6 | Jasmine and Stuart Charles (SSFF Festival and Artistic Directors)

Today’s guests are Jasmine and Stuart Charles, the Festival and Artistic Directors of the Stellar Short Film Festival. In this episode, Jasmine and Stuart share their approach to programming the ‘Stellar 12’, a collection of twelve highly acclaimed Australian short films, and explain their motivation behind establishing Melbourne’s popular outdoor film festival.Also, hear from Tony Briggs (SSFF26 Jury Member), Nash Edgerton (SSFF26 CANDY BAR), Ashley Zukerman (SSFF26 JASON IS MY DAD), and Damian Walshe-Howling (SSFF26 UNSPOKEN) on the red carpet at the 2026 Stellar Short Film Festival. We ask them one question: “If you had to restart your career tomorrow, but knowing what you know right now, what would be the first thing you’d do to get back to the position you’re in today?”Chapters00:00 - Introduction00:20 - Establishing the Stellar Short Film Festival02:51 - Programming the Stellar 1206:20 - SSFF26 Jury & Live Judging Process09:14 - What Contributes to a Thriving Film Festival10:02 - Wrap Up10:20 - SSFF26 RED CARPET: Tony Briggs (SSFF26 JURY)11:11 - SSFF26 RED CARPET: Nash Edgerton (CANDY BAR)11:32 - SSFF26 RED CARPET: Damian Walshe-Howling (UNSPOKEN)12:30 - SSFF26 RED CARPET: Ashley Zukerman (JASON IS MY DAD)13:28 - Wrap UpBiographiesTony Briggs is a writer, director, actor and producer. Tony wrote the award winning play The Sapphires, and later penned the feature film adaptation, which premiered at Cannes in 2012, earning 11 AACTA Awards (including Best Adapted Screenplay) and an AWGIE Award. He is also the Artistic Director of the biennial First Nations-led Birrarangga Film Festival. Nash Edgerton is a writer, director, producer, stuntman, actor, and editor. Nash’s screen credits include the television series Mr. Inbetween (2018-2021), the feature films Gringo (2018) and The Square (2008, Sydney Film Festival), and the short films Candy Bar (2025, Sundance, BFI London Film Festival, Flickerfest), Bear (2011, Cannes, Sundance, SXSW), and Shark (2021, Sundance, TIFF).Damian Walshe-Howling is an actor, director, and writer. Damian’s screen credits include the television series Last King of the Cross (2023), Underbelly (2008), the upcoming feature film Spa Weekend (2026), and short films Unspoken (2024, Clermont-Ferrand, CinefestOz, St Kilda Film Festival), Messiah (2016, Sydney Film Festival), and Suspended (2012, Locarno, Flickerfest). Ashley Zukerman is an actor, writer, and director. Ashley’s screen credits include the television series Succession (2018-2023), Rush (2008), The Code (2014-2016), Manhattan (2014-2015), and the short film Jason is My Dad (2024, Adelaide Film Festival, Stellar Short Film Festival). If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for all the updates. If you’d like to get involved and have specific questions for our guests, feel free to send us your questions, and we’ll look to include them in future episodes. Be sure to tell your friends and consider leaving us a review and rating to help spread the word.  Thanks for listening.  Submissions for AIFF26 are currently open. Enter SOFTSTICKS for 30% off the entry fee. The Soft Sticks Podcast is presented by the Adelaide Independent Film Festival and is hosted by Tom Kerby.This episode was edited and mixed by Melissa Pons. You can find her latest work here. This conversation was recorded at the 2026 Stellar Short Film Festival.For more information, please visit our website or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Not a member of Australia’s only subscription based cinema and screen industry support organisation? Sign up today via themercury.org.au/subscriptions About AIFFThe Adelaide Independent Film Festival (AIFF) is an annual celebration of short films, proudly presented in two beloved cinemas in the festival state of South Australia. The 2026 Adelaide Independent Film Festival will take place between 3 - 4 October at the heritage-listed Capri Theatre and The Mercury.