Big screens. Bright ideas. Real industry impact.

JMC Academy is thrilled to once again team up with St Kilda Film Festival to spotlight emerging talent and shape the next generation of Australian storytellers.

Real Industry Experience for JMC Students

This year, JMC students are stepping into key behind-the-scenes roles across the festival — from event operations to content creation and more. It’s part of our commitment to hands-on learning that bridges the gap between the classroom and the creative industries.

These placements give students direct exposure to the energy and pace of a major film event, helping them develop critical skills, build networks, and graduate with confidence.

Development Day Returns: The Big Picture

We’re also thrilled to announce the return of The Big Picture — our free Filmmaker Development Day hosted at JMC’s Melbourne campus in partnership with the St Kilda Film Festival.

A hit with students and emerging creatives alike, the event features a full day of workshops, panels, and creative sessions, led by JMC lecturers and guest industry speakers. Whether you're into directing, cinematography, storytelling or production design, The Big Picture is designed to sharpen your skills, ignite new ideas, and connect you with the wider filmmaking community.

This year, we’re opening our doors even wider — welcoming not only current JMC students but future filmmakers as well. If you’re curious about a career in film, animation, or content production, this is your chance to step inside our studios and see what it’s all about.

JMC Lecturers on the Big Screen

Our Film & TV lecturers aren’t just teaching the next generation — they’re actively shaping the industry. We are beyond proud to see JMC’s Film & TV lecturers stepping into the festival spotlight and showcasing their films.

Riley Maguire presents Janus, a visually rich, time-travelling exploration of identity and obsession, screening as part of the festival program.

Jude Ella co-produced and shot To Freely Flourish, a heartfelt coming-of-age story about a queer Chinese-Australian teen. The film has already made waves across local and international festivals and is a finalist in St Kilda’s prestigious Top Short Film Competition.

Both films reflect the bold, thoughtful, and boundary-pushing storytelling that defines JMC’s creative culture.

See You at the Festival

Whether they’re gaining experience behind the scenes, stepping into workshops on campus, or premiering bold new work on the big screen, JMC students and staff are right at the heart of this year’s St Kilda Film Festival.

It’s a celebration of creativity, connection, and the real-world pathways that turn passion into profession — and we couldn’t be prouder to be part of it.