Returning for its sixth year, the Stellar Short Film Festival will take place at the McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery this Saturday 1 March 2025.
This magical night under the stars is unlike any other. Featuring a handpicked selection of award-winning short films, curated by invitation-only, Stellar showcases the very best of Australia’s filmmaking talent.
The shortlisted films for 2025 include:
- ASTRONOTS: Two astronots sit in the cockpit awaiting take-off on a crucial mission to Mars when one turns to the other and admits he isn’t ready for the voyage. Directed by Andrew Seaton.
- BIRD DRONE: A heartfelt story of unrequited love explored through a lonely seagull struggling to accept that his newfound object of affection is a human-operated drone with a limited battery life. Directed by Radheya Jegatheva.
- DIE BULLY DIE: Max catches up with his high-school bully Adam, 17 years later, in a fancy restaurant where Max’s grudge against Adam begins to manifest in horrific ways. Directed by Nathan Lacey & Nick Lacey.
- LAST MAN STANDING: A short documentary about Ron West, a 90-year-old organ player at The Majestic Theatre, the longest running silent movie theatre in the world. Ron looks back on his life, detailing memories of love, loss and the magic of Hollywood’s Golden Era – all seen through the eyes of a young man carrying a secret too dangerous to tell but impossible to keep. Last Man Standing is the swan song of a life well lived. Directed by Alvy Willa & Calan Mai.
- FAVOURITES: When their family camping trip turns deadly, two parents face an impossible choice. Directed by Nick Russell.
- THE MEANINGLESS DAYDREAMS OF AUGIE & CELESTE: Two best friends embark on a high-stakes game of imagination, which takes a twisted turn and threatens to jeopardise their relationship. Directed by Pernell Marsden.
- YAKKA: On a secluded Australian estuary, as two young brothers grapple for their neglectful father’s approval, their usual pastime of exploring empty holiday houses goes awry, and a violent mistake will shatter their fragile bond forever. Directed by Jack Shepherd.
- AND THE OCEAN AGREED: Vina is fading away, lost to dementia, but on a rare outing to the ocean, she finds herself and a chance for freedom. Directed by Tanya Modini.
- YEAH THE BOYS: Follows six young Australian men as they sink beers over an afternoon and well into the night. Emoting only through movement; lewd gestures, chokeholds, crowd surfs, and chugging shoeys, they somehow say everything without uttering a single word. Directed by Stefan Hunt.
- GOOD NEIGHBOUR: A kidney could save Phil’s life, and Jeff, his neighbour, is willing to help – for a price. His demand throws Phil, his partner Ray, and his parents into a moral and emotional battle. Good Neighbour is a witty and thought-provoking exploration of human nature, blurred ethical lines, and the surprising complexities of generosity. Directed by Julian Lucas.
- GORGO: Inspired by Ovid’s Medusa myth, Gorgo is a dramatic short film that tells the story of a Greek bride’s cross-continental journey to marry a man she has never met. Matchmade by her best friend Athina, with promises of a new future in a distant land, Medousa finds herself arriving in Australia to a strange home – and a cold welcome. Thrust into her new marriage, she soon discovers a monstrous secret that threatens to tear apart the best friends’ vow of sisterhood. Directed by Veniamin Gialouris.
- FINDING JIA: Mei, an immigrant 8 y.o yearns for the type of life she sees on TV. A life that resembles the Western way of living that is so often played on her television. Directed by Alice Yang.
The selected films will compete on the night for significant prizes, with winners selected by a panel of industry judges (Madeleine Dyer, Darren Gilshenen, Annelise Hickey, Gelndyn Ivin, Leah Popple, Christian White), as well as an audience choice award.
More than just a film festival, it’s an unforgettable evening filled with top-quality films, curated food vendors, and local beverages in a stunning outdoor setting, where art meets nature, among the gum trees and sculptures. Celebrate the power of storytelling, connection and creativity at Stellar Short Film Festival.
Stellar Short Film Festival
McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery, 390 McClelland Drive, Langwarrin
Event: Saturday 1 March 2025
Information and bookings: www.stellarshortfilmfestival.com.au
Image: Stellar Short Film Festival (supplied)