At the centre of it all are two passionate volunteers from the Geelong Waterfront Film Foundation: Belinda Lyle, Executive Director & Acting Chair, and Director Meryl Whiteside.
Belinda has a corporate and accounting background, and after making a career change, now brings a powerhouse mix of public relations, content marketing, social media and event management. Through her business, B well connected, which she has been running for over 12 years, she works with clients to nurture and connect ideas, audiences and opportunities.
Meryl, whose creative experience spans film, television and theatre, brings decades of hands-on storytelling expertise. She’s across producing, directing, lighting, choreography and performance. She also runs the travel channel Aussie Boomers Travel and has served the community as a Justice of the Peace for 18 years.
At the centre of it all are two passionate volunteers from the Geelong Waterfront Film Foundation: Belinda Lyle, Executive Director & Acting Chair, and Director Meryl Whiteside.
“Great stories grow from community. This festival brings creatives together to learn, collaborate and create, and guess what? That’s where the magic really happens,” Meryl Whiteside
Together, they’re leading a dedicated team of Friends of Geelong Waterfront Film Foundation who are turning passion into action. During March – April 2026, they’re delivering a program with an exciting mix of panel discussions with industry experts, Red Carpet networking events, a lively Movie Trivia Night, and screenings of locally made films.
A major highlight is the fast-paced 48: Hour Film Frenzy Shoot Out, where crews are challenged to write, shoot, and edit a 4–7 minute short film in just one weekend. Open to all ages and abilities, participants can film on smartphones or professional cameras, with all eligible films shown on the big screen.
Tracie Sullivan and Daniel Sultana are organising a Movie Trivia Night at Murphy’s on 23 April. The last Movie Trivia Night was so much fun, and this one will be too!
And helping with promotions are Marg Linley and Harley Biskup who has created a standout 48-Hour Film Frenzy promo for socials. Belinda, Meryl and fellow Board members, Gavan O’Connor and Patrick Rowan are testing out their acting skills in “Let it speak for itself” written by Scott Day and Josh Petrelli and directed by Darby Maxwell.
This year’s festival may start small, but rest assured, the ambition is big.
With the right funding support, the REEL Film Festival will grow to match the Foundation’s vision to grow Geelong into a thriving screen hub attracting productions, investment and creative opportunity.
The 2026 festival is made possible thanks to –
Producer Partners:
Beyond Bank, Kings Funerals, The Pivotonian, Geelong Connected Communities, Fleetwood Print Group and B well connected.
Event supporters:
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong, Enterprise Monkey, Centre Stage and Eden Oak.
The Foundation is also proud to welcome National Indian Film Festival Australia (NIFFA) to Geelong for the very first time, adding global cinema and cultural exchange to the program.
This part of the Festival is sponsored by Reading Cinemas Geelong and has been supported by a City of Greater Geelong Community Grant.
“We’re delighted to welcome NIFFA to Geelong for the very first time. The Festival celebrates our region’s vibrant and growing Indian community and strengthens our vision to grow Geelong as a thriving hub for filmmaking and screen culture,” Belinda Lyle, Executive Director & Acting Chair
From volunteers to sponsors and supporters to those in the creative industry, this festival is powered by community. And according to Belinda and Meryl, the two friends who live on the stunning Surf Coast, it’s only just getting started.
Images of Belinda & Meryl thanks to Kirstie-Lee Photography