Micro Short
Finding Joy
Directed by 
Paul Rye
AFIN 2026 Nominee
- 2026
- 7m
-
Australia - English
- G
- Comedy / Mockumentary
Stills
8 frames Still in the running. Winner announced at Awards Night, 19 September 2026.
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Credits
Written by
Produced by
Starring
Cinematography
Editing
Production Company
- Noel Street Productions
Synopsis
When a documentary crew starts filming his obsession with hourglasses, a charmingly awkward collector finds himself learning life's biggest lesson. time is precious, do what you what makes you happy.
On the nomination
To be nominated for our film Finding Joy is a true feeling of accomplishment, when we set out to make this film we wanted to reach into audiences hearts.
Director's Statement
Finding Joy is more than just a story about a man who collects hourglasses; it's a film about the search for connection in a world that often feels disconnected. Tim’s journey began as a humorous exploration of a quirky hobby, but it evolved into something more profound. A poignant look at loneliness and the universal desire to be seen and accepted for who we are. Through Tim's awkward charm and a series of hopeful setbacks, I want to invite the audience to reflect on their own passions and the unexpected places where true happiness is found. My vision for this film is a delicate balance of humour and heart, told with a genuine, documentary-style intimacy that makes us feel like we are right there with Tim on his quest. The film is a about being who you are and enjoying the moments in real time.
What makes this one special
Director's Biography
Paul Rye Director
Paul is a writer, producer and director based in Sydney. A 2023 film school graduate, he quickly established himself with his debut short film, ‘Places, Please!’ which screened at numerous festivals in Australia and abroad and earned a Sony Catchlight award nomination. While working on large-scale TV and Film productions in Australia and overseas, he produced two more short films in 2024, 'The Beast Inside' and ‘Wombo’, both of which have been selected for several Australian film festivals. In 2025 he wrote, produced and directed his follow up film titled ‘Third Act’ and the comedy-satire ‘Speculated Cinema’ while producing several other works for filmmakers Paul finished off the year with Finding Joy a heart warming mockumentary about a lonesome man looking for a connection in his isolated world. Paul finds joy in collaborating with his cast to discover dialogue and blocking that genuinely propels the story forward.
Trailer
Official laurels
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Nominee toolkit
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Finding Joy was an official Nominee for Best Australian Micro Short Film at the AFIN International Film Festival 2026, a Top 100 Best Reviewed and IMDb-qualifying festival.
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- Open the AFIN International Film Festival event page on IMDb and choose the 2026 edition.
- Choose Edit (contribute), then Awards, and add your film under the category (Best Australian Micro Short Film) with the outcome shown on your laurel above.
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