ACTF News

Preschool animation Eddie’s Lil’ Homies and family feature film Windcatcher have been recognised for their excellence with nominations in the prestigious 2025 Banff World Media Festival Rockie Awards.

Windcatcher is nominated for Best Children’s Live-Action, while Eddie’s Lil’ Homies is nominated in the Preschool Animation category.

Eddie’s Lil’ Homies joins Eddie and his ragtag group of friends on their playground adventures as they navigate the fun and challenges of friendship. It’s a word of competition, imagination and fantasy, where anything and everything is possible, where imaginary friends can be real, games of rock paper scissors can take on stupendous importance, and kindness, empathy and a good rap can help put anything right.

Windcatcher is the first film made as part of a landmark partnership between the ACTF and Stan. It tells the story of 10-year-old Percy Boy Collins as he navigates new friendships, schoolyard bullies, family changes and Australia’s natural elements to become the hero of his own story. The film has already experienced much success on the international film festival and awards circuit, winning a MIPCOM Diversify TV Excellence Award, a Children’s Cinema Award and two National Asian Academy Creative Awards.

ACTF Head of Content Bernadette O’Mahony said: “We’re thrilled to see these two Australian productions recognised at the Banff World Media Festival. Both Windcatcher and Eddie’s Lil’ Homies have so much heart, kindness and positivity – it’s been wonderful to see audiences appreciate and enjoy them both, and now to have the BANFF international jury to acknowledge them.”

With a 45-year legacy, the Rockie Awards recognise excellence in global television and digital content. Entries from more than 45 countries compete each year, with winners selected by an international industry jury of over 150 entertainment and media professionals. Winners will be announced at the Banff World Media Festival in June.

Eddie’s Lil’ Homies is produced by Betts Promotions and Highly Spirited for NITV and Netflix. Financed with major production investment from the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) and with assistance from the South Australian Film Corporation. The series is distributed by the ACTF.

Windcatcher was produced by Unless Pictures and Every Cloud Productions (Eternus Group Company) and is a Stan Original Film. With major production investment from Screen Australia and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) in association with VicScreen, the Post Lounge, and Stan.Developed with the support of the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland.