A Story of Grit, Growth, and Global Excel-lence
Back in March, I had the privilege of sharing the story of Spreadsheet Champions with you on this very blog, as we celebrated its world premiere at SXSW. The response from the Excel community was overwhelming—proof that this story of passion, perseverance, and spreadsheets resonates far beyond the cells and columns. Now, we’re thrilled to bring you the next chapter: the Australian premiere of Spreadsheet Champions at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF).
This August, MIFF will host the Australian premiere of a documentary that’s as surprising as it is inspiring: Spreadsheet Champions. Directed by Kristina Kraskov and produced by GoodThing Productions, this feature-length film follows six extraordinary young people from around the world as they journey to the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) World Championship to compete in Excel—one of the world’s most widely used spreadsheet software and, for these students, a life-changing platform for opportunity.
As someone who has spent years championing the power of Excel to transform how we work, learn, and connect, I couldn’t be prouder to see this story come to life on the big screen. Spreadsheet Champions is more than a documentary—it’s a celebration of curiosity, resilience, and the global community that has grown around a tool many of us use every day.
The Heart of the Story: Six Students, Six Journeys
At the center of Spreadsheet Champions are six students, aged 15 to 22, each representing a different country and a unique path to the global stage. Their stories are as diverse as they are compelling, and together they form a powerful narrative about what it means to pursue excellence—against the odds, across borders, and through the lens of a spreadsheet.
Carmina Solares – Guatemala 🇬🇹
Carmina is a 16-year-old from Guatemala City who dreams of becoming an aerospace engineer. She’s a Taylor Swift fan, a One Direction devotee, and a quiet force of determination. In a country where access to STEM education is limited, Carmina’s journey to the Excel World Championship is nothing short of extraordinary. She was one of the few girls who competed in the national championship, and she’s proud to be breaking barriers—not just for herself, but for every young woman who’s ever been told she doesn’t belong in tech.
De La Paix Melong Yvan – Cameroon 🇨🇲
At 19, De La Paix lives alone, 11 hours from his family, and doesn’t own a laptop. Every day, he travels to and from university to practice Excel on campus computers. His story is one of perseverance and purpose. Representing Cameroon on the world stage, he hopes to inspire others in his community to pursue education and believe in their potential. His quiet confidence and unshakable work ethic are a testament to the power of belief and the importance of access.
Alkmini Gaitantzi – Greece 🇬🇷
Alkmini, a university student from Thessaloniki, brings a fierce intellect and a love of logic to the competition. Her journey is shaped by a deep appreciation for structure and problem-solving—qualities that make her a formidable Excel competitor. But it’s her warmth and humility that shine through in the film, reminding us that brilliance and kindness often go hand in hand.
Pham Trung Nam – Vietnam 🇻🇳
Nam is a 22-year-old from Hai Phong who discovered Excel through a school program and quickly rose to the top of his national competition. What sets Nam apart is his deep pride in being part of the Vietnamese team. He speaks warmly about how the team supports one another—sharing tips, encouraging each other, and celebrating every small win together. His journey is a powerful reminder that even in a competition focused on individual performance, collaboration and camaraderie can be just as important. With a calm demeanor and razor-sharp skills, Nam represents the next generation of tech talent emerging from Southeast Asia.
Braydon Tanti – Australia 🇦🇺
Braydon is a high school student from Queensland who admits he “kind of just winged it” at the national competition—and won. His laid-back attitude belies a sharp mind and a natural talent for data. He’s the kind of student who challenges stereotypes about what it means to be a “nerd” or a “techie,” and his story is a reminder that passion often starts with play.
Mason Braithwaite – United States 🇺🇸
Mason, the American contender, brings a competitive edge and a deep love of Excel’s logic and structure. His journey is shaped by a desire to prove himself—not just as a student, but as someone who can thrive in a high-pressure, high-stakes environment. His story is one of ambition, growth, and the pursuit of mastery.
Want to learn more about these six exceptional students?
👉moschampionship.certiport.com/documentary
A Global Stage for a Global Skill
The MOS World Championship, hosted annually by Certiport (a Pearson VUE business), is the ultimate proving ground for young Excel users. With over 400,000 students attempting to qualify each year, the competition is fierce. Finalists are tested on speed, accuracy, and creativity as they solve complex challenges using Excel’s full capabilities—from pivot tables and conditional formatting to advanced formulas and data modelling.
What makes Spreadsheet Champions so compelling is how they capture the emotional stakes of this competition. For these students, Excel isn’t just a tool—it’s a ticket to opportunity. Winning can mean scholarships, job offers, and a new sense of identity. It’s a chance to be seen, to be celebrated, and to belong.
Behind the Scenes: A Labor of Love
Filmed across six countries with a two-person crew, Spreadsheet Champions is a triumph of independent filmmaking. Director Kristina Kraskov brings a documentary style that’s intimate, observational, and deeply human. The film doesn’t just show us the competition—it invites us into the lives of its competitors, their families, and their communities.
From the tropical humidity of Vietnam to the classrooms of Guatemala, the film captures the universal language of ambition and the quiet moments that define character. It’s a story about spreadsheets, yes—but more than that, it’s a story about people.
Excel as a Platform for Possibility
At Microsoft, we’ve always believed that Excel is more than just a spreadsheet program. It’s a platform for learning, for decision-making, and for unlocking potential. With the introduction of features like Copilot and Python integration, Excel continues to evolve—empowering users to do more, think bigger, and create with confidence, with even more innovation on the horizon as we approach Excel’s 40th anniversary.
Spreadsheet Champions reminds us why this matters. It shows us what happens when young people are given the tools to succeed—and the stage to shine.
Join Us at MIFF
We’re thrilled that Spreadsheet Champions will have its Australian premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), running from August 7–24, 2025. It’s a moment of celebration not just for the filmmakers and the students, but for the entire Excel community.
If you’re in Melbourne—or can make the trip—we invite you to attend a screening, meet the team, and experience the film for yourself. It’s a story that will move you, inspire you, and maybe even make you fall in love with Excel all over again.
🎟️ miff.com.au
Final Thoughts
In a world that often celebrates flash over substance, Spreadsheet Champions is a quiet revolution. It champions the underdogs, the thinkers, the kids who stay up late solving problems not for praise, but for the joy of it. It’s a film about finding your place, owning your brilliance, and daring to dream in cells and formulas.
To the six students at the heart of this story: thank you for showing us what it means to be a champion.
Stay Tuned for the Global Release
The film’s global release will be announced soon, and we can’t wait to see Spreadsheet Champions brought to screens around the world.
Want to be the first to know when it’s available near you? Join the mailing list for Spreadsheet Champions to stay up to date on release news, behind-the-scenes content, and more. It’s the best way to stay connected—and to be part of the celebration when the film launches later this year.
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