Graham for Flagfall
Katlyn Wong for Chrysanthemum
DEGANZ Best Director
Allan George for Mirumiru (Bubble)
Arthur Gay for When The Geese Flew
Liam Ngahina Joseph Maguren for The Charm Of The Magpies
DEGANZ Best Editor
Joe Lonie for Flagfall
John Ross for Hold Me - Vallé
Kerri Roggio for Are You Still There
Best Cinematographer
Adam Luxton for Growing Still
Dave Garbett for Ace
Tammy Williams for Open Looks
Scrip to Screen Best Screenplay
Alex Farley for Wild Nights, Wild Nights!
Arthur Gay for When The Geese Flew
Michele Powles for Growing Still
Flagfall is nominated for two awards
Jury members praised the high calibre of films overall. Casting Director Stu Turner said, “As a jury we were struck by the richness and diversity of the films presented this year. The standard of storytelling was truly inspiring – making our discussions both challenging and deeply rewarding. Each film brought something unique to the screen. It is an absolute privilege to celebrate such a strong showcase of talent and creativity.”
The winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony taking place as part of Vista Foundation Industry Day on Sunday 12 October at Academy Cinemas Auckland. The Award Winners films are available as a collection that can be watched in Auckland, Katikati, Wellington, Christchurch, and On Demand.
Audience members will have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award, which will be presented at the conclusion to the festival. Voting is open throughout the festival via www.showmeshorts.co.nz.
Mirumiru (Bubble) is nominated for two awards
This year’s honourable jury members consisted of:
National Jury
Jaime Smith (Ngāti Whātua): Platforms Editorial Manager, Whakaata Māori
Steve Newall: Editor, Flicks.co.nz
Stu Turner: Emmy-nominated Casting Director
International Jury
Betsy Bauer: Award-winning editor, colourist, and producer, Senior Media Producer and Post-Production Manager at Wētā Workshop
Jim He: Chairman of Pacific Culture and Arts Exchange Centre (New Zealand) and chairman of New Zealand China Film Festival Committee
Ryan Cooper: Head Writer / Director, Mukpuddy Animation
Screenplay Jury
Alix Whittaker: Producer at Hot Candle Wave and Candlelit Pictures
Jackie van Beek: Writer/Director/Actor/Producer
Louis Sutherland: Multi-award-winning filmmaker
Show Me Shorts Film Festival is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most widely available festivals, with forty locations screening short films during 7-27 October 2025. This will include a three-day online festival at Show Me Shorts On Demand during Labour Weekend. Tickets for all screenings and events are now available. Advance booking is recommended as some sessions have already sold out.
