POSFF 2025: Pacific Ocean Short Film Festival Celebrates Storytelling and Culture in Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia – The Pacific Ocean Short Film Festival (POSFF) 2025 illuminated Melbourne's Richmond Theatrette on March 1st, delivering an unforgettable evening of storytelling, culture, and community. With over 70 attendees, the festival showcased ten compelling short films from across the Pacific region and beyond, each under 10 minutes, highlighting the depth and diversity of Pacific narratives.

2025 POSFF Winners and Finalists with Festival Director Richard Sergeant (left) and one of the Festival judges, Shivantha Wijesinha (right)

Award-Winning Films

POSFF also honoured excellence in short-form storytelling with six awards presented on the night. The categories included:

• Best Short Film

• Best Short Documentary

• Best Short Animation

• Best Cinematography

• Best Actor

• Viewers’ Favourite Film of the Night

  
  

Five of which received an AFI Annual Membership, generously donated by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA), providing them with valuable industry resources and networking opportunities.

See the winners HERE.

A Celebration of Culture and Community

Beyond the films, POSFF 2025 was a vibrant celebration of Pacific culture. Attendees enjoyed a festive atmosphere with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and lively music. A highlight of the evening was the performance by the Central Province Dancers from Papua New Guinea, who brought traditional dances to life, captivating the audience and adding a rich cultural dimension to the event. 

Looking Ahead

Festival founder and director Richard Sergeant, a Papua New Guinean filmmaker based in Melbourne, expressed his gratitude and excitement:​

“We created POSFF to give Pacific voices and stories a platform—and last night, we witnessed the power of storytelling to connect, celebrate, and inspire. Seeing everyone together, enjoying the films, dancing, eating, laughing—that’s what it’s all about.”​

With its successful inaugural event, POSFF is poised to become a staple in Melbourne's cultural calendar, continuing to amplify Pacific voices and stories.​

For more information and updates, visit the official POSFF Facebook page: Pacific Ocean Short Film Festival.