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
1. Jason Taylor, Allan George for Mirumiru (Bubble)
2. Laura Ganotis, Arthur Gay for When the Geese Flew
3. Raymond Edwards, Lindsay Gough for Ace
Best International Film
1. Aaron Blaise, Nicholas Burch for Snow Bear (USA)
2. Gus Flind-Henry, George Malcher, George Telfer for A Sisyphean Task (UK)
3. Jake Wachtel, Sok Visal, Alan R. Milligan for The Sentry (Cambodia, Norway, USA)
NZ on Air Best Music Video
1. Jermaine Leef, Piotr Kwasnik for Mau Moko – Alien Weaponry
2. John Ross, Tali Enjalas Jenkinson for Hold Me – Vallé
3. Marlon Williams, Jessica Todd for Aua Atu Rā
When The Geese Flew – Best New Zealand Film / Best Director / Best Screenplay
Toi Whakaari Best Actor
1. Brit O’Rourke for Are You Still There
2. Dahnu Graham for Flagfall
3. Katlyn Wong for Chrysanthemum
DEGANZ Best Director
1. Allan George for Mirumiru (Bubble)
2. Arthur Gay for When The Geese Flew
3. Liam Ngahina Joseph Maguren for The Charm Of The Magpies
DEGANZ Best Editor
1. Joe Lonie for Flagfall
2. John Ross for Hold Me – Vallé
3. Kerri Roggio for Are You Still There
Best Cinematographer
1. Adam Luxton for Growing Still
2. Dave Garbett for Ace
3. Tammy Williams for Open Looks
Script to Screen Best Screenplay
1. Alex Farley for Wild Nights, Wild Nights!
2. Arthur Gay for When The Geese Flew
3. Michele Powles for Growing Still
Jury members praised the overall high calibre of the films. 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 for in-person viewing in Auckland, Katikati, Wellington, and 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 of the festival. 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 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.
