2025 Prizes
NOVA EMPLOYMENT CHOICE AWARD
Winner - Brand New Toyota Corolla courtesy of NOVA Employment and Noble Toyota
* Australian submissions only. At NOVA Employment's discretion, the award may be presented either to the filmmaker or to the person featured in the winning film, in recognition of their contribution to promoting ability and inclusion.
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AUSTRALIAN OPEN SECTION
Judges Choice - Official Selection Short Film
Winner
- $5,000
- 4 x 1hr Career Sessions with Jessica Orcsik from Diversity Pictures
- 2 x 1hr Sessions with Tsu Shan Chambers from WiseGoat Productions
- 2 x 1hr Sessions with Lisa Duff from EQ Media Group
- 2x 1hr Career Sessions with Isaac Elliott (3 x Australian Directors Guild (ADG) nominee Australian film and television director)
- 2 x 1hr Mentoring Session with Award Winning Australian Producer Judi Levine
- 2x 1hr Career Sessions with Emmy Nominated Cinematographer and Director Tony Gardner
- Featured guest on Let Me Talk Podcast with Zoe Markos
- Featured guest on Meet The Biz Podcast
Judges Choice - Official Selection Documentary
Winner
- $5,000
- Create Your Own Content Course with AAFTA 2026
- 2 x 1hr Group Career Sessions with Sarah Barton (Logie Award winning filmmaker)
- 2 x 1hr Career Sessions with Ruth Cullen (AFI/AACTA Documentary Award Winner)
- 2 x 1hr Career Sessions with Niyati Libotte
- Featured guest on Let Me Talk Podcast with Zoe Markos
- Featured guest on Meet The Biz Podcast
Most Online Votes - (Short Film or Documentary)
Winner
- $5000
- Create Your Own Content Course with AAFTA 2026
Judges Choice - Best Screen Writer
Winner
- 2 x 1hr Screenwriting mentorship with Sarah Elizabeth Fahey (Writer and Executive)
- 2 x 1hr Screenwriting mentorship with Sarah Barton (Logie Award winning filmmaker)
- 2 x 1hr Writing & Mentoring Sessions with Kimberly Cooper
- 2 x 1hr Career Sessions with Jessica Orcsik from Diversity Pictures
Impact Award
Winner
- You'll select from one of the 2026 Impact Lounge events eg Sundance Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, or Tribeca Film Festival, to feature on a panel highlighting your film, your message, and your impact through storytelling, including event ticket and money can't buy opportunities. (Does not include flights and accommodation)
Best Actor in Short Film
Winner
- 2 x 1hr One on One Sessions with Robbie Ryde CEO of AAFTA
- A Career Consult Meeting with Diversity Creative Management
- 2 x 1hr Mentoring Sessions with Award winner and American Actress Rachel Handler
- 2 x 1hr Career Coaching Sessions with Nick Hardcastle (Australian entertainer and media personality)
- 1 x 1hr Mentorship with Award Winning Actor Travis Jeffery
- 1hr Acting Coaching Session with David S. Zimmerman
- Featured guest on Let Me Talk Podcast with Zoe Markos
- Featured guest on Meet The Biz Podcast
Judges Choice - Best Director
Winner
- 2x 1hr Career Sessions with Canadian Filmmaker Lucy McNulty
- 2 x 1hr Career Sessions with Jessica Orcsik from Diversity Pictures
- 2x 1hr Career Sessions with Isaac Elliott (3 x Australian Directors Guild (ADG) nominee Australian film and television director)
- 2x 1hr Career Sessions with Emmy Nominated Cinematographer and Director Tony Gardner
- Featured guest on Let Me Talk Podcast with Zoe Markos
- Featured guest on Meet The Biz Podcast
Best Producer Australia Award - (Short Film or Documentary)
Winner
- 2 x 1hr Career Sessions with Jessica Orcsik from Diversity Pictures
- 2 x 1hr Sessions with Tsu Shan Chambers from WiseGoat Productions
- 2 x 1hr Session with Lisa Duff from EQ Media Group
- 2 x 1hr Mentoring Sessions with Award Winning Australian Producer Judi Levine
- 2x 1hr Career Sessions with Canadian Filmmaker Lucy McNulty
NOVA Employment Australian Choice Awards
5x Winner's - $500
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AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND SCHOOL SECTION
Judges Choice - Official Selection Short Film
Winner
- LG TV and Sound Bar package- Valued at $7,298
- 2 x 1hr or 1x 2hr Session with Robbie Ryde CEO of AAFTA
- Featured guest on Let Me Talk Podcast with Zoe Markos
- Featured guest on Meet The Biz Podcast
Judges Choice - Official Selection Documentary
Winner
- Toshiba Package worth $7,500
- Create Your Own Content Course with AAFTA 2026
- 2 x 1hr Group Career Sessions with Niyati Libotte
- 2 x 1hr Group Career Sessions with Sarah Barton (Logie Award winning filmmaker)
- 2 x 1hr Career Sessions with Ruth Cullen (AFI/AACTA Documentary Award Winner)
Most Online Votes (Short Film or Documentary)
Winner
- $5,000
- Create Your Own Content Course with AAFTA 2026.
Best Teen Actor in a Short Film
Winner
- 2 x 1hr One on One Sessions with Robbie Ryde CEO of AAFTA
- 2 x 1hr Mentoring Sessions with Award winner and American Actress Rachel Handler
- 2 x 1hr Career Coaching Sessions with Nick Hardcastle (Australian entertainer and media personality)
- 1 x 1hr Mentorship with Award Winning Actor Travis Jeffery
- 1 x Career Consult Meeting with Diversity Creative Management
- 1x 1hr Acting Coaching with David S. Zimmerman
- Featured guest on Let Me Talk Podcast with Zoe Markos
- Featured guest on Meet The Biz Podcast
NOVA Employment School Choice Awards
7x Winner's - $1000
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INTERNATIONAL SECTION (Outside of Australia)
Judges Choice - Official Selection Short Film
Winner
- $5,000 AUD
- One on One Session with Robbie Ryde CEO of AAFTA
- 2 Career Sessions with Jessica Orcsik from Diversity Pictures
- Featured guest on Meet The Biz Podcast
- Featured guest on Let Me Talk Podcast with Zoe Markos
Runner Up - Create Your Own Content Course with AAFTA 2026
Judges Choice - Official Selection Documentary
Winner
- $5,000 AUD
- Create Your Own Content Course with AAFTA 2026
- Featured guest on Let Me Talk Podcast with Zoe Markos
- Featured guest with Meet The Biz Podcast
Runner Up - Create Your Own Content Course with AAFTA 2026
Most International Online Votes
Winner
- $5,000 AUD
- Create Your Own Content Course with AAFTA 2026
Runner Up - Create Your Own Content Course with AAFTA 2026