Winning Films Showcase Excellence in Filmmaking and Storytelling
ReelOzInd! Festival Premieres were held in Melbourne and Yogyakarta on 23 October, announcing the winning films from each of the competition categories. The short film awarded the overall Best Film prize and the award for Best Fiction film was ‘Kau, Aku, dan Kursi Itu’ (You, Me and That Chair) directed by Trivita Winataputri.
The Indonesia Premiere was hosted by the Kaliurang Festival Hub from Universitas Islam Indonesia at the Balai Layanan Perpustakaan Grhatama Pustaka. Festival Director, Jemma Purdey said they were particularly excited about premiering the 10th festival in Yogyakarta, “It feels like our spiritual home in Indonesia –over the years we have held several of our premieres in collaboration with amazing partners there”.
The 10th ReelOzInd! is a significant milestone for the largely grassroots-driven festival said Purdey, “We are extremely proud that since we began in 2016 the festival has showcased 100 short films in our pop-up live screenings across Indonesia and Australia. And amazingly, with our partners we have reached audiences in 150 locations across the journey. Through our online festival we have featured over 240 films. Incredible talent from both countries, and for a truly diverse audience.”
The 2025 festival showcases the films judged best by an esteemed Jury and include fiction, documentary, and animation films, and the best in the young filmmaker category. As Purdey described, “They reveal how imagination, when matched with outstanding technical and creative talent, can transport us to extraordinary places on screen. They are stories that, without exception, reflect deeply on what it means to be human and invite us to do that same.”
ReelOzInd! 2025 Finalists
Best Animation | Leleng | Zaenal Abidin (director) | Firman Widyasmara (producer) | Indonesia | 2025
Leleng, one of ‘tree mothers’ of the barren forest, is taking her last measures before being separated from her last descendant by the old forest guardian. Her hope is drifting with her cries, along with the hoarse voice of a hornbill.
Best Documentary | Wadjemup Wirin Bidi | Glen Stasiuk (director/producer) | Australia | 2025
Wadjemup has been a significant place for the First People of this land for at least 40,000 years. Once part of the mainland, it became an island as sea levels rose, regardless Wadjemup remains the place where the spirits of Noongar moort (family) travel to their final resting place beyond the Island. But Wadjemup also holds a dark secret which is part of the story of this land.
Special Mention Fiction | Buried in Time | Deandrey Putra (director/producer) | Farhan Nugraha (producer) | Indonesia | 2025
On a sun‑drenched beach, Laila and her mother lie buried neck‑deep in sand, staring blankly at the sea. Budi arrives and digs Laila free; the pair leave the mother behind. They, too, bury themselves side by side, sharing the scorching heat and ocean breeze.
Special Mention Fiction | Fallow | Bonnie Van De Ven (director) | Andrew O’Keefe (producer) | Australia | 2024
A widowed farmer must face his grief when his new high-tech hay-bailer takes on a life of its own.
Special Mention Documentary | Fighting for the Future | Marjito Iskandar Tri Gunawan (director/producer) | Indonesia | 2025
A group of young people in Yogyakarta come together to organize regular underground fighting events and run a self-funded, modest training camp for amateur fighters.
Special Mention Young Filmmaker | Hurt People, Hurt People | Isla Ayu Sri Ward (director/writer) | Indonesia | 2025
Suffering anxiety and isolation, Gabby falls victim to the merciless bully, Scarlet. Gabby is certain that reporting the situation will only make it worse. When the bullying continues, Gabby tries to fight back, only to discover that Scarlet is the victim of abuse at home. Shocked, Gabby discovers empathy for her tormentor and resolves to bridge the traumatic gulf that separates them.
Best Young Filmmaker | Running Away | Dari Justin (director/producer) | Australia | 2025
Ignored by his busy older brother, a bored 13-year-old decides to run away, but while packing, he finds a forgotten card game they made as kids.
Special Mention Animation | Elephant | Mia Innocenti (writer/director) | Phoebe Blanchard (writer) | Tenzin Kelly-hall (producer) | Australia | 2024
This story follows a daughter and her elderly mother in their daily routine, the daughter’s unconditional love, the mother’s fading memory, and the Elephant’s symbolic presence as the mother’s dementia – unspoken and ever present.
Best Fiction/ Best Film | Kau, Aku, dan Kursi Itu (You and Me and that Chair) | Trivita Tiffany Winataputri (director/writer) | Matt Wallace (director) | Lawrence Phelan (producer) | Australia/Indonesia | 2023
A devoted father in his late 60s is confronted with the imminent growth of his son. Based on the poem of the same name, ‘You, Me, and That Chair’ reflects on the universal experience of parental love, the ache of nostalgia, and the profound impact of the ordinary moments that shape our lives.
Watch the 2025 Festival Reel NOW on YouTube
