Students take centre stage in a celebration of cinematic excellence

The next generation of Australian filmmakers took centre stage last week at Understory High, showcasing an impressive array of short films created by high school students from across North Queensland.

Held at the Tanks Arts Centre last Friday, Understory High – a youth-focused subsidiary of the Understory Film Festival – featured 30 short films, all directed and produced by students in Years 7 to 12.

With 81 entries this year, the event serves as a springboard for budding directors and producers to gain recognition in the broader film community.

The increasing number of submissions and attendees each year reflects the growing importance of Understory High in nurturing young filmmaking talent in the region.

Winners in various categories will have their short films considered for the ultimate prize – a chance to be showcased on the big screen alongside other filmmakers' works at Understory Film Festival on Saturday 23 November at Munro Martin Parklands.

This year's Understory High event celebrated outstanding young talent across various categories.

Understory High 2024 winners Essential Screen Skills Best Film Award: Colour by Georgia WillisEssential Screen Skills People's Choice Award: Love by Tiago FloresBest Year 7-8 Narrative: The Light Switch by Charlotte CarterBest Year 7-8 Animation: Snippets of Life by Kaylee GubbBest Year 9-10 Narrative: Shadows in the Stalls by Dinara Harding, Ecca King, Sophie White, Savannah WhithamBest Year 9-10 Non-narrative: Only Up From Here by Zander KingsfordBest Year 9-10 Animation: Prom Night by Chalese CurnowBest Year 11-12 Narrative: In The End by Keesha WasonBest Year 11-12 Non-narrative: Love by Tiago FloresBest Year 11-12 Animation: When You Grow Up by Phoebe Slade

“This Understory High Film Festival win has given me great hope, motivation, and drive to create more films for my future careers and aspirations,” Tiago said.

“It has also given me great joy to have won, and I am very thankful to everyone who has taught, inspired me, and helped me with my processes.

“I hope to create more films and have even greater opportunities in the future as I have goals and dreams of becoming a filmmaker and actor.”

Understory Film Festival

Local filmmakers can participate in the Understory Film Festival Industry Exchange on Friday 22 November at the Tanks Arts Centre, with the free event starting at 7pm.

Three Authentic NQ documentaries by Alden Lyall, Josaphine Seale, Garth Edwards and Chedwa Whyte will be premiered, along with the first public screening of Tullyweed, a short mockumentary comedy by the inaugural FISS (Film Intensive Script to Screen) team.

The Understory Film Festival, now in its 11th year, continues to provide a platform for short films across a diverse selection of genres, encompassing comedies, documentaries, music videos, animations, experimental works and more.

Shortlisted entries will be screened, and winners will be announced during the awards presentation, with the People's Choice Award to be determined by the audience on the night.

Renowned actor Jimi Bani, known for his stellar performances in ABC's The Straits, his portrayal of Koiki 'Eddie' Mabo in the telefeature Mabo, and his roles in acclaimed productions such as Redfern Now, Remote Area Nurses, Black Comedy, and numerous theatre productions, will grace the main event as the esteemed host of the screening and awards presentation. His magnetic presence promises an evening of entertainment and celebration.

The Understory Film Festival Screen and Awards Presentation will be held on Saturday 23 November at Munro Martin Parklands. Gates open 6.30pm with the show to commence at 7pm.

BYO picnic rug or chair. Food vans and a full bar will be available. Ticket information is available now at ticketlink.com.au.

For more information on Understory High and the outline of winners go to cairns.qld.gov.au/understory.