Goway announces winners of its first micro-film festival at L.A. event

That’s a wrap and Goway Travel has now announced the winners of its first-ever Micro Film Festival – an event that celebrated the creative power of short-form storytelling.

Launched earlier this year in celebration of Goway’s 55th anniversary, the festival invited travellers, travel advisors, and professional creators to share their globetrotting journeys in a compelling 55-second film.

The festival received hundreds of submissions with travellers vying for $55,000 in prizes.

The films were judged by a panel of industry elites, including:

• Annie Greenberg, Executive Creative Director at Lonely Planet
• Paul Telner, Head of Programming at Viral Nation
• Alisia Palczewski, Producer at GoPro

The festival culminated in two events, beginning with the Audience Choice event, held during the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 11, where attendees voted to shortlist films in the Professional Creator category.

The Grand Finale event took place in Los Angeles on Sept. 18, where winners across three categories were revealed before an audience of travel enthusiasts, creators, and industry leaders.

Travel Advisor Category Winner 

Title: Fueled by Wonder: 55 Seconds Around the World 

Created by: Ceera Machotka 

Everyday Globetrotter Category Winner 

Title: The Land of Endless Adventure 

Destination Featured: New Zealand 

Created by: Samantha Merson 

Professional Creator Category Winner 

Title: Part of Me 

Created by: Isabelle Victoria, Los Angeles 

Destination Featured: Japan

Mitchell Alexander Fawcett, Vice President of Marketing at Goway, said that: “As we wrap up this inaugural year, we’re thrilled by the creativity and passion that shone through each submission. From travel advisors and everyday travellers to professional creators, the films reflected the true wonder of travel and the power of storytelling in just 55 seconds.”

Goway’s Micro Film Festival represents a new chapter in how travel stories are shared, with short-form video continuing to inspire globetrotters around the world. The event will return in 2026, expanding opportunities for travellers everywhere to share their vision and adventures.

Goway is grateful for the partnership of a wonderful group of sponsors who share a commitment to creativity and innovation:

• Platinum Sponsor: Turkish Airlines
• Gold Sponsors: Tourism Authority of Thailand, Qantas
• Silver Sponsors: Australia’s Northern Territory, South Australia
• Bronze Sponsors Destination New South Wales, Queensland Australia, Cook Islands, Tourism Ireland

PHOTO CREDIT: George Pimentel Photography