UPSTAGEING Short Film & Video Competition
Welcome to the digital home of the UPSTAGING Festival Film & Video Competition. A collaboration between COTA ACT and Screen Canberra, this showcase honors the creativity and lived experiences of older people in our community.
This year’s entrants have delivered an incredible standard of filmmaking, utilising the lens to tackle ageism and celebrate connection. Whether amusing or deeply challenging, each work highlights the vibrant role seniors play in shaping Canberra’s arts and culture. Explore this collection of short films that inspire us to look closer, think deeper, and connect across generations.
Competition Entries
Paul Easther - DJ Juno
In this heartwarming (and slightly chaotic!) short, Juno shows her grandma a TikTok clip she secretly filmed — Grandma dancing around the kitchen with a whisk like it’s a microphone.
What follows is a hilarious look at what happens when older generations collide with the world of social media, from misunderstanding what “viral” means… to proudly declaring themselves an influencer in under 10 seconds.
Whether you’ve taught your grandparents how to use their phone… or caught them doing something unintentionally iconic… this one’s for you. ❤️😂
Vijay Kumar Koul - Retired
For those who lived through it including me. Saturday Night Fever was more than a movie; it was a pulse, a rhythm of youth. Stayin’ Alive filled our nights with music, laughter, and unforgettable moves. Through my lens, this video brings back that disco magic, letting seniors dance again in memory and joy..
Somebody's Aunt - Aunts on Scooters
Aunts on Scooters is a 3 minute film created and performed by Somebody’s Aunt dance ensemble. The film has the whimsy and playfulness of older women riding e-scooters around Canberra. It advocates for active travel and a fun way to improve inclusion and safety in the city. With the theme of ‘Scoot Not Pollute’ the film promotes the environmental benefits of e-scooters and most importantly, anyone can do it! Older women too can traverse the city day and night and enjoy the freedom of micro mobility.
Mike Siers - The Secret of Successful Ageing
I was invited by a neighbour to go cycling (road bikes) with a group of his friends. I was amazed at their ability despite their ages. I was intrigued by their previous nationalities, family backgrounds, their previous careers, and their continued zest for life. We are all retired but share a love for the outdoors, the Canberra region and the joy of staying active. I love making movies so one day wanted to record a glimpse of one of their rides as well as their off handed comments about their secret to successful ageing. I trust this video conveys the continued potential for fun we all possess as we age.
Carol Williamson & Frances Wild - Morning Morning
Morning Morning is a 4 minute, iPhone footage film, following a group of local woman who regularly walk up Canberra’s Red Hill. Inspired by the life affirming words written by Danish philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard in a letter to his niece, the film is a simple meditation on the art of walking. Within the softly narrated film, “Just keep walking” becomes a call to action mantra, celebrating the beauty and the benefits of the morning trek.
Paul Easther - Meet the Grandparents
Lil Juno went to visit her grandparents… and things got confusing in the cutest possible way.
Grandma materialises cookies out of thin air, Grandpa summons ancient stories,
and Juno tries (and fails) to teach them anything about technology.
Somewhere between the snacks, the life lessons, and the mysterious knitted hat…
she starts wondering if the world is just a little too complicated for people who bake cookies
and remember everyone’s birthday. 🍪🧶✨
Vijay Koul - The Plastic Truth: What Every Senior Needs to Know”
Plastic breaks into tiny particles that now enter our bodies through food, water, and air. These microplastics are found in our blood, lungs, and even the heart, and may increase disease risk. Seniors are especially vulnerable. Small steps like avoiding plastic bottles and packaging can meaningfully reduce exposure and protect health.
Annette Fisher - 'Really Good Stuff'
‘Really Good Stuff’. Peter is 95 and has led a vibrant and adventurous life. Despite the challenges of getting older he is willing to enter into new experiences including social, physical, political, physical events. His message to the world is ‘Love and Kindness’.
Ruth Pieloor - Becoming Thoughtless
Behind The Scenes (Making of) a short film about a woman navigating early onset dementia.
As many forms of dementia are genetic and how care needed impacts family and loved ones directly, it covers intergenerational themes as well as ageing. But this is a hopeful piece about the need for family, community and others around us to support one another.
Nathan Collett - The Last Continemt
Just before turning 80, James defies mobility and health challenges to fulfill his dream of reaching Antarctica. His biggest concern turns not to his self, but the environment around him.
Neva Kastelic - My skin is bark
‘My skin is bark’ is a short film that celebrates ageing by exploring the parallels between human skin and eucalyptus bark. Through my poetry and images, my film reflects on time, the individual and the natural world that surrounds her.
Paul Gordon Hutchison - Reviving The Spark
An ageing artist recounts how he has returned to his livelong love for painting after enduring some hard and dark times – Positive ageing; resilience out of adversity; creative spirit and wonder; art, memory and family; love of nature and landscape in Canberra; rediscovery of inner purpose and the spark of imagination
Paul Easther - Meeting Angus
A young girl was walking along cookieing, when she came across an old rock’n’roller named Angus. Things got confusing in the cutest possible way.
Ruth Pieloor - REMEMBERING MUM
Behind The Scenes (Making of) a short film about a woman navigating early onset dementia
UPSTAGEING Short Film & Video Competition Awards
Active Ageing Award – Winner – Secret of Successful Ageing – Mike Siers
For an amateur short film that champions active, social ageing and the “use it or lose it” spirit of staying engaged at every stage of life.
Creative Renewal Award – Winner – Reviving the Spark – Paul Hutchison
For an accomplished short film that explores the transformative power of art, creativity and purpose in later life.
Across Generations Award – Winner – Meet Angus & Grandparents Visit – Paul Easther
For outstanding animation bringing generations together, highlighting creativity, connection and shared storytelling.
Ageing with Attitude Award – Winner – Aunts on Scooters – Somebody’s Aunt
For a joyful, high-energy short film that celebrates positive ageing through movement, dance and fun — boldly challenging ageing stereotypes
Commended – For Storytelling with Heart Commendation – Remembering Mum – Ruth Pieloor
For an insightful behind-the-scenes/documentary-style work exploring creativity, caregiving and dementia through humour, honesty and love.
Commended – For Moments of Love Commendation – Really Good Stuff – Annette Fisher
For a tender and moving portrayal of everyday life, honouring love, companionship and presence in later life.
Commended – For Creative Expression Commendation – My Skin is Bark – Neva Kastelic
For a poetic work that beautifully weaves image, music and verse to reflect on ageing, skin and the natural world.
Commended – For Spirit of Adventure Commendation – Last Continent – Nathan Collett
For a visually striking cinematic story that celebrates curiosity, courage and exploration well into older age.
Thanks to our UPSTAGEING Short Film & Video Competition supporters
