The Gold Coast Film Festival Awards Gala promises an evening of celebration, fine dining, and red carpet excitement, as we come together to shine a spotlight on the incredible talent and creativity within the Australian film community.
Hosted at Queensland’s iconic Warner Bros. Movie World, the event is set to entertain while providing fantastic opportunities to network and connect with industry representatives and filmmakers.
On the night we will celebrate two of Australia’s most significant filmmakers, Charles and Elsa Chauvel, by presenting The 2025 Chauvel Award, to acclaimed Australian screen producer, director and writer, Robert Connolly.
Robert’s recent film THE DRY was a critical and commercial success followed by the sequel FORCE OF NATURE and BLUEBACK, screening at the Toronto International Film Festival and Sundance Film Festival. His most recent film as producer, THE SURFER premiered in Official Selection at the Cannes Film Festival this year. Robert’s other feature film credits include THE BANK, BALIBO and PAPER PLANES. Working alongside international and Australian cast such as Oscar Isaac, Eric Bana and Mia Wasikowska.
Through his Australian production company Arenamedia, Robert’s producing credits include THE SURFER starring Nicholas Cage, Frances O’Connor’s directorial debut EMILY starring Emma Mackey, THE BOYS, ROMULUS, MY FATHER and THE TURNING an acclaimed innovative feature film starring Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving and Rose Byrne.
Robert’s company has also championed the work of Indigenous filmmakers in Australia including Stephen Page’s SPEAR, Jub Clerc’s SWEET AS and Tony Briggs’ THE WARRIORS. With his company’s recent film Adam Elliot’s MEMOIR OF A SNAIL was nominated for an Academy Award in 2025, produced by Liz Kearney.
Join us to celebrate Robert and our local film industry at this much loved event.
