{
  "today": "2026-11-08",
  "total": 33,
  "matched": 18,
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  "limit": 500,
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    "facets": {
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        "independent"
      ]
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    "sort": "upcoming"
  },
  "festivals": [
    {
      "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"
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        "state": [
          "vic"
        ],
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          "short",
          "documentary",
          "animation"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "independent",
          "regional",
          "youth"
        ],
        "recognition": [
          "cash-prize"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "none"
        ],
        "cost": [
          "student"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
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      "next": {
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      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
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        "opensOn": null,
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      },
      "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": {
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        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-01-22",
        "endDate": "2027-01-31",
        "monthsAway": 2,
        "daysAway": 75,
        "sortDate": "2027-01-22"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "closed",
        "closesOn": "2027-10-14",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": "2027-06-01",
        "daysToClose": 340,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/flickerfest"
    },
    {
      "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"
        ]
      },
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      "next": {
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        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-02-06",
        "endDate": "2027-02-06",
        "monthsAway": 3,
        "daysAway": 90,
        "sortDate": "2027-02-06"
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      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2026-12-01",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 23,
        "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": 96,
        "sortDate": "2027-02-12"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "closed",
        "closesOn": "2027-09-18",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": "2027-02-01",
        "daysToClose": 314,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/australia-independent-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "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": 130,
        "sortDate": "2027-03-18"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "closed",
        "closesOn": "2027-10-02",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": "2027-05-01",
        "daysToClose": 328,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/melbourne-women-in-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "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": 171,
        "sortDate": "2027-04-28"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-01-22",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 75,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/gold-coast-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": 207,
        "sortDate": "2027-06-03"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-01-15",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 68,
        "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": 213,
        "sortDate": "2027-06-09"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-02-26",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 110,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/sydney-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": 241,
        "sortDate": "2027-07-07"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-02-28",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 112,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/revelation-perth-international-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": {
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          "major"
        ],
        "state": [
          "wa"
        ],
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          "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": 266,
        "sortDate": "2027-08-01"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "closed",
        "closesOn": "2027-06-01",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": "2027-02-01",
        "daysToClose": 205,
        "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": 266,
        "sortDate": "2027-08-01"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "closed",
        "closesOn": "2027-05-25",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": "2027-03-01",
        "daysToClose": 198,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/far-south-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "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": 270,
        "sortDate": "2027-08-05"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-02-16",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 100,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/melbourne-international-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": {
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          "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": 297,
        "sortDate": "2027-09-01"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
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        "closesOn": "2027-07-15",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": "2027-02-01",
        "daysToClose": 249,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/sydney-underground-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/"
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      "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": [
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        ],
        "state": [
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        ],
        "format": [
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          "short",
          "documentary"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "independent",
          "regional"
        ],
        "recognition": [
          "cash-prize"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "none"
        ],
        "cost": [
          "student"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-08 08:22:41",
      "next": {
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        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-09-09",
        "endDate": "2027-09-19",
        "monthsAway": 10,
        "daysAway": 305,
        "sortDate": "2027-09-09"
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      "submissionStatus": {
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        "closesOn": "2027-06-18",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": "2027-03-01",
        "daysToClose": 222,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/darwin-international-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": [
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        "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": [
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        ],
        "state": [
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        ],
        "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": {
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        "exact": false,
        "startDate": "2027-10-01",
        "endDate": null,
        "monthsAway": 11,
        "daysAway": 327,
        "sortDate": "2027-10-01"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
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        "closesOn": "2027-06-30",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": "2027-02-01",
        "daysToClose": 234,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/canberra-short-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": {
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        ],
        "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": 341,
        "sortDate": "2027-10-15"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-08-27",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 292,
        "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": {
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        ],
        "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": 346,
        "sortDate": "2027-10-20"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-06-08",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 212,
        "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": [
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        ],
        "state": [
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      "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-10-22",
        "endDate": "2027-10-31",
        "monthsAway": 11,
        "daysAway": 348,
        "sortDate": "2027-10-22"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
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        "daysToClose": 296,
        "closingSoon": false
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      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/byron-bay-international-film-festival"
    }
  ]
}