Red carpet rolls out for inaugural event Film By the Water

The Port Stephens stars of tomorrow are set to shine when Film By the Water makes its highly anticipated debut on Tuesday 16 September at Scotty’s Cinema in Raymond Terrace.  

Beginning at 5:30 pm, the red-carpet event will celebrate imagination, creativity, and the extraordinary filmmaking talents of students from 18 Port Stephens schools. 

The Port Stephens community will be among the first to experience this new addition to the Film By festival series, one of 12 held across the state.  

Film By is supported by the NSW Department of Education’s The Arts Unit and showcases the powerful storytelling skills of student filmmakers from Kindergarten to Year 12, providing young people with a platform to amplify their voices, build confidence, and inspire their communities through the art of storytelling. 
 
Film By Officer Karishma Mathur said the program gives every NSW public school student the chance to bring their ideas to life. 

“This is where the magic happens: on and off screen,” said Ms Mathur.

“Film By is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the stories that matter most to our young people.” 

Led locally by Trish Bowen, Director Educational Leadership, Port Stephens Principal Network and Heath Lawless, Principal Shoal Bay Public School, this inaugural Port Stephens event is set to become a flagship celebration of student creativity.

“We are committed to Explicit Teaching, High Potential and Gifted Education, and Equity for Excellence so that every child can thrive, and this initiative is a powerful reflection of our collective strength and unity,” said Ms Bowen.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have created together in the Port Stephens Network of Public Schools.  

“Film By the Water is not only a prestigious showcase of our students’ creativity, but also a reminder of the opportunities public education creates for young people to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”

The festival brings together students from 16 primary schools: Anna Bay, Bobs Farm, Fern Bay, Grahamstown, Irrawang, Karuah, Medowie, Raymond Terrace, Salt Ash, Seaham, Shoal Bay, Soldier’s Point, Tanilba Bay, Tea Gardens, Tomaree and Wirreanda, and Hunter River High School and Irrawang High School. 
 
“Each film is a testament to the collaboration of students and staff, reflecting months of hard work, imagination, and dedication,” Mr Lawless said. 

“Film By the Water also highlights the important role public education plays in nurturing excellence and encouraging them to explore pathways into cinematography, filmmaking, and the creative industries.” 
 
Selected outstanding films will go on to feature in the prestigious Film By Invitation festival in March 2026. 

FILMS: 

Anna Bay Public School – What’s Bin Happening 

Bobs Farm Public School – The Yarn 

Fern Bay Public School – Unprepared 

Grahamstown Public School – Liv’s Party Countdown 

Hunter River High School – Whispers in My Mind 

Irrawang High School – Twin Sisters and Simple Problem
 
Irrawang Public School – Dream Tide 

Karuah Public School – Safari Save 

Medowie Public School – Many Lost Moments 

Raymond Terrace Public School – Rewind 

Salt Ash Public School – Breaking 

Seaham Public School – The Light 

Shoal Bay Public School – Protect Our Seas 

Soldiers Point Public School – Lost in Transition 

Tanilba Bay Public School – The Last Drop 

Tea Gardens Public School – Leave Only Footprints 

Tomaree Public School – Little Whispers from the World 

Wirreanda Public School – The Colour of Friendship