{
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  "matched": 26,
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  "festivals": [
    {
      "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",
        "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"
      },
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      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "short"
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          "nsw"
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        "format": [
          "short",
          "documentary",
          "animation",
          "series",
          "music-video"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "regional",
          "local"
        ],
        "recognition": [
          "cash-prize"
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        "premiere": [
          "none"
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          "student"
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        "daysToClose": 335,
        "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"
      ],
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      "festival": {
        "text": "November",
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        "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"
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      "tags": {
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        "state": [
          "vic"
        ],
        "format": [
          "feature",
          "short",
          "documentary",
          "animation"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "lgbtqia"
        ],
        "recognition": [
          "cash-prize"
        ],
        "cost": [
          "free",
          "waivers"
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      "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z",
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        "closesOn": "2027-08-03",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": "2027-05-01",
        "daysToClose": 268,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/melbourne-queer-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"
      },
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      "tags": {
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        "format": [
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          "short",
          "documentary"
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        "focus": [
          "youth",
          "mobile"
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        "recognition": [
          "cash-prize"
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        "cost": [
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          "student"
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        "platform": [
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          "direct"
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      "next": {
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        "startDate": "2026-10-01",
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        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 297,
        "closingSoon": false
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      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/smartfone-flick-fest"
    },
    {
      "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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      "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"
      },
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      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "short"
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        "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": {
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        "startDate": "2027-01-08",
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        "sortDate": "2027-01-08"
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      "submissionStatus": {
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        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 26,
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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"
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        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
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      "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"
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      "submissionStatus": {
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        "closesOn": "2027-10-14",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": "2027-06-01",
        "daysToClose": 340,
        "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": {
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        "startDate": "2027-02-04",
        "endDate": "2027-02-14",
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        "daysAway": 88,
        "sortDate": "2027-02-04"
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      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "closed",
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        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": "2027-04-01",
        "daysToClose": 357,
        "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"
      },
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      "tags": {
        "category": [
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        ],
        "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": 90,
        "sortDate": "2027-02-06"
      },
      "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": "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": 102,
        "sortDate": "2027-02-18"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2026-12-08",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 30,
        "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": 102,
        "sortDate": "2027-02-18"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2026-12-01",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 23,
        "closingSoon": true
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/wa-made-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": "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": 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": "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": "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": 235,
        "sortDate": "2027-07-01"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-05-31",
        "closeExact": false,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 204,
        "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": 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": {
        "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": 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": "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": "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": "2026-11-08 08:22:41",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-09-09",
        "endDate": "2027-09-19",
        "monthsAway": 10,
        "daysAway": 305,
        "sortDate": "2027-09-09"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "closed",
        "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": [
        "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": "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": 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": [
          "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": 348,
        "sortDate": "2027-10-22"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-08-31",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 296,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/byron-bay-international-film-festival"
    }
  ]
}