Understory High 2023

Understory High was launched in 2023 as the brand new subsidiary film festival exclusive to high school students.

The screening and awards event saw a diverse selection of short films which represent the creative voices and visions of our region's young filmmakers, each film telling a unique and compelling story.

Understory High is a celebration of creativity, passion, and the boundless potential of youth in storytelling.

Two $500 vouchers for Garricks Camera House courtesy of Essential Screen Skills were awarded to the Best Overall Filmmaker and People's Choice Award recipients.

Understory High 2023 winners

  • Essential Screen Skills Best Overall Filmmaker: Shirley Vue
  • Essential Screen Skills People’s Choice Award: Spin to Win by Ella Pearce
  • Best year 7-9 Best Narrative: The Duel by Cooper Boundy, Kobin Powell & Tyler Fehlhaber
  • Best year 7-9 Animation: The Creative Urge by Glenn Alberts
  • Best Year 10 Narrative: Achievement Unlocked by Kara Zulkarnain
  • Best Year 10 Non-narrative: A Date With Nature by Alexix Lainie-Geldens & Charlotte Farrell
  • Best Year 10 Animation: Insta-transform by Sharan Singh
  • Best Year 11-12 Narrative: Spin To Win Ella Pearce (also People’s Choice)
  • Best Year 11-12 Non-narrative: Taking Me Nowhere by Imogen Loukas
  • Best Year 11-12 Animation: Searching by Niamh Hinton
Young & emerging musician, Tenni, performing at Understory High 2023
Understory High Best Overall Filmmaker Award Winner – Shirley Vue with Judges Rhianna Malezer and Mark Melrose. Shirley Vue’s Films Metanoia, Nedra Concept Reel and Singularity were all Highly Commended.
Understory High Best Year 11-12 Narrative and People’s Choice Award Winner: Spin to Win by Ella Pearce with Judges Rhianna Malezer and Mark Melrose
Understory High Best Year 11-12 Non-Narrative Award Winner: Taking Me Nowhere by Imogen Loukas with Judges Rhianna Malezer and Mark Melrose
Understory High Best Year 11-12 Animation Award Winner: Searching by Niamh Hinton with Judges Rhianna Malezer and Mark Melrose
Understory High Best Year 10 Animation Award: Insta-transform by Sharan Singh with Judges Rhianna Malezer and Mark Melrose
Understory High Best Year 10 Non-Narrative Award: A Date with Nature by Alexis Laine-Geldens & Charlotte Farrell with Judges Rhianna Malezer and Mark Melrose
Understory High Best Year 10 Narrative Award: Achievement Unlocked by Kara Zulkarnain with Judges Rhianna Malezer and Mark Melrose
Understory High Year 7-9 Best Animation Award: The Creative Urge by Glenn Alberts with Judges Rhianna Malezer and Mark Melrose
Understory High Best Year-7-9 Narrative The Duel by Cooper Boundy & Tyler Fehlhaber with judges Rhianna Malezer and Mark Melrose
Understory High Highly Commended Awards L-R Mark Melrose Screen QLD (Judge and Head of Studios and Physical Production, Screen QLD) Jack Fealy, Mia Chidwick, Claudia Kiss, Sam Leilua, Bianca Cheng, Shirley Bue, Rhianna Malezer (Judge and Writer Director and ex Cairns High Student)

Understory High 2023 Finalist Screening Shortlist

Last Updated: 15 July 2024

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