{
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    {
      "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"
      ],
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      "festival": {
        "text": "November",
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        "startDate": null,
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        "text": "Opens Mar · Closes early Oct",
        "openMonth": 3,
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        "closeDay": 9,
        "deadline": null
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      "platform": "Direct portal (festival website)",
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          "local"
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    {
      "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/",
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      "sources": [
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        "https://filmfreeway.com/MelbourneQueerFilmFestival"
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        "text": "November",
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        "text": "Opens May · Closes early Aug",
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          "animation"
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    {
      "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"
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      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08",
      "festival": {
        "text": "January",
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        "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"
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      "tags": {
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          "animation"
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          "youth"
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      "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/",
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      "sources": [
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        "https://filmfreeway.com/flickerfest"
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        "startDate": "2027-01-22",
        "endDate": "2027-01-31"
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      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens Jun · Closes mid-Oct",
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        "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"
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      "tags": {
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        "state": [
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        "format": [
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          "documentary",
          "animation"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "independent",
          "youth"
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        "recognition": [
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          "bafta",
          "cash-prize"
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          "student"
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      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/flickerfest"
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    {
      "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": [
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        "https://www.ausindefest.com/"
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        "text": "February",
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        "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": [
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          "student"
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        "platform": [
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        "sortDate": "2027-02-12"
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      "submissionStatus": {
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        "closesOn": "2027-09-18",
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        "daysToClose": 314,
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      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/australia-independent-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "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"
      ],
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      "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"
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      "maxRuntimeMinutes": null,
      "tags": {
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        ],
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          "documentary",
          "animation",
          "series"
        ],
        "focus": [
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        "recognition": [
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        "premiere": [
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      "submissionStatus": {
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        "daysToClose": 30,
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    {
      "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": [
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        "https://www.mwff.org.au/",
        "https://www.mwff.org.au/shorts-awards-guidelines"
      ],
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      "festival": {
        "text": "March",
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        "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": {
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        "state": [
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        ],
        "format": [
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          "documentary",
          "animation",
          "series",
          "music-video"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "independent",
          "women"
        ],
        "recognition": [
          "cash-prize"
        ],
        "premiere": [
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        "cost": [
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          "student"
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        "platform": [
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      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z",
      "next": {
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        "startDate": "2027-03-18",
        "endDate": "2027-03-21",
        "monthsAway": 4,
        "daysAway": 130,
        "sortDate": "2027-03-18"
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      "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": "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": 152,
        "sortDate": "2027-04-09"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2026-12-20",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 42,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/over-the-fence-comedy-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": [
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        ],
        "state": [
          "vic"
        ],
        "format": [
          "feature",
          "short",
          "documentary",
          "animation",
          "series"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "lgbtqia",
          "regional"
        ],
        "recognition": [
          "cash-prize"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "none"
        ],
        "cost": [
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        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:44Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-04-15",
        "endDate": "2027-04-18",
        "monthsAway": 5,
        "daysAway": 158,
        "sortDate": "2027-04-15"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-01-29",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 82,
        "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": 166,
        "sortDate": "2027-04-23"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-01-31",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 84,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/fantastic-film-festival-australia"
    },
    {
      "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": "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": "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": "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": 297,
        "sortDate": "2027-09-01"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "closed",
        "closesOn": "2027-06-30",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": "2027-03-01",
        "daysToClose": 234,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/heart-of-gold-international-short-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": 297,
        "sortDate": "2027-09-01"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "closed",
        "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": "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": 327,
        "sortDate": "2027-10-01"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "closed",
        "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": "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": 327,
        "sortDate": "2027-10-01"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "closed",
        "closesOn": "2027-08-31",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": "2027-06-01",
        "daysToClose": 296,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/environmental-films-australia"
    },
    {
      "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": [
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      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/monster-fest"
    },
    {
      "id": "sydney-science-fiction-film-festival",
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      "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",
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      },
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      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
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      },
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        "sortDate": "2027-10-22"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
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        "daysToClose": 296,
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      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/byron-bay-international-film-festival"
    }
  ]
}