{ "today": "2026-11-09", "total": 71, "matched": 71, "offset": 0, "limit": 500, "filters": { "q": "", "facets": {}, "open": false, "month": null, "runtime": null, "sort": "upcoming" }, "festivals": [ { "id": "bauhaus-bendigo-short-film-festival", "name": "Bauhaus Bendigo Short Film Festival", "shortName": null, "location": "Bendigo, VIC", "venue": "La Trobe Art Institute and Hargreaves Mall Civic Screen", "summary": "International shorts exploring Bauhaus design, architecture and experimental film, with a Greater Bendigo residents' category. Selected films screen at a launch event and on the outdoor civic screen. Films must be suitable for a general audience.", "websiteUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/BauhausBendigoShortFilmFestival", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/BauhausBendigoShortFilmFestival", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/BauhausBendigoShortFilmFestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "8–15 Nov 2026", "startMonth": 11, "endMonth": 11, "startDate": "2026-11-08", "endDate": "2026-11-15" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Apr · Closing dates conflict between Sept and Oct", "openMonth": 4, "closeMonth": 10, "closeDay": null, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "$10–$50 across student and standard categories; currency unconfirmed", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 20, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "vic" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary", "animation" ], "focus": [ "experimental", "local" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "now", "exact": true, "startDate": "2026-11-08", "endDate": "2026-11-15", "monthsAway": 0, "daysAway": 0, "sortDate": "2026-11-09" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-10-31", "closeExact": false, "opensOn": "2027-04-01", "daysToClose": 356, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/bauhaus-bendigo-short-film-festival" }, { "id": "focus-on-ability-short-film-festival", "name": "Focus on Ability Short Film Festival", "shortName": "FOA", "location": "Chatswood, Sydney, NSW", "venue": "The Concourse", "summary": "International short film festival organised by NOVA Employment celebrating the achievements and abilities of people with disability. Free to enter for films up to 5 minutes across school, open, and international short film and documentary categories, competing for substantial cash and mentoring prizes alongside online public voting.", "websiteUrl": "https://focusonability.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://focusonability.com.au/entry", "imageUrl": "https://focusonability.com.au/images/og-cover.jpg", "sources": [ "https://focusonability.com.au/entry", "https://focusonability.com.au/terms", "https://focusonability.com.au/about", "https://focusonability.com.au/prizes" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "October / November", "startMonth": 10, "endMonth": 11, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Feb · Closes Jul", "openMonth": 2, "closeMonth": 7, "closeDay": null, "deadline": null }, "platform": "Direct portal (festival website)", "fees": { "text": "Free entry", "min": 0, "max": 0, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 5, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "nsw" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary" ], "focus": [ "disability", "youth", "uplifting" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "cost": [ "free" ], "platform": [ "direct" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T12:34:33Z", "next": { "status": "now", "exact": false, "startDate": "2026-10-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 0, "daysAway": 0, "sortDate": "2026-11-09" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-07-31", "closeExact": false, "opensOn": "2027-02-01", "daysToClose": 264, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/focus-on-ability-short-film-festival" }, { "id": "made-in-the-west-film-festival", "name": "Made in the West Film Festival", "shortName": null, "location": "Liverpool, NSW", "venue": "Event Cinemas Liverpool", "summary": "Western Sydney's flagship short film festival, screening finalists at Event Cinemas Liverpool. Films must be under 30 minutes and have cast, crew or locations from Western Sydney.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.madeinthewest.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://www.madeinthewest.com.au/film-festival-entry-criteria", "imageUrl": "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/20d675_8d1a1856eb7d4892aa933f7202c78cb6~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_2500,h_1330,al_c/20d675_8d1a1856eb7d4892aa933f7202c78cb6~mv2.jpg", "sources": [ "https://www.madeinthewest.com.au/", "https://www.madeinthewest.com.au/faq" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "November", "startMonth": 11, "endMonth": 11, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Mar · Closes early Oct", "openMonth": 3, "closeMonth": 10, "closeDay": 9, "deadline": null }, "platform": "Direct portal (festival website)", "fees": { "text": "$35–$50 AUD (early bird to late round)", "min": 35, "max": 50, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 30, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "nsw" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary", "animation", "series", "music-video" ], "focus": [ "regional", "local" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "direct" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:44Z", "next": { "status": "now", "exact": false, "startDate": "2026-11-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 0, "daysAway": 0, "sortDate": "2026-11-09" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-10-09", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2027-03-01", "daysToClose": 334, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/made-in-the-west-film-festival" }, { "id": "melbourne-queer-film-festival", "name": "Melbourne Queer Film Festival", "shortName": "MQFF", "location": "Melbourne, VIC", "venue": "ACMI & Village Jam Factory", "summary": "Australia's oldest and largest LGBTQIA+ film festival, screening more than 140 features, shorts and documentaries across Melbourne. Entry is free for Australian filmmakers.", "websiteUrl": "https://mqff.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://mqff.com.au/film-submissions/", "imageUrl": "https://mqff.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/MQFF26-Abstract-4K-ProRes-005-scaled.jpg", "sources": [ "https://mqff.com.au/film-submissions/", "https://filmfreeway.com/MelbourneQueerFilmFestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "November", "startMonth": 11, "endMonth": 11, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens May · Closes early Aug", "openMonth": 5, "closeMonth": 8, "closeDay": 3, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Free for Australian entrants (waiver code by email); fees apply to international entries", "min": 0, "max": null, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "vic" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "animation" ], "focus": [ "lgbtqia" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "cost": [ "free", "waivers" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "now", "exact": false, "startDate": "2026-11-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 0, "daysAway": 0, "sortDate": "2026-11-09" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-08-03", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2027-05-01", "daysToClose": 267, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/melbourne-queer-film-festival" }, { "id": "multicultural-film-festival", "name": "Multicultural Film Festival", "shortName": "MFF", "location": "Melbourne, VIC", "venue": null, "summary": "Short films exploring multiculturalism, cultural diversity and social cohesion, with Victorian, national and international eligibility varying by award. Includes fiction, documentary, animation and music video. The 2026 program premiered at ACMI, tours Victoria and has an SBS On Demand season.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/multicultural-film-festival", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/MulticulturalFilmFestival", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/MulticulturalFilmFestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "June premiere · Tour to Nov · Online season from Nov", "startMonth": 6, "endMonth": 11, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Current entries closed · Next window TBC", "openMonth": null, "closeMonth": null, "closeDay": null, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Free", "min": 0, "max": 0, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 10, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "vic" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary", "animation", "music-video" ], "focus": [ "multicultural" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "cost": [ "free" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "now", "exact": false, "startDate": "2026-06-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 0, "daysAway": 0, "sortDate": "2026-11-09" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "unknown", "closesOn": null, "closeExact": false, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": null, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/multicultural-film-festival" }, { "id": "smartfone-flick-fest", "name": "SmartFone Flick Fest", "shortName": "SF3", "location": "Sydney, NSW", "venue": "Sydney Opera House", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://sf3.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/SF3", "imageUrl": "https://sf3.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SF3-Gala.jpg", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/SF3", "https://sf3.com.au/submit/rules/" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "October / November", "startMonth": 10, "endMonth": 11, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Nov · Closes early Sep", "openMonth": 11, "closeMonth": 9, "closeDay": 1, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "SF3 Kids Free · Shorts $25–$40 AUD · Features $40–$60 AUD", "min": 0, "max": 60, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "nsw" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary" ], "focus": [ "youth", "mobile" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "cost": [ "free", "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway", "direct" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:44Z", "next": { "status": "now", "exact": false, "startDate": "2026-10-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 0, "daysAway": 0, "sortDate": "2026-11-09" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-09-01", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 296, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/smartfone-flick-fest" }, { "id": "central-coast-film-festival", "name": "Central Coast Film Festival", "shortName": "CCFF", "location": "Ettalong Beach, NSW", "venue": "Cinema Paradiso", "summary": "Australian and international features, mid-length films and shorts, with documentary, animation, music video and experimental categories. Dedicated categories recognise Central Coast productions, students, under-18 filmmakers and First Nations work.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.centralcoastfilmfestival.com/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/CentralCoastFilmFest", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/CentralCoastFilmFest" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "14–21 Nov 2026", "startMonth": 11, "endMonth": 11, "startDate": "2026-11-14", "endDate": "2026-11-21" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Mar · Closes early Sept", "openMonth": 3, "closeMonth": 9, "closeDay": null, "deadline": "2026-09-01" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "$10–$115 AUD across categories · Student and local rates available", "min": 10, "max": 115, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "nsw" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "animation", "music-video" ], "focus": [ "experimental", "first-nations", "local", "youth" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2026-11-14", "endDate": "2026-11-21", "monthsAway": 0, "daysAway": 5, "sortDate": "2026-11-14" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-09-30", "closeExact": false, "opensOn": "2027-03-01", "daysToClose": 325, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/central-coast-film-festival" }, { "id": "the-other-film-festival", "name": "The Other Film Festival", "shortName": "TOFF", "location": "Melbourne, VIC", "venue": null, "summary": "Disability-led international film festival run by Arts Access Victoria, centring Deaf and Disabled filmmakers and stories. The 2026 artistic program includes online screenings through ACMI Cinema 3 and events within Alter State.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.artsaccess.com.au/toff/", "submissionUrl": "https://www.artsaccess.com.au/toff/", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://www.artsaccess.com.au/toff/" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "19 Nov–6 Dec 2026", "startMonth": 11, "endMonth": 12, "startDate": "2026-11-19", "endDate": "2026-12-06" }, "submissions": { "text": "No current open call", "openMonth": null, "closeMonth": null, "closeDay": null, "deadline": null }, "platform": "Curated program (no current open call)", "fees": { "text": "Not applicable to current curated program", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "vic" ], "focus": [ "disability" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2026-11-19", "endDate": "2026-12-06", "monthsAway": 0, "daysAway": 10, "sortDate": "2026-11-19" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "unknown", "closesOn": null, "closeExact": false, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": null, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/the-other-film-festival" }, { "id": "newcastle-international-short-film-festival", "name": "Newcastle International Short Film Festival", "shortName": "NiSFF", "location": "Newcastle, NSW", "venue": "The Royal Exchange Hybrid Performance Space & Cinema", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://nishortfilmfest.wordpress.com/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/NewcastleInternationalShortFilmFestival-1", "imageUrl": "https://nishortfilmfest.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/cropped-nissf-graphic-idea-3.jpg", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/NewcastleInternationalShortFilmFestival-1", "https://festhome.com/en/festival/newcastle-international-short-film-festival", "https://nishortfilmfest.wordpress.com/" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "November", "startMonth": 11, "endMonth": 11, "startDate": "2026-11-20", "endDate": "2026-11-21" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Dec · Closes early Nov", "openMonth": 12, "closeMonth": 11, "closeDay": 10, "deadline": "2026-11-10" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "~$7–$24 AUD ($6–$22 student)", "min": 6, "max": 24, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 20, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "nsw" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary", "animation" ], "focus": [ "genre", "experimental", "independent", "regional", "mobile" ], "premiere": [ "required" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway", "festhome" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T12:34:33Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2026-11-20", "endDate": "2026-11-21", "monthsAway": 0, "daysAway": 11, "sortDate": "2026-11-20" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2026-11-10", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 1, "closingSoon": true }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/newcastle-international-short-film-festival" }, { "id": "understory-film-festival", "name": "Understory Film Festival", "shortName": null, "location": "Cairns, QLD", "venue": "Tank 5, Tanks Arts Centre", "summary": "Short films by North and Far North Queensland filmmakers, including residents from Townsville through Cape York, the Gulf and Torres Strait Islands. Accepts documentary, animation, drama, experimental work and music videos; Best Film and People's Choice each receive a $2,500 cash prize.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/facilities-sport-leisure/arts-and-culture/festivals-events/understory-film-festival/understory-film-festival-2026", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/UnderstoryFilmFestival", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/UnderstoryFilmFestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "21 Nov 2026", "startMonth": 11, "endMonth": 11, "startDate": "2026-11-21", "endDate": "2026-11-21" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens June · Closes Oct", "openMonth": 6, "closeMonth": 10, "closeDay": null, "deadline": "2026-10-12" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Free", "min": 0, "max": 0, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 8, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "qld" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary", "animation", "music-video" ], "focus": [ "regional", "local" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "cost": [ "free" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2026-11-21", "endDate": "2026-11-21", "monthsAway": 0, "daysAway": 12, "sortDate": "2026-11-21" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-10-31", "closeExact": false, "opensOn": "2027-06-01", "daysToClose": 356, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/understory-film-festival" }, { "id": "melbourne-underground-film-festival", "name": "Melbourne Underground Film Festival", "shortName": "MUFF", "location": "Melbourne, VIC", "venue": null, "summary": "Long-running independent festival showcasing cutting-edge, cult, experimental, transgressive, and alternative Australian and international cinema across feature, short, and documentary formats. Submissions via FilmFreeway with no premiere requirement; selected films are bound by an irrevocable screening agreement.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.muff.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/MUFF", "imageUrl": "https://muff.com.au/assets/images/misc/call-for-entries-600.png", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/MUFF", "https://www.muff.com.au/home.html" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "November", "startMonth": 11, "endMonth": 11, "startDate": "2026-11-26", "endDate": "2026-11-29" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Dec · Closes late Oct", "openMonth": 12, "closeMonth": 10, "closeDay": 28, "deadline": "2026-10-28" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "~$35–$55 AUD", "min": 35, "max": 55, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "vic" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary" ], "focus": [ "genre", "horror", "experimental", "independent" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T12:34:33Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2026-11-26", "endDate": "2026-11-29", "monthsAway": 0, "daysAway": 17, "sortDate": "2026-11-26" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-10-28", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2026-12-01", "daysToClose": 353, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/melbourne-underground-film-festival" }, { "id": "trop-jr", "name": "Trop Jr", "shortName": null, "location": "Melbourne, VIC", "venue": "The Astor", "summary": "Australian short film festival for filmmakers aged 15 and under. The 2026 signature item is MAP, and the Melbourne grand final is invitation only.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.tropfest.com/tropjr", "submissionUrl": "https://www.tropfest.com/tropjr", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://www.tropfest.com/tropjr" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "4 Dec 2026", "startMonth": 12, "endMonth": 12, "startDate": "2026-12-04", "endDate": "2026-12-04" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Aug · Closes Oct", "openMonth": 8, "closeMonth": 10, "closeDay": null, "deadline": "2026-10-23" }, "platform": "Direct portal (festival website)", "fees": { "text": "Free", "min": 0, "max": 0, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "vic" ], "format": [ "short" ], "focus": [ "youth" ], "cost": [ "free" ], "platform": [ "direct" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2026-12-04", "endDate": "2026-12-04", "monthsAway": 1, "daysAway": 25, "sortDate": "2026-12-04" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-10-31", "closeExact": false, "opensOn": "2027-08-01", "daysToClose": 356, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/trop-jr" }, { "id": "capricorn-film-festival", "name": "Capricorn Film Festival", "shortName": "CFF", "location": "Yeppoon, QLD", "venue": "Yeppoon Town Hall", "summary": "Central Queensland festival screening features, documentaries, shorts (under 30 min), and experimental video art. Offers over $4,000 AUD in cash prizes across world-open and dedicated Central Queensland (CQ) categories. No premiere required for short films.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.capricornfilmfestival.org/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/CapricornFilmFestival", "imageUrl": "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c54bb2_c6f5c547e4d841229ad47741547bb460~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_2500,h_1666,al_c/c54bb2_c6f5c547e4d841229ad47741547bb460~mv2.jpg", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/CapricornFilmFestival", "https://www.capricornfilmfestival.org/", "https://www.capricornfilmfestival.org/whatson", "https://festhome.com/en/festival/capricorn-film-festival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "January", "startMonth": 1, "endMonth": 1, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Feb · Closes early Nov", "openMonth": 2, "closeMonth": 11, "closeDay": 1, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Shorts $10–$30 AUD · Features $50–$65 AUD", "min": 10, "max": 65, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "qld" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "animation", "music-video" ], "focus": [ "experimental", "independent", "regional" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway", "festhome" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T12:34:33Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-01-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 2, "daysAway": 53, "sortDate": "2027-01-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-11-01", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2027-02-01", "daysToClose": 357, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/capricorn-film-festival" }, { "id": "peninsula-film-festival", "name": "Peninsula Film Festival", "shortName": "PFF", "location": "Rosebud, VIC", "venue": "Rosebud Village Green", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.peninsulafilmfestival.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/PeninsulaFilmFestival", "imageUrl": "https://www.peninsulafilmfestival.com.au/uploads/6/3/6/4/63644483/5142609_orig.jpg", "sources": [ "https://www.peninsulafilmfestival.com.au/peninsula-film-festival.html", "https://filmfreeway.com/PeninsulaFilmFestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "January", "startMonth": 1, "endMonth": 1, "startDate": "2027-01-08", "endDate": "2027-01-12" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Feb · Closes early Dec", "openMonth": 2, "closeMonth": 12, "closeDay": 4, "deadline": "2026-12-04" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "$25 AUD standard ($15 Emerging Filmmaker Award)", "min": 15, "max": 25, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "vic" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary", "animation" ], "focus": [ "independent", "regional", "youth" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-01-08", "endDate": "2027-01-12", "monthsAway": 2, "daysAway": 60, "sortDate": "2027-01-08" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2026-12-04", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 25, "closingSoon": true }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/peninsula-film-festival" }, { "id": "flickerfest", "name": "Flickerfest", "shortName": "FLiCKERFEST", "location": "Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW", "venue": "Bondi Pavilion", "summary": "Australia's leading Academy Award® and BAFTA qualifying international short film festival, staged at Bondi Pavilion on Bondi Beach. Requires Australian premieres for competitive shorts up to 35 minutes.", "websiteUrl": "https://flickerfest.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/flickerfest", "imageUrl": "https://flickerfest.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screen-Australia-Flickerfest-Web-Banner-scaled.png", "sources": [ "https://flickerfest.com.au/entries/", "https://filmfreeway.com/flickerfest" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "January", "startMonth": 1, "endMonth": 1, "startDate": "2027-01-22", "endDate": "2027-01-31" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Jun · Closes mid-Oct", "openMonth": 6, "closeMonth": 10, "closeDay": 14, "deadline": "2026-10-14" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "~$17–$60 AUD (Specsavers TVC ad competition free)", "min": 17, "max": 60, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 35, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "nsw" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary", "animation" ], "focus": [ "independent", "youth" ], "recognition": [ "academy", "bafta", "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "required" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-01-22", "endDate": "2027-01-31", "monthsAway": 2, "daysAway": 74, "sortDate": "2027-01-22" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-10-14", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2027-06-01", "daysToClose": 339, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/flickerfest" }, { "id": "antenna-documentary-film-festival", "name": "Antenna Documentary Film Festival", "shortName": "Antenna", "location": "Sydney, NSW", "venue": null, "summary": "Creative non-fiction from Australia and around the world. Feature documentaries (60 min or longer) compete for a $10,000 cash prize; Australian short documentaries (30 min or less) compete for $5,000. Sydney premiere required.", "websiteUrl": "https://antennafestival.org/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/AntennaFestival", "imageUrl": "https://antennafestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/AntennaLogo.png", "sources": [ "https://antennafestival.org/call-for-submissions/", "https://filmfreeway.com/AntennaFestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "February", "startMonth": 2, "endMonth": 2, "startDate": "2027-02-04", "endDate": "2027-02-14" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Apr · Closes late Oct", "openMonth": 4, "closeMonth": 10, "closeDay": 31, "deadline": "2026-10-31" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Shorts $15–$30 USD · Features $25–$30 USD", "min": 15, "max": 30, "currency": "USD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "nsw" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary" ], "focus": [ "documentary" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "required" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-02-04", "endDate": "2027-02-14", "monthsAway": 3, "daysAway": 87, "sortDate": "2027-02-04" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-10-31", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2027-04-01", "daysToClose": 356, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/antenna-documentary-film-festival" }, { "id": "fleurieu-film-festival", "name": "Fleurieu Film Festival", "shortName": "FFF", "location": "McLaren Vale, SA", "venue": "McLaren Vale Visitor Centre", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://fleurieufilmfestival.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/FleurieuFilmFestival", "imageUrl": "https://fleurieufilmfestival.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Fleurieu-Film-Festival-Logo-Rectangle-Black-2024-v1.png", "sources": [ "https://fleurieufilmfestival.com.au/", "https://filmfreeway.com/FleurieuFilmFestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "February", "startMonth": 2, "endMonth": 2, "startDate": "2027-02-06", "endDate": "2027-02-06" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Jun · Closes early Dec", "openMonth": 6, "closeMonth": 12, "closeDay": 1, "deadline": "2026-12-01" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "$20–$35 AUD ($28–$33 student)", "min": 20, "max": 35, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 15, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "sa" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary" ], "focus": [ "independent", "regional" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-02-06", "endDate": "2027-02-06", "monthsAway": 3, "daysAway": 89, "sortDate": "2027-02-06" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2026-12-01", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 22, "closingSoon": true }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/fleurieu-film-festival" }, { "id": "australia-independent-film-festival", "name": "Australia Independent Film Festival", "shortName": "AIFF", "location": "Brisbane, QLD", "venue": "Palace Cinemas James Street", "summary": "Brisbane-based celebration of exceptional independent cinema from Queensland, Australia, and internationally. Features narrative shorts, documentaries, student films, and screenplays with no strict premiere restrictions.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.ausindefest.com/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/ausindefest", "imageUrl": "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0501c0_70c8d93a35864429ae2975a538e1b101~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1800,h_900,al_c/0501c0_70c8d93a35864429ae2975a538e1b101~mv2.jpg", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/ausindefest", "https://www.ausindefest.com/" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "February", "startMonth": 2, "endMonth": 2, "startDate": "2027-02-12", "endDate": "2027-02-13" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Feb · Closes mid-Sep", "openMonth": 2, "closeMonth": 9, "closeDay": 18, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "~$25–$50 AUD depending on category", "min": 25, "max": 50, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "qld" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary", "animation", "screenplay" ], "focus": [ "independent" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-02-12", "endDate": "2027-02-13", "monthsAway": 3, "daysAway": 95, "sortDate": "2027-02-12" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-09-18", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2027-02-01", "daysToClose": 313, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/australia-independent-film-festival" }, { "id": "tropfest", "name": "Tropfest", "shortName": null, "location": "Sydney, NSW", "venue": "The Domain", "summary": "Short films including titles and credits, incorporating the 2027 signature item NECKLACE. Competition directors must be Australian citizens or permanent residents; international filmmakers may screen out of competition. World premiere required, with finalist exclusivity until 31 March 2027.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.tropfest.com/", "submissionUrl": "https://www.tropfest.com/enter", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://www.tropfest.com/enter", "https://www.tropfest.com/terms-and-conditions" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "13 Feb 2027", "startMonth": 2, "endMonth": 2, "startDate": "2027-02-13", "endDate": "2027-02-13" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Dec · Closes early Jan", "openMonth": 12, "closeMonth": 1, "closeDay": null, "deadline": "2027-01-05" }, "platform": "Direct portal (festival website)", "fees": { "text": "$65 early bird · $95 standard; currency unconfirmed", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 7, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "nsw" ], "format": [ "short" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "required" ], "platform": [ "direct" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-02-13", "endDate": "2027-02-13", "monthsAway": 3, "daysAway": 96, "sortDate": "2027-02-13" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-01-05", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2026-12-01", "daysToClose": 57, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/tropfest" }, { "id": "mardi-gras-film-festival", "name": "Mardi Gras Film Festival", "shortName": "MGFF", "location": "Sydney, NSW", "venue": "Event Cinemas George St & Dendy Newtown", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://queerscreen.org.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/mardigrasfilmfestival", "imageUrl": "https://queerscreen.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Artboard-1-100.jpg", "sources": [ "https://queerscreen.org.au/", "https://filmfreeway.com/mardigrasfilmfestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "February / March", "startMonth": 2, "endMonth": 3, "startDate": "2027-02-18", "endDate": "2027-03-04" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens mid-Sep · Closes early Dec", "openMonth": 9, "closeMonth": 12, "closeDay": 8, "deadline": "2026-12-08" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Shorts $30–$40 AUD · Features $50–$60 AUD", "min": 30, "max": 60, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "nsw" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "animation", "series" ], "focus": [ "lgbtqia" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-02-18", "endDate": "2027-03-04", "monthsAway": 3, "daysAway": 101, "sortDate": "2027-02-18" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2026-12-08", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 29, "closingSoon": true }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/mardi-gras-film-festival" }, { "id": "wa-made-film-festival", "name": "WA Made Film Festival", "shortName": "WAMFF", "location": "Perth, WA", "venue": "Palace Cinemas Raine Square", "summary": "Western Australia's largest celebration of exclusively WA-made screen content, showcasing features, documentaries, shorts, web series, and the 'Get Smart!' smartphone film competition.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.wamadefilmfestival.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/WAMadeFilmFestival", "imageUrl": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/64c325fa1eee56338550a771/t/6a83c075cc25977623b03144/1787019381860/+27+WAMFF+Logo+%2B+Quok.png?format=1500w", "sources": [ "https://www.wamadefilmfestival.com.au/", "https://filmfreeway.com/WAMadeFilmFestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "February", "startMonth": 2, "endMonth": 2, "startDate": "2027-02-18", "endDate": "2027-02-28" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Aug · Closes early Dec", "openMonth": 8, "closeMonth": 12, "closeDay": 1, "deadline": "2026-12-01" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Shorts $15 AUD · Long Shorts $25 AUD · Features $35 AUD", "min": 15, "max": 35, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "wa" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "series" ], "focus": [ "local", "youth", "mobile" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "preferred" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:44Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-02-18", "endDate": "2027-02-28", "monthsAway": 3, "daysAway": 101, "sortDate": "2027-02-18" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2026-12-01", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 22, "closingSoon": true }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/wa-made-film-festival" }, { "id": "birrarangga-film-festival", "name": "Birrarangga Film Festival", "shortName": "BFF", "location": "Melbourne, VIC", "venue": "RMIT - The Capitol", "summary": "Australia's premier Indigenous-led biennial film festival celebrating First Nations storytelling through cinema. Features, documentaries, shorts, animations, and VR/XR works, requiring the director or writer/producer to be Indigenous. No premiere status required.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.birrarangga.world/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/BirraranggaFilmFestival-1", "imageUrl": "https://www.birrarangga.world/media/site/9c380c6ce7-1738637361/banner-1-1408x-1200x630-crop.png", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/BirraranggaFilmFestival-1", "https://www.birrarangga.world/" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "Feb / Mar", "startMonth": 2, "endMonth": 3, "startDate": "2027-02-25", "endDate": "2027-03-06" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Jul · Closes late Oct", "openMonth": 7, "closeMonth": 10, "closeDay": 29, "deadline": "2026-10-29" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Free to $10 AUD (Shorts) · $10–$25 AUD (Features)", "min": 0, "max": 25, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "vic" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "animation", "xr" ], "focus": [ "independent", "first-nations" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "cost": [ "free" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T12:34:33Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-02-25", "endDate": "2027-03-06", "monthsAway": 3, "daysAway": 108, "sortDate": "2027-02-25" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-10-29", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2027-07-01", "daysToClose": 354, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/birrarangga-film-festival" }, { "id": "lights-canberra-action", "name": "Lights! Canberra! Action!", "shortName": "LCA", "location": "Canberra, ACT", "venue": "Senate Rose Gardens, Old Parliament House", "summary": "Ten-day filmmaking challenge using an announced theme and Canberra items or locations, followed by a public gala screening. Films can run up to seven minutes including credits. Student, under-18 and disability-inclusive team categories have reduced entry rates.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.enemiesofreality.com/lights-canberra-action.html", "submissionUrl": "https://www.enemiesofreality.com/lca.html", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://www.enemiesofreality.com/lca.html" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "March", "startMonth": 3, "endMonth": 3, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Feb · Closes early Mar", "openMonth": 2, "closeMonth": 3, "closeDay": null, "deadline": null }, "platform": "Direct portal (festival website)", "fees": { "text": "$22 student/under-18/inclusive teams · $33 general; currency unconfirmed", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 7, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "act" ], "format": [ "short", "animation" ], "focus": [ "disability", "local", "youth" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "direct" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-03-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 4, "daysAway": 112, "sortDate": "2027-03-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-03-31", "closeExact": false, "opensOn": "2027-02-01", "daysToClose": 142, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/lights-canberra-action" }, { "id": "perth-queer-film-festival", "name": "Perth Queer Film Festival", "shortName": "PQFF", "location": "West Perth, WA", "venue": "The Backlot Studios", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://pqff.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/PRIDEQueerFilmFestival", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/PRIDEQueerFilmFestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "3–10 Mar 2027", "startMonth": 3, "endMonth": 3, "startDate": "2027-03-03", "endDate": "2027-03-10" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Aug · Closes Dec", "openMonth": 8, "closeMonth": 12, "closeDay": null, "deadline": "2026-12-18" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "$5 early/regular · $10 late; currency unconfirmed", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "wa" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary" ], "focus": [ "lgbtqia" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-03-03", "endDate": "2027-03-10", "monthsAway": 4, "daysAway": 114, "sortDate": "2027-03-03" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2026-12-18", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 39, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/perth-queer-film-festival" }, { "id": "gippsland-international-film-festival", "name": "Gippsland International Film Festival", "shortName": "GIFF", "location": "Warragul / Gippsland, VIC", "venue": "West Gippsland Arts Centre, Peninsula Cinemas Warragul and regional halls", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://gippslandinternationalfilmfestival.com/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/GippslandInternationalFilmFestival", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/GippslandInternationalFilmFestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "12–19 Mar 2027", "startMonth": 3, "endMonth": 3, "startDate": "2027-03-12", "endDate": "2027-03-19" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Mar · Closes Jan", "openMonth": 3, "closeMonth": 1, "closeDay": null, "deadline": "2027-01-13" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Paid categories vary · GIFF x Spark youth category free; paid-fee currency unconfirmed", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "vic" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary" ], "focus": [ "regional", "local" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "cost": [ "free", "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-03-12", "endDate": "2027-03-19", "monthsAway": 4, "daysAway": 123, "sortDate": "2027-03-12" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-01-13", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 65, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/gippsland-international-film-festival" }, { "id": "national-indian-film-festival-of-australia", "name": "National Indian Film Festival of Australia", "shortName": "NIFFA", "location": "Sydney, NSW", "venue": null, "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://niffa.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/NIFFA", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/NIFFA" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "17 Mar–27 June 2027 · National circuit", "startMonth": 3, "endMonth": 6, "startDate": "2027-03-17", "endDate": "2027-06-27" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Oct · Closes Jan", "openMonth": 10, "closeMonth": 1, "closeDay": null, "deadline": "2027-01-10" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Shorts $35–$75 · Features $50–$115 · Student rates available; currency unconfirmed", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "nsw", "vic", "qld", "wa", "sa", "tas", "act", "nt" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "animation" ], "focus": [ "multicultural" ], "premiere": [ "required" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-03-17", "endDate": "2027-06-27", "monthsAway": 4, "daysAway": 128, "sortDate": "2027-03-17" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-01-10", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 62, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/national-indian-film-festival-of-australia" }, { "id": "melbourne-women-in-film-festival", "name": "Melbourne Women in Film Festival", "shortName": "MWFF", "location": "Melbourne, VIC", "venue": "ACMI", "summary": "Short films (up to 20 min including credits) and web series with a woman or gender-diverse filmmaker in a key creative role, from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and Moana Oceania. Narrative, documentary, animation, music video and experimental work; no features. Generative AI banned.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.mwff.org.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/MelbourneWomeninFilmFestival", "imageUrl": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/63ab9c8d13185f66512cb1c8/t/699e0e3f78d9161ab817fe18/1771966015583/MWFF+Logo+grey.png?format=1500w", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/MelbourneWomeninFilmFestival", "https://www.mwff.org.au/", "https://www.mwff.org.au/shorts-awards-guidelines" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "March", "startMonth": 3, "endMonth": 3, "startDate": "2027-03-18", "endDate": "2027-03-21" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens May · Closes early Oct", "openMonth": 5, "closeMonth": 10, "closeDay": 2, "deadline": "2026-10-02" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "$20–$55 AUD depending on category and tier (waivers for First Nations & diverse creators)", "min": 20, "max": 55, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 20, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "vic" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary", "animation", "series", "music-video" ], "focus": [ "independent", "women" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "cost": [ "waivers", "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-03-18", "endDate": "2027-03-21", "monthsAway": 4, "daysAway": 129, "sortDate": "2027-03-18" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-10-02", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2027-05-01", "daysToClose": 327, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/melbourne-women-in-film-festival" }, { "id": "funny-shorts", "name": "Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Funny Shorts", "shortName": null, "location": "Melbourne, VIC", "venue": "ACMI", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/funny-shorts/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/FunnyShorts", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/funny-shorts/faqs/", "https://filmfreeway.com/FunnyShorts", "https://micf-prod-cdn-d0bad2fug8bge2c4.a01.azurefd.net/media/xh4np0xw/2027_funny-shorts_conditions-of-entry.pdf" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "April 2027 · Screening dates TBC", "startMonth": 4, "endMonth": 4, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Nov · Closes early Feb", "openMonth": 11, "closeMonth": 2, "closeDay": null, "deadline": "2027-02-05" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "$15 AUD in FAQ · Payment currency conflicts with entry conditions", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 10, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "vic" ], "format": [ "short" ], "focus": [ "comedy" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-04-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 5, "daysAway": 143, "sortDate": "2027-04-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-02-05", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 88, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/funny-shorts" }, { "id": "screenwave-nextwave-youth-film-fest", "name": "Screenwave / Nextwave Youth Film Fest", "shortName": "SWIFF / Nextwave", "location": "Coffs Harbour, NSW", "venue": "CHEC Theatre", "summary": "Presented by SWIFF (Screenwave International Film Festival), Nextwave is Australia's largest regional youth short film festival open to filmmakers aged 10-25 with films up to 5 minutes.", "websiteUrl": "https://swiff.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/NextwaveYouthFilmFestival", "imageUrl": "https://swiff.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Nextwave-Header-NYFA-at-CHEC.png", "sources": [ "https://swiff.com.au/nextwave/", "https://filmfreeway.com/NextwaveYouthFilmFestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "April", "startMonth": 4, "endMonth": 4, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens mid-year · Closes late Oct", "openMonth": 6, "closeMonth": 10, "closeDay": 25, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Free entry for Australian youth (ages 10–25)", "min": 0, "max": 0, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 5, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "nsw" ], "format": [ "short" ], "focus": [ "regional", "youth" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "cost": [ "free" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway", "direct" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:44Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-04-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 5, "daysAway": 143, "sortDate": "2027-04-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-10-25", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2027-06-01", "daysToClose": 350, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/screenwave-nextwave-youth-film-fest" }, { "id": "over-the-fence-comedy-film-festival", "name": "Over The Fence Comedy Film Festival", "shortName": "Over The Fence", "location": "Fremantle, WA", "venue": null, "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.overthefence.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/OverTheFenceComedyFilmFestival", "imageUrl": "https://filmfreeway-production-storage-01-connector.filmfreeway.com/festivals/logos/000/000/993/large/logo.jpg?1673684895", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/OverTheFenceComedyFilmFestival", "https://www.overthefence.com.au/" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "April", "startMonth": 4, "endMonth": 4, "startDate": "2027-04-09", "endDate": "2027-04-11" }, "submissions": { "text": "Open by Nov · Closes late Dec", "openMonth": 11, "closeMonth": 12, "closeDay": 20, "deadline": "2026-12-20" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Shorts under 15m $28–$45 AUD · Shorts 16–40m $35–$52 AUD", "min": 28, "max": 52, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 40, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "wa" ], "format": [ "short", "animation" ], "focus": [ "genre" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:44Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-04-09", "endDate": "2027-04-11", "monthsAway": 5, "daysAway": 151, "sortDate": "2027-04-09" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2026-12-20", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 41, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/over-the-fence-comedy-film-festival" }, { "id": "sydney-womens-international-film-festival", "name": "Sydney Women’s International Film Festival", "shortName": "SWIFF", "location": "Sydney, NSW", "venue": "Palace Cinemas Moore Park", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://swiff.tv/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/sydneywomensinternationalfilmfest", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/sydneywomensinternationalfilmfest" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "11–17 Apr 2027", "startMonth": 4, "endMonth": 4, "startDate": "2027-04-11", "endDate": "2027-04-17" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Jan · Closes Nov", "openMonth": 1, "closeMonth": 11, "closeDay": null, "deadline": "2026-11-30" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Shorts/music videos $37–$105 · Features $100–$200 · Other categories vary; currency unconfirmed", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "nsw" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "animation", "series", "music-video", "screenplay" ], "focus": [ "women", "mobile" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-04-11", "endDate": "2027-04-17", "monthsAway": 5, "daysAway": 153, "sortDate": "2027-04-11" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2026-11-30", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 21, "closingSoon": true }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/sydney-womens-international-film-festival" }, { "id": "geelong-pride-film-festival", "name": "Geelong Pride Film Festival", "shortName": "GPFF", "location": "Geelong, VIC", "venue": "Pivotonian Cinema", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://gpff.org.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/GeelongPrideFilm", "imageUrl": "https://filmfreeway-production-storage-01-connector.filmfreeway.com/festivals/logos/000/049/712/large/logo.jpg?1564886363", "sources": [ "https://gpff.ferve.tickets/", "https://filmfreeway.com/GeelongPrideFilm" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "April", "startMonth": 4, "endMonth": 4, "startDate": "2027-04-15", "endDate": "2027-04-18" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Aug · Closes late Jan", "openMonth": 8, "closeMonth": 1, "closeDay": 29, "deadline": "2027-01-29" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Shorts $15–$25 AUD · Features $25–$40 AUD", "min": 15, "max": 40, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "vic" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "animation", "series" ], "focus": [ "lgbtqia", "regional" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:44Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-04-15", "endDate": "2027-04-18", "monthsAway": 5, "daysAway": 157, "sortDate": "2027-04-15" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-01-29", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 81, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/geelong-pride-film-festival" }, { "id": "fantastic-film-festival-australia", "name": "Fantastic Film Festival Australia", "shortName": "FFFA", "location": "Melbourne, VIC & Sydney, NSW", "venue": "Lido Cinemas & Ritz Cinemas", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.fantasticfilmfestival.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/FFFA", "imageUrl": "https://www.fantasticfilmfestival.com.au/img/fffa/social.jpg", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/FFFA", "https://www.fantasticfilmfestival.com.au/", "https://www.fantasticfilmfestival.com.au/fantastic-film-prize-terms-conditions" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "April / May", "startMonth": 4, "endMonth": 5, "startDate": "2027-04-23", "endDate": "2027-05-16" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens late Sep · Closes late Jan", "openMonth": 9, "closeMonth": 1, "closeDay": 31, "deadline": "2027-01-31" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "$30–$60 AUD depending on tier and category", "min": 30, "max": 60, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "nsw", "vic" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "animation" ], "focus": [ "genre", "horror" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "required" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-04-23", "endDate": "2027-05-16", "monthsAway": 5, "daysAway": 165, "sortDate": "2027-04-23" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-01-31", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 83, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/fantastic-film-festival-australia" }, { "id": "gold-coast-film-festival", "name": "Gold Coast Film Festival", "shortName": "GCFF", "location": "Gold Coast, QLD", "venue": "HOTA (Home of the Arts)", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://gcfilmfestival.com/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/GoldCoastFilmFestival", "imageUrl": "https://filmfreeway-production-storage-01-connector.filmfreeway.com/festivals/cover_photos/000/022/804/original/cover_photo.jpg?1786687449", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/GoldCoastFilmFestival", "https://gcfilmfestival.com/" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "April / May", "startMonth": 4, "endMonth": 5, "startDate": "2027-04-28", "endDate": "2027-05-09" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens mid-Aug · Closes late Jan", "openMonth": 8, "closeMonth": 1, "closeDay": 22, "deadline": "2027-01-22" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Scripts & Web Series $20–$40 AUD · Shorts & Features $40–$70 AUD", "min": 20, "max": 70, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "major" ], "state": [ "qld" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "series", "screenplay" ], "focus": [ "independent" ], "recognition": [ "aacta", "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "required" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-04-28", "endDate": "2027-05-09", "monthsAway": 5, "daysAway": 170, "sortDate": "2027-04-28" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-01-22", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 74, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/gold-coast-film-festival" }, { "id": "melbourne-nocturnal-film-festival", "name": "Melbourne Nocturnal Film Festival", "shortName": "MNFF", "location": "Collingwood, Melbourne, VIC", "venue": "Eclipse Cinema", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.mnff.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/melbournenocturnalfilmfestival", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/melbournenocturnalfilmfestival", "https://www.mnff.com.au/faqs" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "1–2 May 2027", "startMonth": 5, "endMonth": 5, "startDate": "2027-05-01", "endDate": "2027-05-02" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Aug · Closes Mar", "openMonth": 8, "closeMonth": 3, "closeDay": null, "deadline": "2027-03-31" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "$16–$40 standard entries · First Nations waivers; currency unconfirmed", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 30, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "vic" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary", "animation" ], "focus": [ "experimental", "local" ], "premiere": [ "preferred" ], "cost": [ "waivers" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-05-01", "endDate": "2027-05-02", "monthsAway": 6, "daysAway": 173, "sortDate": "2027-05-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-03-31", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 142, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/melbourne-nocturnal-film-festival" }, { "id": "west-end-film-festival", "name": "West End Film Festival", "shortName": "WEFF", "location": "West End, Brisbane, QLD", "venue": "SAE Brisbane", "summary": "Australian short films across genres, including documentary and experimental work. Films must be strictly under 20 minutes and either South-East Queensland-made or Australian productions. Older films can screen, although award eligibility has a more recent completion requirement.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.weff.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/WestEndFilmFestival", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/WestEndFilmFestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "June", "startMonth": 6, "endMonth": 6, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Feb · Closes May", "openMonth": 2, "closeMonth": 5, "closeDay": null, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Fee schedule not confirmed", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 20, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "qld" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary" ], "focus": [ "independent", "local" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-06-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 7, "daysAway": 204, "sortDate": "2027-06-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-05-31", "closeExact": false, "opensOn": "2027-02-01", "daysToClose": 203, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/west-end-film-festival" }, { "id": "st-kilda-film-festival", "name": "St Kilda Film Festival", "shortName": "SKFF", "location": "St Kilda, Melbourne, VIC", "venue": "The Astor Theatre & Alex Theatre", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.stkildafilmfestival.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/StKildaFilmFestival", "imageUrl": "https://www.stkildafilmfestival.com.au/media/gwwbtfes/2026-winner.jpg?width=1600&height=800&v=1dd03f613ecb120", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/StKildaFilmFestival", "https://www.stkildafilmfestival.com.au/participate/submit-a-film" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "June", "startMonth": 6, "endMonth": 6, "startDate": "2027-06-03", "endDate": "2027-06-13" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Sep · Closes mid-Jan", "openMonth": 9, "closeMonth": 1, "closeDay": 15, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Top Shorts ~$35–$60 AUD · Free for Under the Radar (youth)", "min": 0, "max": 60, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 40, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "vic" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary", "animation", "music-video" ], "focus": [ "independent", "youth" ], "recognition": [ "academy", "aacta", "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "required" ], "cost": [ "free", "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-06-03", "endDate": "2027-06-13", "monthsAway": 7, "daysAway": 206, "sortDate": "2027-06-03" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-01-15", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 67, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/st-kilda-film-festival" }, { "id": "sydney-film-festival", "name": "Sydney Film Festival", "shortName": "SFF", "location": "Sydney, NSW", "venue": "State Theatre & Dendy Newtown", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.sff.org.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/SydneyFilmFestival", "imageUrl": "https://cms.sff.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DSC_3285-1-scaled.jpg", "sources": [ "https://cms.sff.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/26-10-12-SFF2027-Submissions-Open-MR.pdf", "https://filmfreeway.com/SydneyFilmFestival", "https://www.sff.org.au/info/submissions/" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "June", "startMonth": 6, "endMonth": 6, "startDate": "2027-06-09", "endDate": "2027-06-20" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Oct · Closes late Feb", "openMonth": 10, "closeMonth": 2, "closeDay": 26, "deadline": "2027-02-26" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "~$45 AUD flat fee (free for First Nations & Screenability)", "min": 45, "max": 45, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "major" ], "state": [ "nsw" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary" ], "focus": [ "independent", "first-nations" ], "recognition": [ "academy", "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "required" ], "cost": [ "waivers" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-06-09", "endDate": "2027-06-20", "monthsAway": 7, "daysAway": 212, "sortDate": "2027-06-09" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-02-26", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 109, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/sydney-film-festival" }, { "id": "vision-splendid-outback-film-festival", "name": "Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival", "shortName": null, "location": "Winton, QLD", "venue": "Royal Open Air Theatre", "summary": "Australian independent features, documentaries and shorts screened in outback Queensland. Short-film entries are limited to 10 minutes; feature-length work is also accepted.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.visionsplendidfilmfest.com/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/VisionSplendidOutbackFilmFestival", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/VisionSplendidOutbackFilmFestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "25 June–3 July 2027", "startMonth": 6, "endMonth": 7, "startDate": "2027-06-25", "endDate": "2027-07-03" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Aug · Closes early June", "openMonth": 8, "closeMonth": 6, "closeDay": null, "deadline": "2027-06-01" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Shorts $25–$60 · Features $35–$100 · Student rates available; currency unconfirmed", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "qld" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary" ], "focus": [ "independent", "regional" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-06-25", "endDate": "2027-07-03", "monthsAway": 7, "daysAway": 228, "sortDate": "2027-06-25" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-06-01", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 204, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/vision-splendid-outback-film-festival" }, { "id": "melbourne-documentary-film-festival", "name": "Melbourne Documentary Film Festival", "shortName": "MDFF", "location": "Melbourne, VIC", "venue": "Cinema Nova", "summary": "Dedicated Australian documentary showcase presenting local and international non-fiction features and shorts, VR/XR, and pitching competitions across cinema and streaming formats.", "websiteUrl": "https://mdff.org.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/MelbourneDocumentaryFilmFestival", "imageUrl": "https://mdff.org.au/images/Melbourne-reel.png", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/MelbourneDocumentaryFilmFestival", "https://www.mdff.org.au/submission-rules", "https://filmmakers.festhome.com/festival/1365" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "July", "startMonth": 7, "endMonth": 7, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens June · Closes May", "openMonth": 6, "closeMonth": 5, "closeDay": null, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway & Festhome", "fees": { "text": "~$10–$62 AUD depending on tier and category", "min": 10, "max": 62, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "vic" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "xr" ], "focus": [ "documentary" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "preferred" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway", "festhome" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-07-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 8, "daysAway": 234, "sortDate": "2027-07-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-05-31", "closeExact": false, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 203, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/melbourne-documentary-film-festival" }, { "id": "revelation-perth-international-film-festival", "name": "Revelation Perth International Film Festival", "shortName": "Rev", "location": "Perth, WA", "venue": "Luna Cinemas Leederville", "summary": "Western Australia's champion of independent, underground, documentary, and experimental screen culture. Western Australian premieres required for all feature-length projects.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.revelationfilmfest.org/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/RevelationFilmFestival", "imageUrl": "https://www.revelationfilmfest.org/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fa.storyblok.com%2Ff%2F339690%2F1200x628%2F3b46539b37%2Fcity_of_vincent_submissions_open_landscape_v5.jpg&w=3840&q=75", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/RevelationFilmFestival", "https://www.revelationfilmfest.org/" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "July", "startMonth": 7, "endMonth": 7, "startDate": "2027-07-07", "endDate": "2027-07-18" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens late Aug · Closes late Feb", "openMonth": 8, "closeMonth": 2, "closeDay": 28, "deadline": "2027-02-28" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "$40–$60 AUD flat fee across categories", "min": 40, "max": 60, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "major" ], "state": [ "wa" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "animation", "xr" ], "focus": [ "genre", "experimental", "independent", "local" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "required" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-07-07", "endDate": "2027-07-18", "monthsAway": 8, "daysAway": 240, "sortDate": "2027-07-07" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-02-28", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 111, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/revelation-perth-international-film-festival" }, { "id": "australia-youth-film-festival", "name": "Australia Youth Film Festival", "shortName": "AUYFF", "location": "Sydney, NSW", "venue": null, "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://auyff.com/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/auyffest", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/auyffest", "https://auyff.com/guideandrules" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "30–31 July 2027", "startMonth": 7, "endMonth": 7, "startDate": "2027-07-30", "endDate": "2027-07-31" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens July · Closes May", "openMonth": 7, "closeMonth": 5, "closeDay": null, "deadline": "2027-05-31" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Free", "min": 0, "max": 0, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "nsw" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary", "animation", "music-video" ], "focus": [ "youth" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "cost": [ "free" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-07-30", "endDate": "2027-07-31", "monthsAway": 8, "daysAway": 263, "sortDate": "2027-07-30" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-05-31", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 203, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/australia-youth-film-festival" }, { "id": "cinefestoz", "name": "CinefestOZ", "shortName": null, "location": "Busselton / Margaret River, WA", "venue": null, "summary": "Premieres Australian and French-Australian features, documentaries, and shorts across regional WA. Home of the prestigious $100,000 AUD CinefestOZ Film Prize; Western Australian premiere required.", "websiteUrl": "https://cinefestoz.com/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/CinefestOZFilmFestival", "imageUrl": "https://cinefestoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/WEB_240907_Gala_Awards_0006-1920x1281.jpg", "sources": [ "https://cinefestoz.com/submit/", "https://filmfreeway.com/CinefestOZFilmFestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "August / September", "startMonth": 8, "endMonth": 9, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Feb · Closes June 1", "openMonth": 2, "closeMonth": 6, "closeDay": 1, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "~$50–$100 AUD depending on category", "min": 50, "max": 100, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "major" ], "state": [ "wa" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "series", "music-video", "xr" ], "focus": [ "independent", "regional" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "required" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-08-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 9, "daysAway": 265, "sortDate": "2027-08-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-06-01", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2027-02-01", "daysToClose": 204, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/cinefestoz" }, { "id": "far-south-film-festival", "name": "Far South Film Festival", "shortName": "FSFF", "location": "Merimbula, NSW", "venue": "The Twyford", "summary": "Regional NSW festival showcasing films by regional and remote Australian filmmakers (at least two key creatives must reside in regional/remote Australia). Features short films under 40 minutes and features up to 90 minutes.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.farsouthfilmfestival.com/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/farsouthfilmfestival", "imageUrl": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/699147dbe3579955060300bd/t/699147e7e3579955060303ad/1770020441093/Screenshot+2025-06-26+at+14.05.33.png?format=1500w", "sources": [ "https://www.farsouthfilmfestival.com/submit", "https://filmfreeway.com/farsouthfilmfestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "August", "startMonth": 8, "endMonth": 8, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Mar · Closes late May", "openMonth": 3, "closeMonth": 5, "closeDay": 25, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "~$25–$45 AUD", "min": 25, "max": 45, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 90, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "nsw" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary" ], "focus": [ "independent", "regional" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-08-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 9, "daysAway": 265, "sortDate": "2027-08-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-05-25", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2027-03-01", "daysToClose": 197, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/far-south-film-festival" }, { "id": "noosa-international-surfilm-festival", "name": "Noosa International Surfilm Festival", "shortName": "NISFF", "location": "Noosa Heads, QLD", "venue": null, "summary": "International surf and ocean features, documentaries, shorts, animation and experimental films. Strong preference is given to premieres. Selected films must meet Australian screening exclusivity and online-availability restrictions.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.nisff.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/NoosaInternationalSurfilmFestival", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/NoosaInternationalSurfilmFestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "August", "startMonth": 8, "endMonth": 8, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Next submission window TBC", "openMonth": null, "closeMonth": null, "closeDay": null, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Next fee schedule not confirmed", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "qld" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "animation" ], "focus": [ "environment" ], "premiere": [ "preferred" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-08-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 9, "daysAway": 265, "sortDate": "2027-08-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "unknown", "closesOn": null, "closeExact": false, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": null, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/noosa-international-surfilm-festival" }, { "id": "queer-screen-film-fest", "name": "Queer Screen Film Fest", "shortName": "QSFF", "location": "Sydney, NSW", "venue": "Event Cinemas George Street", "summary": "LGBTQIA+ features and shorts with significant queer characters or themes. Includes an emerging narrative feature competition for first or second features. Australian shorts are encouraged to consider the organiser's separate Mardi Gras festival for My Queer Career eligibility.", "websiteUrl": "https://queerscreen.org.au/queer-screen-film-fest/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/QueerScreenFilmFest", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://queerscreen.org.au/queer-screen-film-fest-launches-2026-program/", "https://filmfreeway.com/QueerScreenFilmFest" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "Aug / Sept", "startMonth": 8, "endMonth": 9, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Next submission window TBC", "openMonth": null, "closeMonth": null, "closeDay": null, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Next fee schedule not confirmed", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "nsw" ], "format": [ "feature", "short" ], "focus": [ "lgbtqia" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-08-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 9, "daysAway": 265, "sortDate": "2027-08-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "unknown", "closesOn": null, "closeExact": false, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": null, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/queer-screen-film-fest" }, { "id": "melbourne-international-film-festival", "name": "Melbourne International Film Festival", "shortName": "MIFF", "location": "Melbourne, VIC", "venue": "ACMI, The Capitol, Forum Melbourne", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://miff.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/MelbourneInternationalFilmFestival", "imageUrl": "https://miff.com.au/imgs/square/assets/2026/08/260806-miff-ap-dijana-risteska-0133.jpg", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/MelbourneInternationalFilmFestival", "https://miff.com.au/submissions" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "August", "startMonth": 8, "endMonth": 8, "startDate": "2027-08-05", "endDate": "2027-08-22" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens mid-Oct · Closes mid-Feb", "openMonth": 10, "closeMonth": 2, "closeDay": 16, "deadline": "2027-02-16" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Shorts $50–$95 AUD · Features $90–$145 AUD", "min": 50, "max": 145, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "major" ], "state": [ "vic" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "animation", "xr" ], "focus": [ "independent" ], "recognition": [ "academy", "bafta", "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "required" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-08-05", "endDate": "2027-08-22", "monthsAway": 9, "daysAway": 269, "sortDate": "2027-08-05" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-02-16", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 99, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/melbourne-international-film-festival" }, { "id": "sparrowland-short-film-festival", "name": "Sparrowland Short Film Festival", "shortName": "SLSFF", "location": "Brisbane, QLD", "venue": "PIP Theatre", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.slsff.com/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/SparrowlandShortFilmFestival", "imageUrl": "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06aa90_b54630527b7e44f29df7de11f87bf705~mv2.jpg", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/SparrowlandShortFilmFestival", "https://www.slsff.com/" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "August", "startMonth": 8, "endMonth": 8, "startDate": "2027-08-06", "endDate": "2027-08-07" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Aug · Closes late May", "openMonth": 8, "closeMonth": 5, "closeDay": 31, "deadline": "2027-05-31" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "~$10–$30 AUD", "min": 10, "max": 30, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 20, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "qld" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary", "animation", "series", "music-video" ], "focus": [ "horror", "independent", "lgbtqia", "youth" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T12:34:33Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-08-06", "endDate": "2027-08-07", "monthsAway": 9, "daysAway": 270, "sortDate": "2027-08-06" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-05-31", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 203, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/sparrowland-short-film-festival" }, { "id": "space-faring-civilisation-film-festival", "name": "Space Faring Civilisation Film Festival", "shortName": "SFC", "location": "Canberra, ACT", "venue": "Tuggeranong Arts Centre", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://sfcfilms.com/film-festival/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/SFCFestival", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/SFCFestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "13–14 Aug 2027", "startMonth": 8, "endMonth": 8, "startDate": "2027-08-13", "endDate": "2027-08-14" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Sept · Closes early June", "openMonth": 9, "closeMonth": 6, "closeDay": null, "deadline": "2027-06-01" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Shorts $15–$50 · Features $50–$90 · Student rates and free workshop category; currency unconfirmed", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "act" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "animation" ], "focus": [ "genre", "science", "uplifting" ], "premiere": [ "required", "none" ], "cost": [ "free", "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-08-13", "endDate": "2027-08-14", "monthsAway": 9, "daysAway": 277, "sortDate": "2027-08-13" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-06-01", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 204, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/space-faring-civilisation-film-festival" }, { "id": "scinema-international-science-film-festival", "name": "SCINEMA International Science Film Festival", "shortName": null, "location": "Palmerston, Canberra, ACT", "venue": null, "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/SCINEMAInternationalScienceFilmFestival", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/SCINEMAInternationalScienceFilmFestival", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/SCINEMAInternationalScienceFilmFestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "14–22 Aug 2027 · Online and community screenings", "startMonth": 8, "endMonth": 8, "startDate": "2027-08-14", "endDate": "2027-08-22" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Aug · Closes May", "openMonth": 8, "closeMonth": 5, "closeDay": null, "deadline": "2027-05-31" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "$10–$60 across categories · Student rates and requested waivers; currency unconfirmed", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "act" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "animation", "series" ], "focus": [ "science" ], "cost": [ "waivers", "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-08-14", "endDate": "2027-08-22", "monthsAway": 9, "daysAway": 278, "sortDate": "2027-08-14" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-05-31", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 203, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/scinema-international-science-film-festival" }, { "id": "australian-womens-film-festival", "name": "Australian Women’s Film Festival", "shortName": "AWFF", "location": "Sydney, NSW", "venue": "Event Cinemas George Street", "summary": "Short films with at least three female key creatives. Fiction must pass the Bechdel Test, with discretion for documentaries and other forms that cannot technically meet it. Films must not have been broadcast on Australian television or widely distributed online before the festival.", "websiteUrl": "https://awff.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/AustralianWomensFilmFestival", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/AustralianWomensFilmFestival", "https://awff.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AWFF-2026-Terms-Conditions-of-Entry.pdf" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "September", "startMonth": 9, "endMonth": 9, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opening TBC · Closes July", "openMonth": null, "closeMonth": null, "closeDay": null, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "$36–$45 USD · Previous-cycle rates", "min": 36, "max": 45, "currency": "USD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 20, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "nsw" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary", "animation" ], "focus": [ "women" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-09-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 10, "daysAway": 296, "sortDate": "2027-09-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "unknown", "closesOn": null, "closeExact": false, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": null, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/australian-womens-film-festival" }, { "id": "heart-of-gold-international-short-film-festival", "name": "Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival", "shortName": "Heart of Gold", "location": "Gympie, QLD", "venue": null, "summary": "Regional Queensland festival celebrating heartwarming, inspiring, and uplifting short films from Australia and worldwide. Features fiction, documentary, animation, and student works. Max 30 minutes.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.heartofgold.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/heartofgoldfilmfest", "imageUrl": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6215930090272b6474c73c3a/t/62564900bca70851f5e68e5c/1649821952463/HOG+Social+1.png?format=1500w", "sources": [ "https://www.heartofgold.com.au/", "https://www.heartofgold.com.au/volunteer" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "September / October", "startMonth": 9, "endMonth": 10, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Mar · Closes mid-year", "openMonth": 3, "closeMonth": 6, "closeDay": 30, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "~$30–$50 AUD", "min": 30, "max": 50, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 30, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "qld" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary", "animation" ], "focus": [ "regional", "uplifting" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-09-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 10, "daysAway": 296, "sortDate": "2027-09-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-06-30", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2027-03-01", "daysToClose": 233, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/heart-of-gold-international-short-film-festival" }, { "id": "rock-the-boat-film-festival", "name": "Rock The Boat Film Festival", "shortName": "RTBFF", "location": "Rockingham, WA", "venue": "ACE HOYTS Rockingham", "summary": "Short films and documentaries filmed or animated in Western Australia. The longest category requires films under 13 minutes; some categories have shorter limits. Main category winners receive cash prizes.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.rocktheboatfilmfestival.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/rocktheboatfilmfestival", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://www.rocktheboatfilmfestival.com.au/how-it-works/", "https://filmfreeway.com/rocktheboatfilmfestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "Sept / Oct", "startMonth": 9, "endMonth": 10, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Mar · Closes July", "openMonth": 3, "closeMonth": 7, "closeDay": null, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Next fee schedule not confirmed", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 13, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "wa" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary", "animation", "music-video" ], "focus": [ "local" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-09-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 10, "daysAway": 296, "sortDate": "2027-09-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-07-31", "closeExact": false, "opensOn": "2027-03-01", "daysToClose": 264, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/rock-the-boat-film-festival" }, { "id": "sydney-underground-film-festival", "name": "Sydney Underground Film Festival", "shortName": "SUFF", "location": "Marrickville, Sydney, NSW", "venue": "The Factory Theatre", "summary": "Dedicated to provocative, independent, counter-culture, and boundary-pushing cinema. Staged at The Factory Theatre in Marrickville across features, shorts, documentaries, and animation.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.suff.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/SydneyUndergroundFilmFestival", "imageUrl": "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/67dfac_b856f8d0f95e414a8fe5212e391940e6%7Emv2.png/v1/fit/w_2500,h_1330,al_c/67dfac_b856f8d0f95e414a8fe5212e391940e6%7Emv2.png", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/SydneyUndergroundFilmFestival", "https://www.suff.com.au/" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "September", "startMonth": 9, "endMonth": 9, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Feb · Closes mid-Jul", "openMonth": 2, "closeMonth": 7, "closeDay": 15, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Shorts $30–$55 AUD · Features $45–$75 AUD", "min": 30, "max": 75, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "nsw" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "animation" ], "focus": [ "genre", "experimental", "independent" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "preferred" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-09-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 10, "daysAway": 296, "sortDate": "2027-09-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-07-15", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2027-02-01", "daysToClose": 248, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/sydney-underground-film-festival" }, { "id": "underdog-film-fest", "name": "Underdog Film Fest", "shortName": "UDFF", "location": "Kingston, Logan, QLD", "venue": "Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct", "summary": "Independent short-film festival in Logan, welcoming diverse filmmakers including First Nations and LGBTQIA+ creators. Australian-made films compete; international shorts may enter an out-of-competition category using a requested waiver. Selected films require hardcoded English subtitles.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.underdogfilmfest.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/UnderdogFilmFest", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/UnderdogFilmFest" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "September", "startMonth": 9, "endMonth": 9, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Mar · Closes June", "openMonth": 3, "closeMonth": 6, "closeDay": null, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Early entry $7.50 student / $12.50 general · Later rates unconfirmed", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "qld" ], "format": [ "short" ], "focus": [ "independent", "lgbtqia", "first-nations", "local" ], "cost": [ "waivers", "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-09-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 10, "daysAway": 296, "sortDate": "2027-09-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-06-30", "closeExact": false, "opensOn": "2027-03-01", "daysToClose": 233, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/underdog-film-fest" }, { "id": "weindorfer-short-film-festival", "name": "Weindorfer Short Film Festival", "shortName": null, "location": "Launceston, TAS", "venue": "Launceston Conference Centre", "summary": "Films of 2–12 minutes connecting with Australia's natural environment, positive environmental action or the legacy of Kate and Gustav Weindorfer. Open and under-19 categories are restricted to Australian residents, including all members of group entries. Winners receive cash prizes.", "websiteUrl": "https://weindorferfilmfestival.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/WeindorferShortFilmFestival", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/WeindorferShortFilmFestival", "https://weindorferfilmfestival.com.au/film_submission_guidelines/" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "September", "startMonth": 9, "endMonth": 9, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opening TBC · Closes Aug", "openMonth": null, "closeMonth": null, "closeDay": null, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Fee schedule not confirmed", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 12, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "tas" ], "format": [ "short" ], "focus": [ "youth", "environment", "uplifting" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-09-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 10, "daysAway": 296, "sortDate": "2027-09-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "unknown", "closesOn": null, "closeExact": false, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": null, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/weindorfer-short-film-festival" }, { "id": "very-short-film-festival", "name": "Very Short Film Festival", "shortName": "VSFF", "location": "Hobart, TAS", "venue": "State Cinema", "summary": "National short film festival premiering 2 to 5 minute Australian stories in Hobart before a nationwide tour. Competition films must incorporate the annual signature theme ('TURN' for 2027) and premiere at the festival. Free to enter across 18 & Under and 19 & Over categories.", "websiteUrl": "https://veryshortfilmfestival.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/VeryShortFilmFestival", "imageUrl": "https://veryshortfilmfestival.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/VSFF_26_FB_Event_1920x1005-scaled.jpg", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/VeryShortFilmFestival", "https://veryshortfilmfestival.com.au/about/", "https://veryshortfilmfestival.com.au/vsff-entry-form/" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "September", "startMonth": 9, "endMonth": 9, "startDate": "2027-09-03", "endDate": "2027-09-05" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Feb · Closes early May", "openMonth": 2, "closeMonth": 5, "closeDay": 7, "deadline": "2027-05-07" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Free entry", "min": 0, "max": 0, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 5, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "tas" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary", "animation" ], "focus": [ "independent", "regional", "youth" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "required" ], "cost": [ "free" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway", "direct" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T12:34:33Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-09-03", "endDate": "2027-09-05", "monthsAway": 10, "daysAway": 298, "sortDate": "2027-09-03" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-05-07", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2027-02-01", "daysToClose": 179, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/very-short-film-festival" }, { "id": "darwin-international-film-festival", "name": "Darwin International Film Festival", "shortName": "DIFF", "location": "Darwin, NT", "venue": "Deckchair Cinema", "summary": "Iconic outdoor cinema festival held at the waterfront Deckchair Cinema in Darwin. Features international, Australian, and Southeast Asian cinema; selected shorts receive a $100 screening fee.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.diff.net.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/diff_nt", "imageUrl": "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f2/Deckchair_Cinema%2C_Darwin%2C_September_2025_01.jpg/1280px-Deckchair_Cinema%2C_Darwin%2C_September_2025_01.jpg", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/diff_nt", "https://www.diff.net.au/" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "September", "startMonth": 9, "endMonth": 9, "startDate": "2027-09-09", "endDate": "2027-09-19" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Mar · Closes mid-Jun", "openMonth": 3, "closeMonth": 6, "closeDay": 18, "deadline": "2027-06-18" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "$15 AUD flat fee ($10 student)", "min": 10, "max": 15, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "major" ], "state": [ "nt" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary" ], "focus": [ "independent", "regional" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T12:34:33Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-09-09", "endDate": "2027-09-19", "monthsAway": 10, "daysAway": 304, "sortDate": "2027-09-09" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-06-18", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2027-03-01", "daysToClose": 221, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/darwin-international-film-festival" }, { "id": "adelaide-independent-film-festival", "name": "Adelaide Independent Film Festival", "shortName": "AIFF", "location": "Adelaide, SA", "venue": "Capri Theatre and Mercury Cinema", "summary": "Australian and international short films in any genre, completed in any year, with no strict premiere requirement. Includes animation, documentary, student, South Australian and First Nations categories, plus a screenplay program. Student films have a shorter 20-minute limit.", "websiteUrl": "https://auteursforum.com/aiff/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/AdelaideIndependentFilmFestival", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/AdelaideIndependentFilmFestival", "https://auteursforum.com/aiff/latestnews/submissions-for-aiff26-are-now-open" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "October", "startMonth": 10, "endMonth": 10, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Jan · Closes June", "openMonth": 1, "closeMonth": 6, "closeDay": null, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Paid categories vary · Middle Eastern short-film category free", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 30, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "sa" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary", "animation", "screenplay" ], "focus": [ "independent", "first-nations", "local", "youth" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "cost": [ "free" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-10-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 11, "daysAway": 326, "sortDate": "2027-10-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-06-30", "closeExact": false, "opensOn": "2027-01-01", "daysToClose": 233, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/adelaide-independent-film-festival" }, { "id": "canberra-short-film-festival", "name": "Canberra Short Film Festival", "shortName": "CSFF", "location": "Canberra, ACT", "venue": "Dendy Cinemas Canberra Centre", "summary": "Long-running ACT short film festival screening national and international shorts up to 20 minutes across fiction, documentary, animation, music videos, and local categories.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.csff.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/CanbShrtFilmFest", "imageUrl": "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bf08f5_3984df30960f4202b538330f94d84574%7Emv2.png/v1/fit/w_2500,h_1330,al_c/bf08f5_3984df30960f4202b538330f94d84574%7Emv2.png", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/CanbShrtFilmFest", "https://www.csff.com.au/" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "October", "startMonth": 10, "endMonth": 10, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Feb · Closes late Jun", "openMonth": 2, "closeMonth": 6, "closeDay": 30, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "~$25–$45 AUD", "min": 25, "max": 45, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 20, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "act" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary", "animation", "music-video" ], "focus": [ "independent", "first-nations", "local" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-10-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 11, "daysAway": 326, "sortDate": "2027-10-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-06-30", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2027-02-01", "daysToClose": 233, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/canberra-short-film-festival" }, { "id": "dark-nights-film-fest", "name": "Dark Nights Film Fest", "shortName": null, "location": "Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW", "venue": "The Reservoir Cinema", "summary": "Horror and dark-genre short films, webisodes, narrative music videos and unproduced screenplays. Film submissions must be under 30 minutes, retain NSW premiere status and meet public-availability restrictions. The festival reserves most short-film slots for its open call.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.darknightsfilmfest.com/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/DarkNightsFilmFest", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://www.darknightsfilmfest.com/submit", "https://filmfreeway.com/DarkNightsFilmFest" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "October", "startMonth": 10, "endMonth": 10, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opening TBC · Closes Aug", "openMonth": null, "closeMonth": null, "closeDay": null, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Fee schedule not confirmed", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 30, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "nsw" ], "format": [ "short", "animation", "series", "music-video", "screenplay" ], "focus": [ "genre", "horror", "independent" ], "premiere": [ "required" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-10-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 11, "daysAway": 326, "sortDate": "2027-10-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "unknown", "closesOn": null, "closeExact": false, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": null, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/dark-nights-film-fest" }, { "id": "environmental-films-australia", "name": "Environmental Films Australia", "shortName": "EFFA", "location": "Melbourne, VIC", "venue": "Kino Cinema & Palace Westgarth", "summary": "Formerly Environmental Film Festival Australia. Volunteer-run Melbourne festival of documentary, narrative, experimental and animated films about climate, environments and the natural world. Features 40+ minutes, shorts 1–39 minutes; Australian, NZ and First Nations work especially welcome.", "websiteUrl": "https://environmentalfilms.org.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/environmentalfilmsaus", "imageUrl": "https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f7724e7817e3e048db5ba47/6f580377-ec0e-4d41-94ce-08a19ffd1c76/EnvironmentalFilmsAustralia_White+%281%29.png", "sources": [ "https://environmentalfilms.org.au/submit", "https://filmfreeway.com/environmentalfilmsaus" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "October", "startMonth": 10, "endMonth": 10, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens mid-year · Closes late Aug", "openMonth": 6, "closeMonth": 8, "closeDay": 31, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "~$25–$50 AUD depending on category", "min": 25, "max": 50, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "vic" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "animation" ], "focus": [ "documentary", "environment" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "preferred" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:44Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-10-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 11, "daysAway": 326, "sortDate": "2027-10-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-08-31", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2027-06-01", "daysToClose": 295, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/environmental-films-australia" }, { "id": "fraser-shorts-film-festival", "name": "Fraser Shorts Film Festival", "shortName": null, "location": "Maryborough / Hervey Bay, QLD", "venue": "Brolga Theatre and Big Screen Cinema", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.frasershorts.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/Frasershorts", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://www.frasershorts.com.au/enter-awards/", "https://filmfreeway.com/Frasershorts" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "October", "startMonth": 10, "endMonth": 10, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Oct · Closes Sept", "openMonth": 10, "closeMonth": 9, "closeDay": null, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "$30 flat fee · Previous-cycle rate; currency unconfirmed", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 45, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "qld" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary", "animation", "music-video" ], "focus": [ "experimental", "first-nations", "regional", "local", "youth", "environment" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-10-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 11, "daysAway": 326, "sortDate": "2027-10-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-09-30", "closeExact": false, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 325, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/fraser-shorts-film-festival" }, { "id": "monster-fest", "name": "Monster Fest", "shortName": null, "location": "Melbourne, VIC", "venue": "Cinema Nova", "summary": "Horror, dark fantasy and extreme genre cinema. Features (60–120 min, Australian premiere) and shorts (15 min or less, Victorian premiere). Strict anti-AI policy.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.monsterfest.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/MonsterFest", "imageUrl": "https://www.monsterfest.com.au/monsterfest/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Black-Sheeps-JK-and-HK-Join-QandA-1.jpg", "sources": [ "https://www.monsterfest.com.au/submit/", "https://filmfreeway.com/MonsterFest" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "October", "startMonth": 10, "endMonth": 10, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens early year · Closes early Sep", "openMonth": 1, "closeMonth": 9, "closeDay": 1, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Shorts $35–$60 AUD · Features $60–$90 AUD", "min": 35, "max": 90, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 120, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "vic" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "animation" ], "focus": [ "genre", "horror" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "required" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-10-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 11, "daysAway": 326, "sortDate": "2027-10-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-09-01", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2027-01-01", "daysToClose": 296, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/monster-fest" }, { "id": "port-shorts-film-festival", "name": "Port Shorts Film Festival", "shortName": null, "location": "Port Douglas, QLD", "venue": "Rex Smeal Park", "summary": "Tropical outdoor short film festival in Far North Queensland and an official AACTA Awards qualifying event. Features Open, Local, Music Video, and Reel Futures youth categories under the palms at Rex Smeal Park.", "websiteUrl": "https://portshorts.com/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/PortShortsFilmFestival", "imageUrl": "https://portshorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Z619953.jpg", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/PortShortsFilmFestival", "https://portshorts.com/about-port-shorts/" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "October", "startMonth": 10, "endMonth": 10, "startDate": null, "endDate": null }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Apr · Closes early Sep", "openMonth": 4, "closeMonth": 9, "closeDay": 1, "deadline": null }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "~$30–$45 AUD", "min": 30, "max": 45, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "short" ], "state": [ "qld" ], "format": [ "short", "music-video" ], "focus": [ "regional", "youth" ], "recognition": [ "aacta", "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:44Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": false, "startDate": "2027-10-01", "endDate": null, "monthsAway": 11, "daysAway": 326, "sortDate": "2027-10-01" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-09-01", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2027-04-01", "daysToClose": 296, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/port-shorts-film-festival" }, { "id": "stuffit-student-film-festival", "name": "STUFFit Student Film Festival", "shortName": null, "location": "Sunshine Coast, QLD", "venue": null, "summary": "International high-school student festival for ages 12–18, accepting scripted films, documentaries, animation, experimental work and music videos. All major production roles must be held by current students. Cash prizes are offered and generative AI content is ineligible.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.stuffitfilmfestival.com/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/STUFFitStudentFilmFestival", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/STUFFitStudentFilmFestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "2 Oct 2027", "startMonth": 10, "endMonth": 10, "startDate": "2027-10-02", "endDate": "2027-10-02" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens late Feb · Closes June", "openMonth": 2, "closeMonth": 6, "closeDay": null, "deadline": "2027-06-25" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "$15 early bird · $20 regular; currency unconfirmed", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": 10, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "qld" ], "format": [ "short", "documentary", "animation", "music-video" ], "focus": [ "youth" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-10-02", "endDate": "2027-10-02", "monthsAway": 11, "daysAway": 327, "sortDate": "2027-10-02" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-06-25", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2027-02-01", "daysToClose": 228, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/stuffit-student-film-festival" }, { "id": "afin-international-film-festival", "name": "AFIN International Film Festival", "shortName": "AFIN", "location": "Brisbane, QLD", "venue": "SunPAC & Dendy Cinemas Portside", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.afinfestival.com/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/AFINInternationalFilmFestival", "imageUrl": "https://www.afinfestival.com/og/section/home.png", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/AFINInternationalFilmFestival", "https://www.afinfestival.com/" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "October", "startMonth": 10, "endMonth": 10, "startDate": "2027-10-10", "endDate": "2027-10-23" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens late Oct · Closes late Jun", "openMonth": 10, "closeMonth": 6, "closeDay": 27, "deadline": "2027-06-27" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Shorts $26–$44 AUD · Features $33–$50 AUD (free for First Nations)", "min": 22, "max": 50, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "qld" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "animation", "series", "screenplay" ], "focus": [ "genre", "horror", "independent", "first-nations" ], "premiere": [ "preferred" ], "cost": [ "waivers", "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T12:34:33Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-10-10", "endDate": "2027-10-23", "monthsAway": 11, "daysAway": 335, "sortDate": "2027-10-10" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-06-27", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 230, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/afin-international-film-festival" }, { "id": "sydney-science-fiction-film-festival", "name": "Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival", "shortName": "SSFFF", "location": "Sydney, NSW", "venue": "Event Cinemas George St", "summary": "Australia's premier dedicated science-fiction, fantasy, and speculative cinema festival. Showcases local and international speculative features, shorts, animations, and student works.", "websiteUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/SydneyScienceFictionFilmFestival", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/SydneyScienceFictionFilmFestival", "imageUrl": "https://filmfreeway-production-storage-01-connector.filmfreeway.com/festivals/logos/000/055/584/large/logo.jpg?1693628540", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/SydneyScienceFictionFilmFestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "October", "startMonth": 10, "endMonth": 10, "startDate": "2027-10-15", "endDate": "2027-10-17" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens mid-Oct · Closes late Aug", "openMonth": 10, "closeMonth": 8, "closeDay": 27, "deadline": "2027-08-27" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Shorts $20–$40 AUD · Features $40–$65 AUD", "min": 20, "max": 65, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "nsw" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "animation" ], "focus": [ "genre", "independent" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "preferred" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:44Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-10-15", "endDate": "2027-10-17", "monthsAway": 11, "daysAway": 340, "sortDate": "2027-10-15" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-08-27", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 291, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/sydney-science-fiction-film-festival" }, { "id": "adelaide-film-festival", "name": "Adelaide Film Festival", "shortName": "AFF", "location": "Adelaide, SA", "venue": "Adelaide Studios", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.adelaidefilmfestival.org/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/AdlFilmFest", "imageUrl": "https://www.adelaidefilmfestival.org/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcms.adelaidefilmfestival.org%2Fassets%2Fpage-content%2Faudience-award-winners-banner.png&w=3840&q=75", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/AdlFilmFest", "https://www.adelaidefilmfestival.org/" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "October", "startMonth": 10, "endMonth": 10, "startDate": "2027-10-20", "endDate": "2027-10-31" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Nov · Closes early Jun", "openMonth": 11, "closeMonth": 6, "closeDay": 8, "deadline": "2027-06-08" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Shorts $40–$75 AUD · Features $80–$130 AUD", "min": 40, "max": 130, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "major" ], "state": [ "sa" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "series", "xr" ], "focus": [ "independent" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "required" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-10-20", "endDate": "2027-10-31", "monthsAway": 11, "daysAway": 345, "sortDate": "2027-10-20" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-06-08", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 211, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/adelaide-film-festival" }, { "id": "byron-bay-international-film-festival", "name": "Byron Bay International Film Festival", "shortName": "BBFF", "location": "Byron Bay, NSW", "venue": "Palace Byron Bay", "summary": "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.", "websiteUrl": "https://www.bbff.com.au/", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/ByronBayInternationalFilmFestival", "imageUrl": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f75693624dad713fa0405a8/t/6a1e5af9dbedb812c31e0d50/1780374265237/20+years.jpg?format=1500w", "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/ByronBayInternationalFilmFestival", "https://www.bbff.com.au/" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08", "festival": { "text": "October", "startMonth": 10, "endMonth": 10, "startDate": "2027-10-22", "endDate": "2027-10-31" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Nov · Closes late Aug", "openMonth": 11, "closeMonth": 8, "closeDay": 31, "deadline": "2027-08-31" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "$30–$75 AUD depending on category and tier", "min": 30, "max": 75, "currency": "AUD" }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "major" ], "state": [ "nsw" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "animation", "music-video", "xr", "screenplay" ], "focus": [ "independent", "regional", "environment" ], "recognition": [ "cash-prize" ], "premiere": [ "preferred" ], "cost": [ "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-10-22", "endDate": "2027-10-31", "monthsAway": 11, "daysAway": 347, "sortDate": "2027-10-22" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "open", "closesOn": "2027-08-31", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": null, "daysToClose": 295, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/byron-bay-international-film-festival" }, { "id": "cinematic-horror-film-festival", "name": "Cinematic Horror Film Festival", "shortName": null, "location": "Southport, Gold Coast, QLD", "venue": "Dendy Cinemas Southport", "summary": "Horror features, shorts, documentaries, animation, music videos and television pilots. No premiere requirement; recent work is prioritised. Student entries have a separate category and discretionary fee waivers are available.", "websiteUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/CinematicHorrorFilmFestival", "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/CinematicHorrorFilmFestival", "imageUrl": null, "sources": [ "https://filmfreeway.com/CinematicHorrorFilmFestival" ], "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09", "festival": { "text": "31 Oct 2027", "startMonth": 10, "endMonth": 10, "startDate": "2027-10-31", "endDate": "2027-10-31" }, "submissions": { "text": "Opens Apr · Closes Aug", "openMonth": 4, "closeMonth": 8, "closeDay": null, "deadline": "2027-08-31" }, "platform": "FilmFreeway", "fees": { "text": "Shorts $25–$30 · Features $50–$100 · Other categories vary; currency unconfirmed", "min": null, "max": null, "currency": null }, "maxRuntimeMinutes": null, "tags": { "category": [ "specialised" ], "state": [ "qld" ], "format": [ "feature", "short", "documentary", "animation", "series", "music-video" ], "focus": [ "horror" ], "premiere": [ "none" ], "cost": [ "waivers", "student" ], "platform": [ "filmfreeway" ] }, "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z", "next": { "status": "upcoming", "exact": true, "startDate": "2027-10-31", "endDate": "2027-10-31", "monthsAway": 11, "daysAway": 356, "sortDate": "2027-10-31" }, "submissionStatus": { "status": "closed", "closesOn": "2027-08-31", "closeExact": true, "opensOn": "2027-04-01", "daysToClose": 295, "closingSoon": false }, "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/cinematic-horror-film-festival" } ] }