While filming in the Valley wasn’t mandatory, its spirit infused many of the entries. Local landmarks appeared like old friends throughout the films, sometimes taking centre stage, other times offering subtle backdrops to human stories. The Valley’s distinctive landscapes – its winding roads, misty mountains and hidden waterfalls – became characters in their own right.
Three judges viewed and rated the 30+ anonymised entries alone before coming together to discuss and decide on the awarding of prizes. Director and cinematographer of Four Donkey Films, Tony Williams, editor of Shark Island Films, Sally Fryer, and award-winning journalist and 60 Minutes foreign editor Howard Sacre brought their unique and respected skills to a collaborative judging process.
Among the standout entries was Horse Aid by Harry Kielly, whose journey to becoming a filmmaker started with a camera in hand at school, capturing every sporting carnival, musical performance and special moment he could find. Now, at 23, this self-taught filmmaker’s victory in the inaugural Valley Shorts competition brings his natural storytelling talent into focus.
His winning film followed a 15-kilometre charity horse ride, with Harry chasing the action on horseback, on foot and by vehicle. “I was running and gunning, running through the paddocks and crossing creeks, on the back of utes and horses, filming it over the 15 kilometres of the ride,” Harry recalls.
What sets his work apart isn’t just technical skill – it’s genuine connection. “I cared about this,” he says simply. “I love horses. I really wanted to make a good film not only to honour Nicole and everyone involved, but to give people a sense of belonging.”
Harry has never been to film school but he found himself with an extraordinary opportunity – 106 days as a camera assistant on The Valley, a documentary directed by Ian Darling and shot by acclaimed cinematographer Ben Cunningham, known for his work with David Attenborough and National Geographic. “It was my film school,” Harry explains. “Being able to sit right behind Ian and Ben, watching how they set up a scene, how they look for people’s reactions, when to put the camera where … then watching what they’ve captured, how a professional crew works.”
When he talks about filming in the Valley, his passion for rural storytelling shines through. He sees potential in every corner – from long stretches of road to hidden waterfalls. “I think people want things they can connect to,” he reflects. “People want to laugh and feel moved and want to feel together.”
While he knows his career might eventually lead him to bigger cities, Harry’s heart is clearly tied to telling authentic Australian stories from the places he knows best. On the night of the premiere screening, as thunder crashed outside and the smell of popcorn filled the packed hall, his story of community spirit and horsemanship captured perfectly what Valley Shorts set out to achieve – celebrating local stories through local eyes.
This month’s Valley Voices
You can listen to Harry talk about his passion for film-making and the Valley, and more about his award winning film in Valley Shorts.
You can also watch Harry’s film and other entries here.
Valley Shorts – awarded films for 2025
| Creator/s | Film title | Prize |
| Harry Kielly | Horse Aid – A Charity Ride | $1000 – Best Film |
| Freya McGrath | Ophelia | $500 – Young Filmmaker Award (age 16–25) |
| The Bevis Family | Together | $400 – Family Filmmaker Award |
| Hayley Copeland | Ellie | $300 – Junior Filmmaker Award (under 16) |
| Alan Coleman | Do You Want to Hang Out | $100 – Best Lead Character/Actor |
| Nathan Thomas | Waiting | $100 – Best Use of the Heart |
| Brynn Carlile | Escape | $100 – Best Inclusion of a Kangaroo Valley Landmark |
