Goway Travel has officially concluded its first-ever Micro Film Festival, celebrating the creative power of short-form storytelling. Launched earlier this year in celebration of Goway’s 55th anniversary, the festival invited travelers, travel advisors, and professional creators to share their globetrotting journeys in a compelling 55-second film.
The festival received hundreds of submissions with travelers 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 September 11, where attendees voted to shortlist films in the Professional Creator category. The Grand Finale event took place in Los Angeles on September 18, where winners across three categories were revealed before an audience of travel enthusiasts, creators, and industry leaders.
Travel Advisor Category Winner
Created by: Ceera Machotka
Everyday Globetrotter Category Winner
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
Our 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 travelers everywhere to share their vision and adventures.
We are 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.
Mitchell's love of travel and adventure was formed during family road trips in a minivan across Western Canada. He has since passionately pursued a career in travel ever since his first job working at the front desk of a Calgary Holiday Inn. He now leads Goway's marketing and serves as Globetrotting's editor in chief. Mitchell thrives on pushing his boundaries and challenging his fears, seeking out travel experiences that promise adventure and excitement. However, above all, Mitchell is driven by his love of food, delighting in the diverse culinary landscapes he encounters around the globe.
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