Announcing the Central Coast Filmmaker of the Year Initiative
The Central Coast Film Festival is proud to announce two major new awards for 2025, celebrating and investing in the next generation of homegrown talent:
● Central Coast Filmmaker of the Year – Awarded $1,000 courtesy of Sara Lee and a Screenworks membership including a 3-day pass to their acclaimed Regional to Global Screen Forum.
● Young Central Coast Filmmaker of the Year – Awarded $1,000 and ongoing academic mentorship from the University of Newcastle.
These honours reflect the festival’s deeper mission: to build a lasting, inclusive, and creative screen culture on the Central Coast - one that nurtures local voices while connecting them with national and international industry opportunities.
After a thrilling debut in 2024, the Central Coast Film Festival is set to return with even greater ambition and impact. Launched at the iconic Cinema Paradiso Ettalong by founders Shane Emmett, Carley Edmonds, and Timothy Wilde, the festival was born from a bold vision: to create a world-class, week-long film event that celebrates cinema in all forms—from sweeping feature films to daring experimental shorts. The inaugural event was a resounding success, drawing filmmakers and audiences from across the globe. Thanks to the support of Galleria Ettalong, Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort, Palm Studios and Bar Toto, the 2024 festival exceeded expectations: sold-out screenings, international submissions, and vibrant industry connections in the heart of the Central Coast.
Festival founder Shane Emmett said “for many years, it’s felt like a disadvantage to be a creative living on the Central Coast, outside of the city and its opportunities. So it’s exciting that the Central Coast Film Festival can now provide these opportunities by working with organisations who really care about fostering new voices and regional screen talent.”
The 2025 festival promises to be even bigger, offering over $20,000 in prizes and sponsorships and supported by leading industry partners.