Red carpet ready: Fraser Shorts unveils finalists
THE FRASER Coast is set to roll out the red carpet this October with the inaugural Fraser Shorts Film Festival, a four-day celebration of creativity, storytelling, and community.
At the recent media launch, the festival revealed its full program of events and officially announced the finalists who will compete across multiple award categories.
The festival program will open on 18 October with a screening of the internationally acclaimed short film Is This Forever, followed by a Q&A session with its creator Charlie DiStefano and Bob Davis from Operation Hard Yakka.
That evening, audiences will also be invited to a Film Industry Panel Discussion featuring leading screen professionals including Charlie DiStefano, Nicole Payten-Betts, Amy Friesen, and Tanya Ellen from Screen Queensland.
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said “We are proud to support the inaugural Fraser Shorts Film Festival, which provides a vital platform to share regional stories that reflect Queensland’s storytelling diversity.
This festival encourages first-timer filmmakers through to more experienced hands to embrace the power of short films that can serve as a launchpad for remarkable careers.
Festivals like Fraser Shorts are essential in nurturing and championing regional talent across the state.”
Other highlights include:
• 24 October, 6:30pm – Community Screening, Maryborough (St Mary’s Catholic College)
• 25 October, 3:30pm – Student Screening, Bigscreen Cinemas Hervey Bay
• 25 October, 7:30pm – Adult Screening, Bigscreen Cinemas Hervey Bay
• 26 October, 6pm – Festival Awards Night, The Clubhouse Hervey Bay
Screen Fraser Coast Co-Chair Amy Friesen said the event is set to be a landmark celebration for the Fraser Coast.
Organisers are encouraging the community to attend screenings, take part in the conversations, and enjoy the red-carpet atmosphere.
With something for everyone—from student films and documentaries to dramas, comedies, and even music videos—the festival promises to be a showcase of diverse storytelling.
The Fraser Shorts Film Festival is proudly supported by Fraser Coast Regional Council, Screen Queensland, LiSTNR, Gould Marketing, Ramada Hervey Bay and the Hervey Bay Advertiser.
For event details, tickets, and the full list of finalists, visit https://www.frasershorts.com.au/
