The Sunshine Coast’s premier screen event will bask in the spotlight of national acclaim for the local industry when it kicks off later this month.
ShowFest 2025, which runs from October 31 to November 2, comes at a time when the Sunshine Coast is gathering momentum as a serious contender on the national and global stage for screen production.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the region was emerging as one of Australia’s most dynamic screen destinations, with Netflix hits and national award nominations.
Mayor Natoli said Sunshine Coast Council was a finalist in the 2025 Economic Development Australia Awards, recognised for its collaboration in building a thriving screen industry that delivered new jobs, career pathways and a more diverse economy.
“These collaborations between government, industry, education and community are delivering tangible outcomes, diversifying the economy, and creating new career pathways in the screen sector,” she said.
Mayor Natoli said that honour came as The Edge, locally produced and now streaming on Netflix, earned multiple award nominations including at the prestigious Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards, while film and tv incubator competition Sunny Coast Showdown continued to gain national recognition, with its 2024 winner, The Hoist, among the 2026 AACTA award contenders.
She said this highlighted the region’s ability to produce original, authentic stories with national and global appeal.
“This is a proud moment for our region and we’re seeing the real economic and cultural benefits of investing in our creative industries.”
Mayor Natoli said Sunshine Coast Screen Collective data revealed that productions filmed on the Sunshine Coast typically reinvested up to 80 percent of their budgets into the local community.
The recognition bodes well for a successful ShowFest 2025, which will boast industry forums, cross-cultural screenings, awards and a showcase of emerging talent.
Screen Collective board secretary Louise Hayse said the community, filmmakers, and students were encouraged to get involved and support ShowFest.
“From seasoned professionals to first-time filmmakers, Showfest is where insight meets inspiration, where ideas find collaborators, and where the Sunshine Coast claims its place on the national screen stage,” Ms Hayse said.
“The Sunshine Coast screen scene is thriving – and there’s never been a better time to get involved.”
