We’re excited to announce the winners of this year’s Audience Choice Awards at the West End Film Festival: Each winner is listed per genre category.
Audience Choice winner for “Crime” category
Snakes by Adam France
An Australian butcher begins bootlegging meat in a desperate attempt to fund the trip of a lifetime with a newfound lover.
Runner Up: Waiting for the Man by Gerard Lambkin
Audience choice winner for “Horror 1” category
The Shroud by Shane Anderson
A fashion designer stirs up angry spirits when he destroys an old funeral shroud to make his latest creation.
Runner Up: Doghouse by Charnstar Anderson
Audience choice winner for “Horror 2” category
The Pill by Isabella Josey
Worried that her boyfriend, Harry, may leave her, an insecure Mia promises to have sex with him. Preparing to lose her virginity, Mia begins taking the birth control pill to the advice of her confident best friend Vanessa. However, Mia’s newfound confidence is disrupted by a series of unsettling side effects that lead Mia to believe a startling reality – something is growing inside of her.
Runner Up: Blood Sisters by Muraya Moore
Audience choice winner for “Documentary” category
Unconditional Bond by Alexandra Pirani
Documentary, following an Aussie family and their struggles with adoptions of their children from Colombia and Korea
Runner Up: 86 by Yael Moonbeam Taubenfeld
Audience choice winner for “Romance” category
Nightfall by Daniel Guerrero
An intimate reflection on love, happiness, and death, this short film follows a couple’s emotional journey to explore the cycles and contrasts that shape the human experience.
Runner Up: Stalk This Way by Zachary Boulton
Audience choice winner for “Family” category
Dragon’s Breath by Melanie Easton
A group of middle schoolers must convince their friend to perform in the school talent show after she reveals an embarrassing and fantastical secret.
Runner Up: Move Over by Maggie Marchant
Audience choice winner for “Music Video” category
METAL by Silver Sircus, directed by Rhys Tyack
METAL is a music video created by film-maker Rhys Tyack in collaboration with Brisbane/Meanjin band Silver Sircus. The track is from the new Silver Sircus album of the same name, featuring radical reinterpretations of the songs of UK synth pioneer Gary Numan. Silver Sircus released METAL MY as a video clip and single in March 2025. The clip features a dual performance from physical performer/dancer Lisa O’Neill with lead vocalist Lucinda Shaw.
Runner Up: The Way It Goes by Echo Hotel
Audience choice winner for “Music Video” category
The Muse by Jessica Sherlock
A psychological drama short film premised upon the relationship between a reclusive photographer and her unknowing muse.
Runner up: Dear Moon by Aimee Dunn
Audience choice winner for “Action & Comedy” category
A Dog’s Tale by Martin Doyle
Two Men Meet Up To Make A Deal. A Clever Dog Has Plans of His Own.
Runner Up: The Sandwich by Zach Sullivan
Audience choice winner for “Sci Fi & Fantasy” category
Do You Have a Minute? by Lachlan Sumner
A university student is stuck in a never-ending cycle of being sold life insurance.
Runner Up: A Moment for Melvin by David Lawrence
