Miami State High School student Evie Philp has been named the overall winner of the 2025 Bond University Film and Television Academy (BUFTA) Awards, receiving a scholarship and taking out three major categories.
Ms Philp, 17, won Best Music Video, Best Experimental Film and the Overall Filmmaker Scholarship, topping more than 300 entries from Australia and overseas.
Her experimental film Folded uses origami stars to explore how addiction can develop quietly and become consuming. Her second work, Take Your Pick, was created in collaboration with emerging Queensland artist FOXCEE.
Bond University’s Head of Film, Screen and Creative Media, Dr Darren Paul Fisher, said Philp’s ability to work across two contrasting styles set her apart.
"Evie stood out not only because she made one outstanding film, but because she made two in different genres and excelled in both. Winning multiple categories at 17 shows she is already a strong filmmaker who understands the various ways to tell a story," Dr Fisher said.
"We’re looking for the next great filmmaker, someone who we can help grow and evolve, and Evie showed that potential immediately.
"Both of her films rose to the top of an exceptionally competitive field, which is why she earned the overall scholarship."
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Ms Philp said the moment she was announced as overall winner felt overwhelming and surreal.
"I did not prepare a speech or even consider the possibility that my name would be called," she said.
"The competition was incredibly strong, so when it happened, I felt an immediate rush of disbelief followed by immense gratitude.
"The scholarship is a life-changing opportunity and I am incredibly thankful for the recognition and support."
The idea for Folded emerged after an earlier concept fell through. Philp often made origami stars to relax. Seeing them differently one afternoon gave her a new direction.
"I have always created them as a calming, repetitive activity, and at that moment, I began to see them in a new way," she said.
"That visual sparked the idea of using origami as a metaphor for addiction, displaying how something simple and soothing can gradually become obsessive."
Philp enjoys editing most, particularly the process of shaping raw footage into a story, and is looking forward to developing her skills further as she moves into the next stage of her filmmaking journey.
This year marked the 30th anniversary of BUFTA, with a record 311 entries, 2617 People’s Choice votes and audiences streaming from 10 countries.
International submissions included 61 films from 20 nations, among them the United States, Germany, Malaysia, Turkey, Iran and Ukraine.
Dr Fisher said the milestone made this year especially memorable.
"This was the biggest BUFTA we have ever delivered. There were more entrants, more top-level industry guests, more prizes," he said.
"As a 30-year celebration it felt right, and having Bruce Molloy, the man who started BUFTA, there made it even more special," he said.
"BUFTA exists to discover new voices. Some will become feature film directors, some may go viral telling stories on TikTok, or in formats we haven’t imagined yet.
"The platform they excel in may not even exist today and that’s particularly exciting."
Ms Philp will begin a Bachelor of Film and Television at Bond University next year and hopes to build a long-term career in the industry.
"The Gold Coast will always feel like home, but I am open to working wherever opportunities arise," she said.
"I hope to continue learning as much as I can, and I am excited to study at Bond University to further develop my skills."
BUFTA 2025 WINNERS
Overall Winner – Scholarship
Evie Philp (Miami State High School)
Best Experimental Film – Folded
Best Music Video – Take Your Pick
Category Winners
Animation: Jules Leo – Captive
Comedy: Jessica Cross – The Story of Angelique
Experimental: Evie Philp – Folded
Art Film: Magenta Stafford – Greed
Drama: Ryan Ma – The Solo
Music Video: Evie Philp – Take Your Pick
Documentary: Sophie Lai – Ruth
Sports: Sophie Lai – To the Top
International: Alexander Salomon – Sunrise Falling
Major Awards
Best School: Huntingtower School
Gold Coast Filmmaker: Jules Leo – Captive
Director: Jules Leo – Captive
Script: Eleanor Creevey – The Glue Family
Cinematography: Magenta Stafford – Greed
Editing: Magenta Stafford – Greed
Sound: Ryan Ma – The Solo
Dean’s Choice: Stella Hely – Your Fault
People’s Choice: Jaime Del Castillo Parejo – The Great Balloon in the Sky
Jury Prize: Thomas Birkett