Australian film festivals, sorted by what's next

71 festivals and their submission windows, from the major international festivals to short film, genre and identity-focused events. Every listing links straight to the festival's official website and submission page.

Submission calendar (31)

├─┤ Submissions ▬ Festival ┄ Approximate / recurring dates │ Today: 2026-11-09
Next festival edition and its preceding submission window; closed windows stay visible. Dashed boxes show possible months, not confirmed days. Scroll for all festivals and months; hover a row for dates.

Submission windows and festival dates for the current filters
Festival
SF3
NiSFF
PFF
FFF
MGFF
WAMFF
PQFF
GIFF
NIFFA
Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Funny Shorts
Over The Fence
SWIFF
GPFF
FFFA
GCFF
MNFF
SKFF
SFF
Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival
MDFF
Rev
AUYFF
MIFF
SLSFF
SFC
SCINEMA International Science Film Festival
Fraser Shorts Film Festival
AFIN
SSFFF
AFF
BBFF

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Includes festival dates for all current matches. Approximate dates cover the possible months and are marked tentative. This is a one-time import; changes here will not sync automatically.

Festival type All Major Short film Genre, identity & specialised

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State / territory NSW (22) VIC (20) QLD (16) WA (7) SA (4) TAS (3) ACT (5) NT (2)

Accepts Features (36) Shorts (70) Documentaries (55) Animation (45) Series & web series (14) Music videos (19) VR / XR (7) Screenplays (7)

Focus Genre (sci-fi, fantasy, cult) (11) Horror (7) Comedy (1) Science (2) Documentary (3) Experimental & underground (9) Independent cinema (30) LGBTQIA+ (7) Women & gender-diverse (3) First Nations (8) Disability (3) Multicultural & diaspora (2) Regional filmmakers (18) Local / state-made (15) Youth & students (18) Smartphone filmmaking (4) Surf & environment (5) Uplifting stories (4)

Awards & qualifying Academy Award® qualifying (4) BAFTA qualifying (2) AACTA qualifying (3) Cash prizes (44)

Premiere rules Premiere required (17) Premiere preferred (9) No premiere requirement (25)

Entry fees Free entry (14) Fee waivers available (8) Student rates (34)

Submit via FilmFreeway (65) Festhome (3) Festival website (8)

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31 of 71 festivals · sorted by next festival date · Clear filters

SF3
Genre, identity & specialised

SmartFone Flick Fest (SF3)

Sydney, NSW · Sydney Opera House
This month

Open for entries · closes 1 Sep 2027

Festival
October / November

Entries
Opens Nov · Closes early Sep

Fees
SF3 Kids Free · Shorts $25–$40 AUD · Features $40–$60 AUD

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Australia's international smartphone film festival dedicated to films shot entirely on mobile phones and tablets. Features competitions for Gala Shorts (under 20 mins), Feature Films, SF3 Kids, and SF3 Mini.
- Features
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Youth & students
- Smartphone filmmaking
- Cash prizes
Details for SmartFone Flick Fest Submit (external site) Website (external site)
NiSFF
Short film

Newcastle International Short Film Festival (NiSFF)

Newcastle, NSW · The Royal Exchange Hybrid Performance Space & Cinema
Next: 20 Nov 2026 (in 11 days)

Closing soon · entries close 10 Nov

Festival
November

Entries
Opens Dec · Closes early Nov

Fees
~$7–$24 AUD ($6–$22 student)

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Short film festival held at The Royal Exchange in Newcastle celebrating Australian, regional NSW, and international short films up to 20 minutes across drama, comedy, horror, sci-fi, documentary, animation, and phone films. Newcastle premiere status strictly required.
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Animation
- Genre (sci-fi, fantasy, cult)
- Experimental & underground
- Independent cinema
- Regional filmmakers
- Smartphone filmmaking
Details for Newcastle International Short Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
PFF
Short film

Peninsula Film Festival (PFF)

Rosebud, VIC · Rosebud Village Green
Next: 8 Jan 2027 (in 2 months)

Closing soon · entries close 4 Dec

Festival
January

Entries
Opens Feb · Closes early Dec

Fees
$25 AUD standard ($15 Emerging Filmmaker Award)

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Iconic outdoor short film festival on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, judged live by a panel of celebrity judges with up to $30K in cash and prizes.
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Animation
- Independent cinema
- Regional filmmakers
- Youth & students
- Cash prizes
Details for Peninsula Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
FFF
Short film

Fleurieu Film Festival (FFF)

McLaren Vale, SA · McLaren Vale Visitor Centre
Next: 6 Feb 2027 (in 3 months)

Closing soon · entries close 1 Dec

Festival
February

Entries
Opens Jun · Closes early Dec

Fees
$20–$35 AUD ($28–$33 student)

Submit via
FilmFreeway

South Australia's premier outdoor short film festival held in the McLaren Vale wine region. Screens short fiction and documentaries with cash prizes and awards across Australian and international categories. Max 15 minutes.
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Independent cinema
- Regional filmmakers
- Cash prizes
Details for Fleurieu Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
MGFF
Genre, identity & specialised

Mardi Gras Film Festival (MGFF)

Sydney, NSW · Event Cinemas George St & Dendy Newtown
Next: 18 Feb 2027 (in 3 months)

Closing soon · entries close 8 Dec

Festival
February / March

Entries
Opens mid-Sep · Closes early Dec

Fees
Shorts $30–$40 AUD · Features $50–$60 AUD

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Organised by Queer Screen, MGFF is one of the world's largest LGBTQIA+ film festivals. Home of the 'My Queer Career' Australian short film competition with over $16,000 AUD in prizes and no Sydney premiere requirement.
- Features
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Animation
- Series & web series
- LGBTQIA+
- Cash prizes
Details for Mardi Gras Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
WAMFF
Genre, identity & specialised

WA Made Film Festival (WAMFF)

Perth, WA · Palace Cinemas Raine Square
Next: 18 Feb 2027 (in 3 months)

Closing soon · entries close 1 Dec

Festival
February

Entries
Opens Aug · Closes early Dec

Fees
Shorts $15 AUD · Long Shorts $25 AUD · Features $35 AUD

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Western Australia's largest celebration of exclusively WA-made screen content, showcasing features, documentaries, shorts, web series, and the 'Get Smart!' smartphone film competition.
- Features
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Series & web series
- Local / state-made
- Youth & students
- Smartphone filmmaking
- Cash prizes
Details for WA Made Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
PQFF
Genre, identity & specialised

Perth Queer Film Festival (PQFF)

West Perth, WA · The Backlot Studios
Next: 3 Mar 2027 (in 4 months)

Open for entries · closes 18 Dec

Festival
3–10 Mar 2027

Entries
Opens Aug · Closes Dec

Fees
$5 early/regular · $10 late; currency unconfirmed

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Features, shorts and documentaries with significant LGBTQIA+ content. The festival presents audience and jury awards; DCP delivery is preferred but other formats can be considered.
- Features
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- LGBTQIA+
Details for Perth Queer Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
GIFF
Genre, identity & specialised

Gippsland International Film Festival (GIFF)

Warragul / Gippsland, VIC · West Gippsland Arts Centre, Peninsula Cinemas Warragul and regional halls
Next: 12 Mar 2027 (in 4 months)

Open for entries · closes 13 Jan 2027

Festival
12–19 Mar 2027

Entries
Opens Mar · Closes Jan

Fees
Paid categories vary · GIFF x Spark youth category free; paid-fee currency unconfirmed

Submit via
FilmFreeway

International and Australian shorts, including regional and Gippsland categories, with features considered by arrangement. Previously screened and publicly available films can be considered without a premiere requirement. Student rates and a free local youth category are available.
- Features
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Regional filmmakers
- Local / state-made
Details for Gippsland International Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
NIFFA
Genre, identity & specialised

National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA)

Sydney, NSW
Next: 17 Mar 2027 (in 4 months)

Open for entries · closes 10 Jan 2027

Festival
17 Mar–27 June 2027 · National circuit

Entries
Opens Oct · Closes Jan

Fees
Shorts $35–$75 · Features $50–$115 · Student rates available; currency unconfirmed

Submit via
FilmFreeway

National festival accepting features, documentaries and shorts connected to India, the Indian diaspora or Indo-Australian culture. Australian premiere required, and competition films must not be publicly available online. The 2027 circuit includes Sydney, regional NSW and other Australian capitals and regional centres.
- Features
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Animation
- Multicultural & diaspora
Details for National Indian Film Festival of Australia Submit (external site) Website (external site)
Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Funny Shorts
Short film

Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Funny Shorts

Melbourne, VIC · ACMI
Next: Apr 2027 (in 5 months)

Open for entries · closes 5 Feb 2027

Festival
April 2027 · Screening dates TBC

Entries
Opens Nov · Closes early Feb

Fees
$15 AUD in FAQ · Payment currency conflicts with entry conditions

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Comedy shorts strictly under 10 minutes, including credits, screening at ACMI. Entry conditions require filmmakers to be over 18 and Australian citizens or permanent residents. Previously premiered films may enter, subject to a public-availability blackout through 18 April 2027; winner and audience prizes are offered.
- Shorts
- Comedy
- Cash prizes
Details for Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Funny Shorts Submit (external site) Website (external site)
Over The Fence
Genre, identity & specialised

Over The Fence Comedy Film Festival (Over The Fence)

Fremantle, WA
Next: 9 Apr 2027 (in 5 months)

Open for entries · closes 20 Dec

Festival
April

Entries
Open by Nov · Closes late Dec

Fees
Shorts under 15m $28–$45 AUD · Shorts 16–40m $35–$52 AUD

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Grassroots comedy short film festival from Fremantle that launches each year and then tours venues around Australia. Comedy and dark comedy shorts up to 40 minutes.
- Shorts
- Animation
- Genre (sci-fi, fantasy, cult)
- Cash prizes
Details for Over The Fence Comedy Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
SWIFF
Genre, identity & specialised

Sydney Women’s International Film Festival (SWIFF)

Sydney, NSW · Palace Cinemas Moore Park
Next: 11 Apr 2027 (in 5 months)

Closing soon · entries close 30 Nov

Festival
11–17 Apr 2027

Entries
Opens Jan · Closes Nov

Fees
Shorts/music videos $37–$105 · Features $100–$200 · Other categories vary; currency unconfirmed

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Features, shorts, documentaries, animation, music videos, web series and screenplays supporting women and non-binary filmmakers. Film entries require both an eligible key creative and protagonist. NSW cinematic release and online availability restrictions apply, with exceptions for web series and music videos.
- Features
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Animation
- Series & web series
- Music videos
- Screenplays
- Women & gender-diverse
- Smartphone filmmaking
Details for Sydney Women’s International Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
GPFF
Genre, identity & specialised

Geelong Pride Film Festival (GPFF)

Geelong, VIC · Pivotonian Cinema
Next: 15 Apr 2027 (in 5 months)

Open for entries · closes 29 Jan 2027

Festival
April

Entries
Opens Aug · Closes late Jan

Fees
Shorts $15–$25 AUD · Features $25–$40 AUD

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Regional Victoria's premier LGBTQIA+ film festival celebrating queer cinema from Australia and around the world. Accepts narrative features, shorts, documentaries, animation, and web series.
- Features
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Animation
- Series & web series
- LGBTQIA+
- Regional filmmakers
- Cash prizes
Details for Geelong Pride Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
FFFA
Genre, identity & specialised

Fantastic Film Festival Australia (FFFA)

Melbourne, VIC & Sydney, NSW · Lido Cinemas & Ritz Cinemas
Next: 23 Apr 2027 (in 5 months)

Open for entries · closes 31 Jan 2027

Festival
April / May

Entries
Opens late Sep · Closes late Jan

Fees
$30–$60 AUD depending on tier and category

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Genre festival for sci-fi, horror, fantasy and boundary-pushing cinema, screening at Lido Cinemas (Melbourne) and Ritz Cinemas (Sydney). Australian features compete for the $10,000 Fantastic Film Prize, presented with Umbrella Entertainment. VIC and NSW premieres required for features.
- Features
- Shorts
- Animation
- Genre (sci-fi, fantasy, cult)
- Horror
- Cash prizes
Details for Fantastic Film Festival Australia Submit (external site) Website (external site)
GCFF
Major

Gold Coast Film Festival (GCFF)

Gold Coast, QLD · HOTA (Home of the Arts)
Next: 28 Apr 2027 (in 5 months)

Open for entries · closes 22 Jan 2027

Festival
April / May

Entries
Opens mid-Aug · Closes late Jan

Fees
Scripts & Web Series $20–$40 AUD · Shorts & Features $40–$70 AUD

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Queensland festival held at HOTA celebrating features, SIPFEST short films, web series, and screenplays. Queensland premiere strictly required for feature and short film competition entries. AACTA Award-qualifying for features.
- Features
- Shorts
- Series & web series
- Screenplays
- Independent cinema
- AACTA qualifying
- Cash prizes
Details for Gold Coast Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
MNFF
Short film

Melbourne Nocturnal Film Festival (MNFF)

Collingwood, Melbourne, VIC · Eclipse Cinema
Next: 1 May 2027 (in 6 months)

Open for entries · closes 31 Mar 2027

Festival
1–2 May 2027

Entries
Opens Aug · Closes Mar

Fees
$16–$40 standard entries · First Nations waivers; currency unconfirmed

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Australian-made narrative, documentary, animated and experimental shorts with an offbeat emphasis. Films must be strictly under 30 minutes. Premiere status is preferred but not required, and First Nations filmmakers can request a fee waiver.
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Animation
- Experimental & underground
- Local / state-made
Details for Melbourne Nocturnal Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
SKFF
Short film

St Kilda Film Festival (SKFF)

St Kilda, Melbourne, VIC · The Astor Theatre & Alex Theatre
Next: 3 Jun 2027 (in 7 months)

Open for entries · closes 15 Jan 2027

Festival
June

Entries
Opens Sep · Closes mid-Jan

Fees
Top Shorts ~$35–$60 AUD · Free for Under the Radar (youth)

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Australia's longest-running short film festival, produced by the City of Port Phillip and accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscar® qualifying). Showcases Australia's Top Short Films competition. Victorian premiere required.
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Animation
- Music videos
- Independent cinema
- Youth & students
- Academy Award® qualifying
- AACTA qualifying
- Cash prizes
Details for St Kilda Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
SFF
Major

Sydney Film Festival (SFF)

Sydney, NSW · State Theatre & Dendy Newtown
Next: 9 Jun 2027 (in 7 months)

Open for entries · closes 26 Feb 2027

Festival
June

Entries
Opens Oct · Closes late Feb

Fees
~$45 AUD flat fee (free for First Nations & Screenability)

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Features, documentaries and shorts (under 40 min). NSW premiere strictly required for features. Home of the Academy-qualifying Dendy Awards, Sustainable Future Award, and the $20,000 Documentary Australia Award.
- Features
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Independent cinema
- First Nations
- Academy Award® qualifying
- Cash prizes
Details for Sydney Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival
Genre, identity & specialised

Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival

Winton, QLD · Royal Open Air Theatre
Next: 25 Jun 2027 (in 7 months)

Open for entries · closes 1 Jun 2027

Festival
25 June–3 July 2027

Entries
Opens Aug · Closes early June

Fees
Shorts $25–$60 · Features $35–$100 · Student rates available; currency unconfirmed

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Australian independent features, documentaries and shorts screened in outback Queensland. Short-film entries are limited to 10 minutes; feature-length work is also accepted.
- Features
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Independent cinema
- Regional filmmakers
Details for Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
MDFF
Genre, identity & specialised

Melbourne Documentary Film Festival (MDFF)

Melbourne, VIC · Cinema Nova
Next: Jul 2027 (in 8 months)

Open for entries · closes May 2027

Festival
July

Entries
Opens June · Closes May

Fees
~$10–$62 AUD depending on tier and category

Submit via
FilmFreeway & Festhome

Dedicated Australian documentary showcase presenting local and international non-fiction features and shorts, VR/XR, and pitching competitions across cinema and streaming formats.
- Features
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- VR / XR
- Documentary
- Cash prizes
Details for Melbourne Documentary Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
Rev
Major

Revelation Perth International Film Festival (Rev)

Perth, WA · Luna Cinemas Leederville
Next: 7 Jul 2027 (in 8 months)

Open for entries · closes 28 Feb 2027

Festival
July

Entries
Opens late Aug · Closes late Feb

Fees
$40–$60 AUD flat fee across categories

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Western Australia's champion of independent, underground, documentary, and experimental screen culture. Western Australian premieres required for all feature-length projects.
- Features
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Animation
- VR / XR
- Genre (sci-fi, fantasy, cult)
- Experimental & underground
- Independent cinema
- Local / state-made
- Cash prizes
Details for Revelation Perth International Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
AUYFF
Genre, identity & specialised

Australia Youth Film Festival (AUYFF)

Sydney, NSW
Next: 30 Jul 2027 (in 8 months)

Open for entries · closes 31 May 2027

Festival
30–31 July 2027

Entries
Opens July · Closes May

Fees
Free

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Accepts shorts, documentaries, animation and music videos from Australia-based filmmakers aged 15–24, including students and non-students of any nationality. Entries must have been completed within two years of the deadline; previously published films are accepted.
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Animation
- Music videos
- Youth & students
Details for Australia Youth Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
MIFF
Major

Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF)

Melbourne, VIC · ACMI, The Capitol, Forum Melbourne
Next: 5 Aug 2027 (in 9 months)

Open for entries · closes 16 Feb 2027

Festival
August

Entries
Opens mid-Oct · Closes mid-Feb

Fees
Shorts $50–$95 AUD · Features $90–$145 AUD

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Australia's largest and most significant film festival and home of the MIFF Shorts Awards (Academy Award®, BAFTA, and Canadian Screen Award qualifying). Victoria premiere required for all selections.
- Features
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Animation
- VR / XR
- Independent cinema
- Academy Award® qualifying
- BAFTA qualifying
- Cash prizes
Details for Melbourne International Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
SLSFF
Short film

Sparrowland Short Film Festival (SLSFF)

Brisbane, QLD · PIP Theatre
Next: 6 Aug 2027 (in 9 months)

Open for entries · closes 31 May 2027

Festival
August

Entries
Opens Aug · Closes late May

Fees
~$10–$30 AUD

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Independent short film festival held at PIP Theatre in Milton, Brisbane, dedicated to unique, heartfelt short films up to 20 minutes. Accepts drama, comedy, horror, queer, animation, student, music video, and documentary works. No premiere requirements.
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Animation
- Series & web series
- Music videos
- Horror
- Independent cinema
- LGBTQIA+
- Youth & students
Details for Sparrowland Short Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
SFC
Genre, identity & specialised

Space Faring Civilisation Film Festival (SFC)

Canberra, ACT · Tuggeranong Arts Centre
Next: 13 Aug 2027 (in 9 months)

Open for entries · closes 1 Jun 2027

Festival
13–14 Aug 2027

Entries
Opens Sept · Closes early June

Fees
Shorts $15–$50 · Features $50–$90 · Student rates and free workshop category; currency unconfirmed

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Science-grounded, optimistic narratives, documentaries and animation, with shorts up to 30 minutes and a selected feature premiere. Features require Canberra premiere status; shorts have no prior-screening restriction. The workshop-participant category is free.
- Features
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Animation
- Genre (sci-fi, fantasy, cult)
- Science
- Uplifting stories
Details for Space Faring Civilisation Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
SCINEMA International Science Film Festival
Genre, identity & specialised

SCINEMA International Science Film Festival

Palmerston, Canberra, ACT
Next: 14 Aug 2027 (in 9 months)

Open for entries · closes 31 May 2027

Festival
14–22 Aug 2027 · Online and community screenings

Entries
Opens Aug · Closes May

Fees
$10–$60 across categories · Student rates and requested waivers; currency unconfirmed

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Science-themed features, shorts, documentaries, animation, experimental films and television series. Films are considered for jury awards and a separate online/community screening program during National Science Week. Student fee waivers can be requested; awards are trophies rather than cash.
- Features
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Animation
- Series & web series
- Science
Details for SCINEMA International Science Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
Fraser Shorts Film Festival
Short film

Fraser Shorts Film Festival

Maryborough / Hervey Bay, QLD · Brolga Theatre and Big Screen Cinema
Next: Oct 2027 (in 11 months)

Open for entries · closes Sep 2027

Festival
October

Entries
Opens Oct · Closes Sept

Fees
$30 flat fee · Previous-cycle rate; currency unconfirmed

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Short films across fiction, documentary, animation, experimental, environmental, First Nations, music video and student categories. Screenings take place in Maryborough and Hervey Bay. Only films made in the Fraser Coast region qualify for the local category.
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Animation
- Music videos
- Experimental & underground
- First Nations
- Regional filmmakers
- Local / state-made
- Youth & students
- Surf & environment
Details for Fraser Shorts Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
AFIN
Genre, identity & specialised

AFIN International Film Festival (AFIN)

Brisbane, QLD · SunPAC & Dendy Cinemas Portside
Next: 10 Oct 2027 (in 11 months)

Open for entries · closes 27 Jun 2027

Festival
October

Entries
Opens late Oct · Closes late Jun

Fees
Shorts $26–$44 AUD · Features $33–$50 AUD (free for First Nations)

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Brisbane-based international festival celebrating independent cinema across features, shorts, documentaries, animations, series, and screenplays. Features 22 award categories with crystal trophies and memberships, plus free entry for Australian First Nations filmmakers. No strict premiere required, though premieres are prioritised.
- Features
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Animation
- Series & web series
- Screenplays
- Genre (sci-fi, fantasy, cult)
- Horror
- Independent cinema
- First Nations
Details for AFIN International Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
SSFFF
Genre, identity & specialised

Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival (SSFFF)

Sydney, NSW · Event Cinemas George St
Next: 15 Oct 2027 (in 11 months)

Open for entries · closes 27 Aug 2027

Festival
October

Entries
Opens mid-Oct · Closes late Aug

Fees
Shorts $20–$40 AUD · Features $40–$65 AUD

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Australia's premier dedicated science-fiction, fantasy, and speculative cinema festival. Showcases local and international speculative features, shorts, animations, and student works.
- Features
- Shorts
- Animation
- Genre (sci-fi, fantasy, cult)
- Independent cinema
- Cash prizes
Details for Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
AFF
Major

Adelaide Film Festival (AFF)

Adelaide, SA · Adelaide Studios
Next: 20 Oct 2027 (in 11 months)

Open for entries · closes 8 Jun 2027

Festival
October

Entries
Opens Nov · Closes early Jun

Fees
Shorts $40–$75 AUD · Features $80–$130 AUD

Submit via
FilmFreeway

South Australia's premier screen event showcasing Australian and international narrative features, documentaries, shorts, and series. Competitive festival requiring South Australian premieres for feature-length films.
- Features
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Series & web series
- VR / XR
- Independent cinema
- Cash prizes
Details for Adelaide Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)
BBFF
Major

Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF)

Byron Bay, NSW · Palace Byron Bay
Next: 22 Oct 2027 (in 11 months)

Open for entries · closes 31 Aug 2027

Festival
October

Entries
Opens Nov · Closes late Aug

Fees
$30–$75 AUD depending on category and tier

Submit via
FilmFreeway

Celebrates independent cinema across dramatic features, documentaries, shorts, animations, surf/environmental films, and VR/XR. Prefers NSW premieres for major titles and awards cash prizes.
- Features
- Shorts
- Documentaries
- Animation
- Music videos
- VR / XR
- Screenplays
- Independent cinema
- Regional filmmakers
- Surf & environment
- Cash prizes
Details for Byron Bay International Film Festival Submit (external site) Website (external site)

Browse Australian film festivals

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Festival type

Short film festivals
Major festivals
Short films in Victoria
Short films in NSW
Short films in Queensland

State / territory

New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
Western Australia
South Australia
Tasmania
Canberra & ACT
Northern Territory

Accepts

Feature films
Animation
Screenplays
Music videos
Web series & TV
VR / XR

Focus

Horror
Sci-fi, fantasy & genre
Documentary
LGBTQIA+ & queer
First Nations
Youth & students
Experimental & underground
Regional
Smartphone filmmaking
Surf & environment
Women & gender-diverse
Disability
Independent cinema

Awards & qualifying

Oscar, BAFTA & AACTA qualifying

Entry fees

Free to enter

Australian film festivals, sorted by what's next

Submission calendar (31)

SmartFone Flick Fest (SF3)

Newcastle International Short Film Festival (NiSFF)

Peninsula Film Festival (PFF)

Fleurieu Film Festival (FFF)

Mardi Gras Film Festival (MGFF)

WA Made Film Festival (WAMFF)

Perth Queer Film Festival (PQFF)

Gippsland International Film Festival (GIFF)

National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA)

Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Funny Shorts

Over The Fence Comedy Film Festival (Over The Fence)

Sydney Women’s International Film Festival (SWIFF)

Geelong Pride Film Festival (GPFF)

Fantastic Film Festival Australia (FFFA)

Gold Coast Film Festival (GCFF)

Melbourne Nocturnal Film Festival (MNFF)

St Kilda Film Festival (SKFF)

Sydney Film Festival (SFF)

Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival

Melbourne Documentary Film Festival (MDFF)

Revelation Perth International Film Festival (Rev)

Australia Youth Film Festival (AUYFF)

Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF)

Sparrowland Short Film Festival (SLSFF)

Space Faring Civilisation Film Festival (SFC)

SCINEMA International Science Film Festival

Fraser Shorts Film Festival

AFIN International Film Festival (AFIN)

Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival (SSFFF)

Adelaide Film Festival (AFF)

Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF)