The South Australian Screen Awards 2025 showcased the strength, creativity, and cultural depth of South Australia’s screen industry, celebrating outstanding filmmakers and emerging voices across the state. Held on 22 November at The Mercury Cinema, the event highlighted the growing impact of local storytelling and the success of talent development initiatives that continue to shape Australia’s screen landscape.
This year’s ceremony featured more than 40 nominees competing across 27 categories, underscoring the diversity of genres and perspectives represented in the South Australian screen sector. With over $30,000 in prizes awarded, the event reaffirmed its role as a major platform for elevating new and established filmmakers.
Major Winners at the South Australian Screen Awards 2025
One of the most notable achievements of the night came from Leela Varghese, whose bold short film I’m The Most Racist Person I Know earned the prestigious Grand Jury Prize. The film also won Best Directing and Best Music Composition, marking it as one of the standout works of the festival. Varghese’s project was praised for its inventive storytelling, cultural relevance, and distinctive artistic voice.
The awards continued to spotlight emerging creators, with Pearl Berry receiving the Best Emerging First Nations Screen Practitioner award. Her recognition reflects the long-term commitment of South Australian film institutions to elevate Indigenous voices and narratives in the arts.
Other key winners included:
- Lesbian Space Princess — Best Feature Film
- The Secret — Best First Nations Work
- Wishes: Windows & Nests — Best Animation
- The Hitcher — Awarded for Sound Design
- Boy on Fire — Recognized for Cinematography and Narrative Achievement
These results highlight the breadth of talent contributing to the South Australian film ecosystem, from genre-driven features to experimental shorts and community-rooted productions.
Support for Emerging Talent
The South Australian Screen Awards 2025 also served as a testament to the success of development programs such as Quicksilver, Launch Lab, and various SAFC-backed initiatives. Many of the awarded projects emerged from these support pipelines, demonstrating how training, mentorship, and funding continue to elevate South Australia as a hub for screen innovation.
Quicksilver in particular had a strong presence at this year’s awards, with multiple nominated and winning films produced under its guidance. The program provides early-career filmmakers with hands-on experience, industry mentorship, and structured opportunities to refine their craft.
A Vibrant Future for South Australian Cinema
Industry observers noted that the South Australian Screen Awards 2025 represent not just a celebration of past work, but a preview of what is to come. With growing government support, state-of-the-art production facilities, and a thriving community of filmmakers, South Australia is increasingly recognized as a national leader in screen storytelling.
The event also highlighted how grassroots creativity and institutional support intersect to shape a sustainable film environment. From First Nations storytelling to boundary-pushing experimental filmmaking, the awards demonstrated the cultural richness and artistic ambition defining the region’s contemporary film scene.
As global audiences continue to seek fresh voices and diverse perspectives, the achievements recognized at the South Australian Screen Awards 2025 reinforce South Australia’s position as an incubator for world-class screen talent.
Source: SAFC
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