The biggest Port Shorts Film Festival to date entertained more than 800 guests on Saturday night, perfect conditions in a spectacular setting at the Rex Smeal Park eclipsed only by the high standard of films from local and nationally acclaimed filmmakers.

While the big winner from the two day festival was clearly Port Douglas for hosting an ever-growing film festival considered one of the best in Australia, NSW filmmaker Jack Shepherd won the open category with Yakka, a story of two young brothers fighting for their father’s approval, with the Jury prize going to Sage by the UK’s Max Blustin.

Festival Director Ali George was overjoyed by the support and the standard of films in this year’s event.

“What a fantastic night! Our biggest and best ever. Over 800 people enjoyed an evening of a great mix of very different films, perfect weather with a stunning Port Douglas sunset, and we all stopped to watch a full moon rise out of the ocean in the second intermission,’’ she said.

And while the ever-popular host Stephen Curry kept the crowd entertained, he was overshadowed by at least one film, Bird Drone, created by former Port Shorts winner Radheya Jang Jegatheva, which captured the audience’s attention and the Public prize on the night.

Other winners were James “Fry” Allen for his homage to local adrenaline junky Rob “Rickety” Parry titled “Do What You Love” who took the prize for Best Local Film.

Limited by the imaginations, Rob and crew have been riding the pinnacle of extreme sports waves with one mission in mind... To wingsuit BASE jump.

“I am honoured to share the infectious energy of our great friend and ring leader Rob Parry, gone but oh so present in so many Port Douglas hearts,’’ Fry said. 

“I have never been so happy to make so many people cry after the festival. Rob’s quote seems all too fitting for every human, everywhere, everyday…‘Do what you love, Love what you do’.