Fresh talent takes flight at Wollongong Short Film Festival

More than 900 people packed out UOW University Hall to see a variety of locally made movies united by a bird motif in the 2026 Creative Wollongong Short Film Festival.

Presented by the City of Wollongong in partnership with Screen Illawarra on March 27, the evening celebrated emerging and established voices.

The short film competition had a 'birds' theme, chosen to reflect the city's commitment to sustainability and climate resilience. It attracted a record number of entries, with 35 films submitted and 16 finalists screened at the festival. Winners shared prizes amounting to $5000 and industry training. 

One of three judges, producer Ian Collie said the films' standards and diversity had impressed him.

“What I loved was how diverse the storytelling was both tonally, thematically and in terms of the production values, and importantly how it showcased the great beauty and variety of the distinctive physical environment that is the Illawarra region,” Ian said.

Award-winning filmmakers shared their thoughts.

Jane Fullerton-Smith – director of Bin Day

Winner: best film, commissioned film category

“It was fast and furious but fantastic fun being able to make this project in the local area, with a good number of local cast and crew with a mix of experience and new and emerging talent who shone and were wonderful.

“Once awarded the script prize from Screen Illawarra and Wollongong City Council, we had a tight deadline to deliver the final product.

"This was a next to zero budget. So many people gave their time freely. I wish this wasn’t the way with creative projects, but sadly there is little funding and lots of creativity out there.

“The local community was what made this project possible. Our director of photography was local, as was our focus puller, runner, gaffer (lighting), unit manager.

“Also, my husband, and catering was many of my good friends cooking, making and delivering – if your crew don't eat, your film doesn’t get made. Special mention to our composer – Datu Begley who at 19 years old delivered an extraordinary score. A great soundtrack really makes your story sing.

“Three out of four cast members were local… Kelly Jones, Chris Stollery (and me) and the incredible Lynette Stollery was happy to travel down with her companion dog Jen because she loved the script. What an honour. All wonderful, experienced and generous actors with their time, talent and laughter.

“Remondis and One Agency in Thirroul gave us donations, not to mention Remondis trucks, bins and drivers… you can't have a film called Bin Day without all those assets.

“I loved seeing the talent that lives in our local area. What is better than a plethora of talent, making their stories come to life in the natural surrounds you call home. It made me proud.”

Nicole Stojanovska – director of The Things We Bury 

Winner: best film, open competition category

“The Things We Bury was a true labour of love, created to represent the Macedonian community I come from, whose stories are rarely seen on Australian screens.

“The film wouldn’t have been possible without their support, from sharing cultural knowledge to providing costumes and authentic props, and it meant a lot to feel that collective pride behind the project.

“Being part of the Illawarra filmmaking community is incredibly special… we all support and lift each other up. It was a pleasure to see the calibre of work on the night and to be recognised alongside so many talented Illawarra filmmakers.”

Five Islands Secondary College, supported by Wollongong Youth Services – makers of The Day

Winner: Best film, ages 12-18 years category

Elsie: “This is our little crew. Not everyone could be here tonight, unfortunately, but a shout-out to those who worked on this film that couldn't make it. I would like to thank Jeff, Chantelle, and Matt, our well-being officer at Five Islands. I'd also like to give a shout out to Youth Services and Five Islands Secondary College. Thank you so much.”