On Tuesday 23 March, the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) hosted its annual Screen Showcase, gathering industry partners, friends, staff and students to celebrate the creative achievements of its newest graduands.
The Screen Showcase is dedicated to celebrating student talent while fostering connections with practitioners in the screen industry. The event was attended by more than 100 people, including representatives from a range of production companies, streaming services and broadcasters.
Six films and four excerpts from the Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production (BA) and the Master of Arts Screen (MAS) programs were screened in the main theatre. These, and all other graduation films from these cohorts, are now available for guests to view online.
From a mythological Māori world to moments of connection through art and the nostalgia of growing up in Australia, the stories offered a rich world of voices through a range of techniques and genres, including drama, documentary and hybrid formats – and were received with enthusiasm.
The screening was introduced by AFTRS Director of Teaching and Learning Maia Horniak, AFTRS Council Member Zareh Nalbandian, and Student Council Member Lauren Hulley.
Maia welcomed guests and explained that the selected films were part of “an extraordinary slate of work” produced by AFTRS’ students in 2025, including five MA capstone shorts, five visual poems, 12 BA graduation project elective productions and 14 successfully completed industry placements, among other course productions.
“This work is a representative cross section across the breadth and depth of AFTRS’ talent …many of whom have already had a taste of working in the industry and are now committed to turning that experience into long-term careers. And as you’ll see here tonight from the selection of works, they are well and truly ready.”
Zareh, co‑founder of global animation studio Animal Logic and CEO of Animal Logic Entertainment and Truant Pictures, congratulated the students on their films.
“The work … is not just student work; it’s evidence of discipline, resilience, collaboration and craft. These are the foundations of professional practice, and they matter just as much as talent.”
Reflecting on his own prolific career, Zareh added: “Great screen work is never created by one person alone. It’s made by teams who are technically excellent, creatively curious, courageous and generous collaborators. And that’s why AFTRS matters so deeply. AFTRS doesn’t just teach people how to make content; it prepares them to solve problems under pressure and contribute meaningfully to complex, collaborative, creative ecosystems. That’s what our industry is about.”
Lauren, an emerging director/editor and BA graduand who has served as the student member of AFTRS Council and as secretariat for the Student Representative Council, said the student filmmakers were filled with “great excitement and great fear” to have their works viewed by talented industry professionals.“The films you’re about to be watching tonight are only a very small selection of the amazing work that has been produced by our graduating cohorts,” they said. “But the work that has been selected is a true testament to the high calibre of skill and thoughtful storytellers that are fostered here at AFTRS.”
Lauren noted that the presence of industry guests to connect with their work was an important step to continue growing and evolving in the screen industry, and professionally: “Your presence tonight is greatly cherished and appreciated.”
Adding to the night’s conversations, Lachlan A’Court, a graduand of the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting, joined industry guests and fellow students to discuss the films and share what they’re most excited about for their future careers.
AFTRS will continue to celebrate student work and strengthen industry connections through upcoming events, including:
- AFTRS Radio & Podcasting Showcase – 28 April
- AFTRS Screen Business Networking Breakfast at Screen Forever – 30 April
