Australia’s next generation of young filmmakers has been revealed, with 27 finalists announced for the 2025 Bond University Film and Television Academy (BUFTA) Awards.
Now celebrating their 30th year, the BUFTA Awards have built a reputation as Australia’s premier filmmaking competition for high school students, uncovering new talent and helping launch careers in the screen industry.
Queensland continues to dominate the nominations, with more than half of this year’s finalists hailing from the Sunshine State, including a record number from the Gold Coast.
The 2025 shortlist also features students from Victoria, New South Wales and, for the first time, Tasmania, as well as international entrants from the United States and Ukraine.
This year’s competition also recorded its highest number of entrants to date, reflecting the growing diversity and strength of the next generation of filmmakers.
Marymount College student Hannah-Rose Strutt said being named a BUFTA finalist still felt surreal after pouring her heart into her short film Sonder.
“When I found out, I was actually in maths class watching a movie when my art teacher came in squealing ‘congratulations!’,” she said.
“My film Sonder explores addiction, family, identity, and forgiveness, told through the eyes of a teenage girl trying to hold everything together after her world falls apart. I dedicate this film to my dad.”
Hannah-Rose said she had already received an early offer from Bond University.
“All I’ve ever wanted is to work in the film industry, and I truly believe studying at Bond will help make that dream a reality,” she said.
Fellow nominee Jediah Knight from Emmanuel College was recognised for his documentary Life Savers, which follows the team at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.
“I felt super excited because I worked hard on my documentary and I know there were lots of films entering this year,” he said.
“My dream would be to study at Bond and have a career in the film industry. I hope to do big things and create some great films in the future.”
Tamborine Mountain State High School student Boyd Edser was nominated for his music video A World Stood Still, which follows a character trapped in a world frozen in time, a metaphor for emotional turmoil and the feeling of being stuck in a moment.
“Hearing that my music video I had worked so hard on made it into the top 27 felt insanely rewarding,” he said.
“My goal is to work in film post-production, specifically in visual effects and compositing, and Bond’s focus on hands-on learning and industry experience really aligns with where I want to take my career.”
Head of Film, Screen and Creative Media at Bond University Dr Darren Paul Fisher said BUFTA had become a launchpad for future industry professionals.
“For three decades, BUFTA has discovered and nurtured the storytellers who will shape Australia’s screen future,” Dr Fisher said.
“This year’s nominees show extraordinary creativity and technical skill. Their films capture what makes young Australian filmmakers so exciting to watch.”
The red-carpet BUFTA Awards ceremony will be held at Bond University on Saturday, November 22, with the winners announced live from 4.30pm AEST.
The overall winner will receive a full scholarship to study the Bachelor of Film and Television at Bond University, joining a legacy of alumni who began their careers through the competition.
Established in 1996, the Bond University Film and Television Awards celebrate creativity, storytelling and technical excellence across nine categories: Animation, Art Film, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Experimental, Music Video, Sport Film and International.
The BUFTA Awards ceremony forms part of the Bond University Film and Television Academy, which delivers student workshops, teacher masterclasses and the national BUFTA Roadshow connecting schools across Australia with industry-standard filmmaking education.