Canberra’s young directors, actors and film industry professionals came together for the grand final of the Canberra Short Film Festival, on Saturday 18th at Dendy Cinema.

The final featured the top films as voted by the audience from the previous nights. The selection included an impressive array of films from 5 categories; Schools, Youth, Canberra, National and Music Video, with drama and dark story lines a popular theme.

The winning films from each category were then decided by a panel of judges.

‘National’ category winning film ‘Little wings,’ by Polly Staniford and James Short from Victoria, features an enchanting story based around 6 year old Billy, who doesnt fit in at school. When Billy loses his first tooth a special gift from the tooth fairy brings a new friend into his world and together they embark on a magical adventure.

“As a filmmaker, I am really interested in stories that combine drama with magical realism. In writing and making ‘Little Wings’ I wanted to remind people what it was like to live with such a vivid and fantastical imagination. Told to act our age. Told to grow up. Somewhere along the road, myths, fairies, father Christmas and magic at large are often lost,” said Polly Staniford, Director.

‘Canberra’ category winner ‘Dearth,’ by Peter Fock and Bruce Davie excelled with its clever script and measured tension building to a crescendo of light hearted relief.

Crime/drama film ‘Struggle’ by won the ‘Youth’ category, and Alice Desmond from Narrabundah College took us on a surreal trip with her winning piece, Wonderland, which took out the schools category.

Local duo ‘Volley Films’ produced the award winning Music Video with their quirky mash up of D’Opus & Roshambo feat Hancock Basement’s The Basement.

Pre screening, the red carpet was buzzing with anxious directors, actors and industry professionals. A jazz quartet set the mood and the buzz of conversation and laughter was heightened with smiling Jameson’s Irish Whiskey reps whipping up delectable cocktails for obliging guests.

Funded by the ACT Government and with thirteen years now under its belt, the festival is a celebration of Australian filmmaking and is firmly positioned on the Canberra cultural calendar. Its unique bohemian atmosphere attracts crowds from all across Australia to the nation’s capital.