{
  "today": "2026-11-09",
  "total": 71,
  "matched": 31,
  "offset": 0,
  "limit": 500,
  "filters": {
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    "facets": {},
    "open": true,
    "month": null,
    "runtime": null,
    "sort": "upcoming"
  },
  "festivals": [
    {
      "id": "smartfone-flick-fest",
      "name": "SmartFone Flick Fest",
      "shortName": "SF3",
      "location": "Sydney, NSW",
      "venue": "Sydney Opera House",
      "summary": "Australia's international smartphone film festival dedicated to films shot entirely on mobile phones and tablets. Features competitions for Gala Shorts (under 20 mins), Feature Films, SF3 Kids, and SF3 Mini.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://sf3.com.au/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/SF3",
      "imageUrl": "https://sf3.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SF3-Gala.jpg",
      "sources": [
        "https://filmfreeway.com/SF3",
        "https://sf3.com.au/submit/rules/"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08",
      "festival": {
        "text": "October / November",
        "startMonth": 10,
        "endMonth": 11,
        "startDate": null,
        "endDate": null
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens Nov · Closes early Sep",
        "openMonth": 11,
        "closeMonth": 9,
        "closeDay": 1,
        "deadline": null
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "SF3 Kids Free · Shorts $25–$40 AUD · Features $40–$60 AUD",
        "min": 0,
        "max": 60,
        "currency": "AUD"
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": null,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "specialised"
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        "state": [
          "nsw"
        ],
        "format": [
          "feature",
          "short",
          "documentary"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "youth",
          "mobile"
        ],
        "recognition": [
          "cash-prize"
        ],
        "cost": [
          "free",
          "student"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway",
          "direct"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:44Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "now",
        "exact": false,
        "startDate": "2026-10-01",
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      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
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        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 296,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/smartfone-flick-fest"
    },
    {
      "id": "newcastle-international-short-film-festival",
      "name": "Newcastle International Short Film Festival",
      "shortName": "NiSFF",
      "location": "Newcastle, NSW",
      "venue": "The Royal Exchange Hybrid Performance Space & Cinema",
      "summary": "Short film festival held at The Royal Exchange in Newcastle celebrating Australian, regional NSW, and international short films up to 20 minutes across drama, comedy, horror, sci-fi, documentary, animation, and phone films. Newcastle premiere status strictly required.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://nishortfilmfest.wordpress.com/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/NewcastleInternationalShortFilmFestival-1",
      "imageUrl": "https://nishortfilmfest.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/cropped-nissf-graphic-idea-3.jpg",
      "sources": [
        "https://filmfreeway.com/NewcastleInternationalShortFilmFestival-1",
        "https://festhome.com/en/festival/newcastle-international-short-film-festival",
        "https://nishortfilmfest.wordpress.com/"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08",
      "festival": {
        "text": "November",
        "startMonth": 11,
        "endMonth": 11,
        "startDate": "2026-11-20",
        "endDate": "2026-11-21"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens Dec · Closes early Nov",
        "openMonth": 12,
        "closeMonth": 11,
        "closeDay": 10,
        "deadline": "2026-11-10"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "~$7–$24 AUD ($6–$22 student)",
        "min": 6,
        "max": 24,
        "currency": "AUD"
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": 20,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "short"
        ],
        "state": [
          "nsw"
        ],
        "format": [
          "short",
          "documentary",
          "animation"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "genre",
          "experimental",
          "independent",
          "regional",
          "mobile"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "required"
        ],
        "cost": [
          "student"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway",
          "festhome"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T12:34:33Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2026-11-20",
        "endDate": "2026-11-21",
        "monthsAway": 0,
        "daysAway": 11,
        "sortDate": "2026-11-20"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2026-11-10",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 1,
        "closingSoon": true
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/newcastle-international-short-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "peninsula-film-festival",
      "name": "Peninsula Film Festival",
      "shortName": "PFF",
      "location": "Rosebud, VIC",
      "venue": "Rosebud Village Green",
      "summary": "Iconic outdoor short film festival on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, judged live by a panel of celebrity judges with up to $30K in cash and prizes.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://www.peninsulafilmfestival.com.au/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/PeninsulaFilmFestival",
      "imageUrl": "https://www.peninsulafilmfestival.com.au/uploads/6/3/6/4/63644483/5142609_orig.jpg",
      "sources": [
        "https://www.peninsulafilmfestival.com.au/peninsula-film-festival.html",
        "https://filmfreeway.com/PeninsulaFilmFestival"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08",
      "festival": {
        "text": "January",
        "startMonth": 1,
        "endMonth": 1,
        "startDate": "2027-01-08",
        "endDate": "2027-01-12"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens Feb · Closes early Dec",
        "openMonth": 2,
        "closeMonth": 12,
        "closeDay": 4,
        "deadline": "2026-12-04"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "$25 AUD standard ($15 Emerging Filmmaker Award)",
        "min": 15,
        "max": 25,
        "currency": "AUD"
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": null,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "short"
        ],
        "state": [
          "vic"
        ],
        "format": [
          "short",
          "documentary",
          "animation"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "independent",
          "regional",
          "youth"
        ],
        "recognition": [
          "cash-prize"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "none"
        ],
        "cost": [
          "student"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-01-08",
        "endDate": "2027-01-12",
        "monthsAway": 2,
        "daysAway": 60,
        "sortDate": "2027-01-08"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2026-12-04",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 25,
        "closingSoon": true
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/peninsula-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "fleurieu-film-festival",
      "name": "Fleurieu Film Festival",
      "shortName": "FFF",
      "location": "McLaren Vale, SA",
      "venue": "McLaren Vale Visitor Centre",
      "summary": "South Australia's premier outdoor short film festival held in the McLaren Vale wine region. Screens short fiction and documentaries with cash prizes and awards across Australian and international categories. Max 15 minutes.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://fleurieufilmfestival.com.au/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/FleurieuFilmFestival",
      "imageUrl": "https://fleurieufilmfestival.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Fleurieu-Film-Festival-Logo-Rectangle-Black-2024-v1.png",
      "sources": [
        "https://fleurieufilmfestival.com.au/",
        "https://filmfreeway.com/FleurieuFilmFestival"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08",
      "festival": {
        "text": "February",
        "startMonth": 2,
        "endMonth": 2,
        "startDate": "2027-02-06",
        "endDate": "2027-02-06"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens Jun · Closes early Dec",
        "openMonth": 6,
        "closeMonth": 12,
        "closeDay": 1,
        "deadline": "2026-12-01"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "$20–$35 AUD ($28–$33 student)",
        "min": 20,
        "max": 35,
        "currency": "AUD"
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": 15,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "short"
        ],
        "state": [
          "sa"
        ],
        "format": [
          "short",
          "documentary"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "independent",
          "regional"
        ],
        "recognition": [
          "cash-prize"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "none"
        ],
        "cost": [
          "student"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-02-06",
        "endDate": "2027-02-06",
        "monthsAway": 3,
        "daysAway": 89,
        "sortDate": "2027-02-06"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
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        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 22,
        "closingSoon": true
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/fleurieu-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": 101,
        "sortDate": "2027-02-18"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2026-12-08",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 29,
        "closingSoon": true
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/mardi-gras-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "wa-made-film-festival",
      "name": "WA Made Film Festival",
      "shortName": "WAMFF",
      "location": "Perth, WA",
      "venue": "Palace Cinemas Raine Square",
      "summary": "Western Australia's largest celebration of exclusively WA-made screen content, showcasing features, documentaries, shorts, web series, and the 'Get Smart!' smartphone film competition.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://www.wamadefilmfestival.com.au/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/WAMadeFilmFestival",
      "imageUrl": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/64c325fa1eee56338550a771/t/6a83c075cc25977623b03144/1787019381860/+27+WAMFF+Logo+%2B+Quok.png?format=1500w",
      "sources": [
        "https://www.wamadefilmfestival.com.au/",
        "https://filmfreeway.com/WAMadeFilmFestival"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08",
      "festival": {
        "text": "February",
        "startMonth": 2,
        "endMonth": 2,
        "startDate": "2027-02-18",
        "endDate": "2027-02-28"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens Aug · Closes early Dec",
        "openMonth": 8,
        "closeMonth": 12,
        "closeDay": 1,
        "deadline": "2026-12-01"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "Shorts $15 AUD · Long Shorts $25 AUD · Features $35 AUD",
        "min": 15,
        "max": 35,
        "currency": "AUD"
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": null,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "specialised"
        ],
        "state": [
          "wa"
        ],
        "format": [
          "feature",
          "short",
          "documentary",
          "series"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "local",
          "youth",
          "mobile"
        ],
        "recognition": [
          "cash-prize"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "preferred"
        ],
        "cost": [
          "student"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:44Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-02-18",
        "endDate": "2027-02-28",
        "monthsAway": 3,
        "daysAway": 101,
        "sortDate": "2027-02-18"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2026-12-01",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 22,
        "closingSoon": true
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/wa-made-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "perth-queer-film-festival",
      "name": "Perth Queer Film Festival",
      "shortName": "PQFF",
      "location": "West Perth, WA",
      "venue": "The Backlot Studios",
      "summary": "Features, shorts and documentaries with significant LGBTQIA+ content. The festival presents audience and jury awards; DCP delivery is preferred but other formats can be considered.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://pqff.au/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/PRIDEQueerFilmFestival",
      "imageUrl": null,
      "sources": [
        "https://filmfreeway.com/PRIDEQueerFilmFestival"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09",
      "festival": {
        "text": "3–10 Mar 2027",
        "startMonth": 3,
        "endMonth": 3,
        "startDate": "2027-03-03",
        "endDate": "2027-03-10"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens Aug · Closes Dec",
        "openMonth": 8,
        "closeMonth": 12,
        "closeDay": null,
        "deadline": "2026-12-18"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "$5 early/regular · $10 late; currency unconfirmed",
        "min": null,
        "max": null,
        "currency": null
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": null,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "specialised"
        ],
        "state": [
          "wa"
        ],
        "format": [
          "feature",
          "short",
          "documentary"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "lgbtqia"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-03-03",
        "endDate": "2027-03-10",
        "monthsAway": 4,
        "daysAway": 114,
        "sortDate": "2027-03-03"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2026-12-18",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 39,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/perth-queer-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "gippsland-international-film-festival",
      "name": "Gippsland International Film Festival",
      "shortName": "GIFF",
      "location": "Warragul / Gippsland, VIC",
      "venue": "West Gippsland Arts Centre, Peninsula Cinemas Warragul and regional halls",
      "summary": "International and Australian shorts, including regional and Gippsland categories, with features considered by arrangement. Previously screened and publicly available films can be considered without a premiere requirement. Student rates and a free local youth category are available.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://gippslandinternationalfilmfestival.com/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/GippslandInternationalFilmFestival",
      "imageUrl": null,
      "sources": [
        "https://filmfreeway.com/GippslandInternationalFilmFestival"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09",
      "festival": {
        "text": "12–19 Mar 2027",
        "startMonth": 3,
        "endMonth": 3,
        "startDate": "2027-03-12",
        "endDate": "2027-03-19"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens Mar · Closes Jan",
        "openMonth": 3,
        "closeMonth": 1,
        "closeDay": null,
        "deadline": "2027-01-13"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "Paid categories vary · GIFF x Spark youth category free; paid-fee currency unconfirmed",
        "min": null,
        "max": null,
        "currency": null
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": null,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "specialised"
        ],
        "state": [
          "vic"
        ],
        "format": [
          "feature",
          "short",
          "documentary"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "regional",
          "local"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "none"
        ],
        "cost": [
          "free",
          "student"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-03-12",
        "endDate": "2027-03-19",
        "monthsAway": 4,
        "daysAway": 123,
        "sortDate": "2027-03-12"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-01-13",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 65,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/gippsland-international-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "national-indian-film-festival-of-australia",
      "name": "National Indian Film Festival of Australia",
      "shortName": "NIFFA",
      "location": "Sydney, NSW",
      "venue": null,
      "summary": "National festival accepting features, documentaries and shorts connected to India, the Indian diaspora or Indo-Australian culture. Australian premiere required, and competition films must not be publicly available online. The 2027 circuit includes Sydney, regional NSW and other Australian capitals and regional centres.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://niffa.com.au/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/NIFFA",
      "imageUrl": null,
      "sources": [
        "https://filmfreeway.com/NIFFA"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09",
      "festival": {
        "text": "17 Mar–27 June 2027 · National circuit",
        "startMonth": 3,
        "endMonth": 6,
        "startDate": "2027-03-17",
        "endDate": "2027-06-27"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens Oct · Closes Jan",
        "openMonth": 10,
        "closeMonth": 1,
        "closeDay": null,
        "deadline": "2027-01-10"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "Shorts $35–$75 · Features $50–$115 · Student rates available; currency unconfirmed",
        "min": null,
        "max": null,
        "currency": null
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": null,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "specialised"
        ],
        "state": [
          "nsw",
          "vic",
          "qld",
          "wa",
          "sa",
          "tas",
          "act",
          "nt"
        ],
        "format": [
          "feature",
          "short",
          "documentary",
          "animation"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "multicultural"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "required"
        ],
        "cost": [
          "student"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-03-17",
        "endDate": "2027-06-27",
        "monthsAway": 4,
        "daysAway": 128,
        "sortDate": "2027-03-17"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-01-10",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 62,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/national-indian-film-festival-of-australia"
    },
    {
      "id": "funny-shorts",
      "name": "Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Funny Shorts",
      "shortName": null,
      "location": "Melbourne, VIC",
      "venue": "ACMI",
      "summary": "Comedy shorts strictly under 10 minutes, including credits, screening at ACMI. Entry conditions require filmmakers to be over 18 and Australian citizens or permanent residents. Previously premiered films may enter, subject to a public-availability blackout through 18 April 2027; winner and audience prizes are offered.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/funny-shorts/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/FunnyShorts",
      "imageUrl": null,
      "sources": [
        "https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/funny-shorts/faqs/",
        "https://filmfreeway.com/FunnyShorts",
        "https://micf-prod-cdn-d0bad2fug8bge2c4.a01.azurefd.net/media/xh4np0xw/2027_funny-shorts_conditions-of-entry.pdf"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09",
      "festival": {
        "text": "April 2027 · Screening dates TBC",
        "startMonth": 4,
        "endMonth": 4,
        "startDate": null,
        "endDate": null
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens Nov · Closes early Feb",
        "openMonth": 11,
        "closeMonth": 2,
        "closeDay": null,
        "deadline": "2027-02-05"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "$15 AUD in FAQ · Payment currency conflicts with entry conditions",
        "min": null,
        "max": null,
        "currency": null
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": 10,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "short"
        ],
        "state": [
          "vic"
        ],
        "format": [
          "short"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "comedy"
        ],
        "recognition": [
          "cash-prize"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "none"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": false,
        "startDate": "2027-04-01",
        "endDate": null,
        "monthsAway": 5,
        "daysAway": 143,
        "sortDate": "2027-04-01"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-02-05",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 88,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/funny-shorts"
    },
    {
      "id": "over-the-fence-comedy-film-festival",
      "name": "Over The Fence Comedy Film Festival",
      "shortName": "Over The Fence",
      "location": "Fremantle, WA",
      "venue": null,
      "summary": "Grassroots comedy short film festival from Fremantle that launches each year and then tours venues around Australia. Comedy and dark comedy shorts up to 40 minutes.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://www.overthefence.com.au/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/OverTheFenceComedyFilmFestival",
      "imageUrl": "https://filmfreeway-production-storage-01-connector.filmfreeway.com/festivals/logos/000/000/993/large/logo.jpg?1673684895",
      "sources": [
        "https://filmfreeway.com/OverTheFenceComedyFilmFestival",
        "https://www.overthefence.com.au/"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08",
      "festival": {
        "text": "April",
        "startMonth": 4,
        "endMonth": 4,
        "startDate": "2027-04-09",
        "endDate": "2027-04-11"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Open by Nov · Closes late Dec",
        "openMonth": 11,
        "closeMonth": 12,
        "closeDay": 20,
        "deadline": "2026-12-20"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "Shorts under 15m $28–$45 AUD · Shorts 16–40m $35–$52 AUD",
        "min": 28,
        "max": 52,
        "currency": "AUD"
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": 40,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "specialised"
        ],
        "state": [
          "wa"
        ],
        "format": [
          "short",
          "animation"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "genre"
        ],
        "recognition": [
          "cash-prize"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "none"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:44Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-04-09",
        "endDate": "2027-04-11",
        "monthsAway": 5,
        "daysAway": 151,
        "sortDate": "2027-04-09"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2026-12-20",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 41,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/over-the-fence-comedy-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "sydney-womens-international-film-festival",
      "name": "Sydney Women’s International Film Festival",
      "shortName": "SWIFF",
      "location": "Sydney, NSW",
      "venue": "Palace Cinemas Moore Park",
      "summary": "Features, shorts, documentaries, animation, music videos, web series and screenplays supporting women and non-binary filmmakers. Film entries require both an eligible key creative and protagonist. NSW cinematic release and online availability restrictions apply, with exceptions for web series and music videos.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://swiff.tv/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/sydneywomensinternationalfilmfest",
      "imageUrl": null,
      "sources": [
        "https://filmfreeway.com/sydneywomensinternationalfilmfest"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09",
      "festival": {
        "text": "11–17 Apr 2027",
        "startMonth": 4,
        "endMonth": 4,
        "startDate": "2027-04-11",
        "endDate": "2027-04-17"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens Jan · Closes Nov",
        "openMonth": 1,
        "closeMonth": 11,
        "closeDay": null,
        "deadline": "2026-11-30"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "Shorts/music videos $37–$105 · Features $100–$200 · Other categories vary; currency unconfirmed",
        "min": null,
        "max": null,
        "currency": null
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": null,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "specialised"
        ],
        "state": [
          "nsw"
        ],
        "format": [
          "feature",
          "short",
          "documentary",
          "animation",
          "series",
          "music-video",
          "screenplay"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "women",
          "mobile"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-04-11",
        "endDate": "2027-04-17",
        "monthsAway": 5,
        "daysAway": 153,
        "sortDate": "2027-04-11"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2026-11-30",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 21,
        "closingSoon": true
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/sydney-womens-international-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "geelong-pride-film-festival",
      "name": "Geelong Pride Film Festival",
      "shortName": "GPFF",
      "location": "Geelong, VIC",
      "venue": "Pivotonian Cinema",
      "summary": "Regional Victoria's premier LGBTQIA+ film festival celebrating queer cinema from Australia and around the world. Accepts narrative features, shorts, documentaries, animation, and web series.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://gpff.org.au/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/GeelongPrideFilm",
      "imageUrl": "https://filmfreeway-production-storage-01-connector.filmfreeway.com/festivals/logos/000/049/712/large/logo.jpg?1564886363",
      "sources": [
        "https://gpff.ferve.tickets/",
        "https://filmfreeway.com/GeelongPrideFilm"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08",
      "festival": {
        "text": "April",
        "startMonth": 4,
        "endMonth": 4,
        "startDate": "2027-04-15",
        "endDate": "2027-04-18"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens Aug · Closes late Jan",
        "openMonth": 8,
        "closeMonth": 1,
        "closeDay": 29,
        "deadline": "2027-01-29"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "Shorts $15–$25 AUD · Features $25–$40 AUD",
        "min": 15,
        "max": 40,
        "currency": "AUD"
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": null,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "specialised"
        ],
        "state": [
          "vic"
        ],
        "format": [
          "feature",
          "short",
          "documentary",
          "animation",
          "series"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "lgbtqia",
          "regional"
        ],
        "recognition": [
          "cash-prize"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "none"
        ],
        "cost": [
          "student"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:44Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-04-15",
        "endDate": "2027-04-18",
        "monthsAway": 5,
        "daysAway": 157,
        "sortDate": "2027-04-15"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-01-29",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 81,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/geelong-pride-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "fantastic-film-festival-australia",
      "name": "Fantastic Film Festival Australia",
      "shortName": "FFFA",
      "location": "Melbourne, VIC & Sydney, NSW",
      "venue": "Lido Cinemas & Ritz Cinemas",
      "summary": "Genre festival for sci-fi, horror, fantasy and boundary-pushing cinema, screening at Lido Cinemas (Melbourne) and Ritz Cinemas (Sydney). Australian features compete for the $10,000 Fantastic Film Prize, presented with Umbrella Entertainment. VIC and NSW premieres required for features.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://www.fantasticfilmfestival.com.au/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/FFFA",
      "imageUrl": "https://www.fantasticfilmfestival.com.au/img/fffa/social.jpg",
      "sources": [
        "https://filmfreeway.com/FFFA",
        "https://www.fantasticfilmfestival.com.au/",
        "https://www.fantasticfilmfestival.com.au/fantastic-film-prize-terms-conditions"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08",
      "festival": {
        "text": "April / May",
        "startMonth": 4,
        "endMonth": 5,
        "startDate": "2027-04-23",
        "endDate": "2027-05-16"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens late Sep · Closes late Jan",
        "openMonth": 9,
        "closeMonth": 1,
        "closeDay": 31,
        "deadline": "2027-01-31"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "$30–$60 AUD depending on tier and category",
        "min": 30,
        "max": 60,
        "currency": "AUD"
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": null,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "specialised"
        ],
        "state": [
          "nsw",
          "vic"
        ],
        "format": [
          "feature",
          "short",
          "animation"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "genre",
          "horror"
        ],
        "recognition": [
          "cash-prize"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "required"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-04-23",
        "endDate": "2027-05-16",
        "monthsAway": 5,
        "daysAway": 165,
        "sortDate": "2027-04-23"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-01-31",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 83,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/fantastic-film-festival-australia"
    },
    {
      "id": "gold-coast-film-festival",
      "name": "Gold Coast Film Festival",
      "shortName": "GCFF",
      "location": "Gold Coast, QLD",
      "venue": "HOTA (Home of the Arts)",
      "summary": "Queensland festival held at HOTA celebrating features, SIPFEST short films, web series, and screenplays. Queensland premiere strictly required for feature and short film competition entries. AACTA Award-qualifying for features.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://gcfilmfestival.com/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/GoldCoastFilmFestival",
      "imageUrl": "https://filmfreeway-production-storage-01-connector.filmfreeway.com/festivals/cover_photos/000/022/804/original/cover_photo.jpg?1786687449",
      "sources": [
        "https://filmfreeway.com/GoldCoastFilmFestival",
        "https://gcfilmfestival.com/"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08",
      "festival": {
        "text": "April / May",
        "startMonth": 4,
        "endMonth": 5,
        "startDate": "2027-04-28",
        "endDate": "2027-05-09"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens mid-Aug · Closes late Jan",
        "openMonth": 8,
        "closeMonth": 1,
        "closeDay": 22,
        "deadline": "2027-01-22"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "Scripts & Web Series $20–$40 AUD · Shorts & Features $40–$70 AUD",
        "min": 20,
        "max": 70,
        "currency": "AUD"
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": null,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "major"
        ],
        "state": [
          "qld"
        ],
        "format": [
          "feature",
          "short",
          "series",
          "screenplay"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "independent"
        ],
        "recognition": [
          "aacta",
          "cash-prize"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "required"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-04-28",
        "endDate": "2027-05-09",
        "monthsAway": 5,
        "daysAway": 170,
        "sortDate": "2027-04-28"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-01-22",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 74,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/gold-coast-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "melbourne-nocturnal-film-festival",
      "name": "Melbourne Nocturnal Film Festival",
      "shortName": "MNFF",
      "location": "Collingwood, Melbourne, VIC",
      "venue": "Eclipse Cinema",
      "summary": "Australian-made narrative, documentary, animated and experimental shorts with an offbeat emphasis. Films must be strictly under 30 minutes. Premiere status is preferred but not required, and First Nations filmmakers can request a fee waiver.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://www.mnff.com.au/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/melbournenocturnalfilmfestival",
      "imageUrl": null,
      "sources": [
        "https://filmfreeway.com/melbournenocturnalfilmfestival",
        "https://www.mnff.com.au/faqs"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09",
      "festival": {
        "text": "1–2 May 2027",
        "startMonth": 5,
        "endMonth": 5,
        "startDate": "2027-05-01",
        "endDate": "2027-05-02"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens Aug · Closes Mar",
        "openMonth": 8,
        "closeMonth": 3,
        "closeDay": null,
        "deadline": "2027-03-31"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "$16–$40 standard entries · First Nations waivers; currency unconfirmed",
        "min": null,
        "max": null,
        "currency": null
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": 30,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "short"
        ],
        "state": [
          "vic"
        ],
        "format": [
          "short",
          "documentary",
          "animation"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "experimental",
          "local"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "preferred"
        ],
        "cost": [
          "waivers"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-05-01",
        "endDate": "2027-05-02",
        "monthsAway": 6,
        "daysAway": 173,
        "sortDate": "2027-05-01"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-03-31",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 142,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/melbourne-nocturnal-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "st-kilda-film-festival",
      "name": "St Kilda Film Festival",
      "shortName": "SKFF",
      "location": "St Kilda, Melbourne, VIC",
      "venue": "The Astor Theatre & Alex Theatre",
      "summary": "Australia's longest-running short film festival, produced by the City of Port Phillip and accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscar® qualifying). Showcases Australia's Top Short Films competition. Victorian premiere required.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://www.stkildafilmfestival.com.au/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/StKildaFilmFestival",
      "imageUrl": "https://www.stkildafilmfestival.com.au/media/gwwbtfes/2026-winner.jpg?width=1600&height=800&v=1dd03f613ecb120",
      "sources": [
        "https://filmfreeway.com/StKildaFilmFestival",
        "https://www.stkildafilmfestival.com.au/participate/submit-a-film"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08",
      "festival": {
        "text": "June",
        "startMonth": 6,
        "endMonth": 6,
        "startDate": "2027-06-03",
        "endDate": "2027-06-13"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens Sep · Closes mid-Jan",
        "openMonth": 9,
        "closeMonth": 1,
        "closeDay": 15,
        "deadline": null
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "Top Shorts ~$35–$60 AUD · Free for Under the Radar (youth)",
        "min": 0,
        "max": 60,
        "currency": "AUD"
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": 40,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "short"
        ],
        "state": [
          "vic"
        ],
        "format": [
          "short",
          "documentary",
          "animation",
          "music-video"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "independent",
          "youth"
        ],
        "recognition": [
          "academy",
          "aacta",
          "cash-prize"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "required"
        ],
        "cost": [
          "free",
          "student"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-06-03",
        "endDate": "2027-06-13",
        "monthsAway": 7,
        "daysAway": 206,
        "sortDate": "2027-06-03"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-01-15",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 67,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/st-kilda-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "sydney-film-festival",
      "name": "Sydney Film Festival",
      "shortName": "SFF",
      "location": "Sydney, NSW",
      "venue": "State Theatre & Dendy Newtown",
      "summary": "Features, documentaries and shorts (under 40 min). NSW premiere strictly required for features. Home of the Academy-qualifying Dendy Awards, Sustainable Future Award, and the $20,000 Documentary Australia Award.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://www.sff.org.au/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/SydneyFilmFestival",
      "imageUrl": "https://cms.sff.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DSC_3285-1-scaled.jpg",
      "sources": [
        "https://cms.sff.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/26-10-12-SFF2027-Submissions-Open-MR.pdf",
        "https://filmfreeway.com/SydneyFilmFestival",
        "https://www.sff.org.au/info/submissions/"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08",
      "festival": {
        "text": "June",
        "startMonth": 6,
        "endMonth": 6,
        "startDate": "2027-06-09",
        "endDate": "2027-06-20"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens Oct · Closes late Feb",
        "openMonth": 10,
        "closeMonth": 2,
        "closeDay": 26,
        "deadline": "2027-02-26"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "~$45 AUD flat fee (free for First Nations & Screenability)",
        "min": 45,
        "max": 45,
        "currency": "AUD"
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": null,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "major"
        ],
        "state": [
          "nsw"
        ],
        "format": [
          "feature",
          "short",
          "documentary"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "independent",
          "first-nations"
        ],
        "recognition": [
          "academy",
          "cash-prize"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "required"
        ],
        "cost": [
          "waivers"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-06-09",
        "endDate": "2027-06-20",
        "monthsAway": 7,
        "daysAway": 212,
        "sortDate": "2027-06-09"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-02-26",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 109,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/sydney-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "vision-splendid-outback-film-festival",
      "name": "Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival",
      "shortName": null,
      "location": "Winton, QLD",
      "venue": "Royal Open Air Theatre",
      "summary": "Australian independent features, documentaries and shorts screened in outback Queensland. Short-film entries are limited to 10 minutes; feature-length work is also accepted.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://www.visionsplendidfilmfest.com/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/VisionSplendidOutbackFilmFestival",
      "imageUrl": null,
      "sources": [
        "https://filmfreeway.com/VisionSplendidOutbackFilmFestival"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09",
      "festival": {
        "text": "25 June–3 July 2027",
        "startMonth": 6,
        "endMonth": 7,
        "startDate": "2027-06-25",
        "endDate": "2027-07-03"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens Aug · Closes early June",
        "openMonth": 8,
        "closeMonth": 6,
        "closeDay": null,
        "deadline": "2027-06-01"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "Shorts $25–$60 · Features $35–$100 · Student rates available; currency unconfirmed",
        "min": null,
        "max": null,
        "currency": null
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": null,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "specialised"
        ],
        "state": [
          "qld"
        ],
        "format": [
          "feature",
          "short",
          "documentary"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "independent",
          "regional"
        ],
        "cost": [
          "student"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-06-25",
        "endDate": "2027-07-03",
        "monthsAway": 7,
        "daysAway": 228,
        "sortDate": "2027-06-25"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-06-01",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 204,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/vision-splendid-outback-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "melbourne-documentary-film-festival",
      "name": "Melbourne Documentary Film Festival",
      "shortName": "MDFF",
      "location": "Melbourne, VIC",
      "venue": "Cinema Nova",
      "summary": "Dedicated Australian documentary showcase presenting local and international non-fiction features and shorts, VR/XR, and pitching competitions across cinema and streaming formats.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://mdff.org.au/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/MelbourneDocumentaryFilmFestival",
      "imageUrl": "https://mdff.org.au/images/Melbourne-reel.png",
      "sources": [
        "https://filmfreeway.com/MelbourneDocumentaryFilmFestival",
        "https://www.mdff.org.au/submission-rules",
        "https://filmmakers.festhome.com/festival/1365"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08",
      "festival": {
        "text": "July",
        "startMonth": 7,
        "endMonth": 7,
        "startDate": null,
        "endDate": null
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens June · Closes May",
        "openMonth": 6,
        "closeMonth": 5,
        "closeDay": null,
        "deadline": null
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway & Festhome",
      "fees": {
        "text": "~$10–$62 AUD depending on tier and category",
        "min": 10,
        "max": 62,
        "currency": "AUD"
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": null,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "specialised"
        ],
        "state": [
          "vic"
        ],
        "format": [
          "feature",
          "short",
          "documentary",
          "xr"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "documentary"
        ],
        "recognition": [
          "cash-prize"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "preferred"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway",
          "festhome"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": false,
        "startDate": "2027-07-01",
        "endDate": null,
        "monthsAway": 8,
        "daysAway": 234,
        "sortDate": "2027-07-01"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-05-31",
        "closeExact": false,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 203,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/melbourne-documentary-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "revelation-perth-international-film-festival",
      "name": "Revelation Perth International Film Festival",
      "shortName": "Rev",
      "location": "Perth, WA",
      "venue": "Luna Cinemas Leederville",
      "summary": "Western Australia's champion of independent, underground, documentary, and experimental screen culture. Western Australian premieres required for all feature-length projects.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://www.revelationfilmfest.org/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/RevelationFilmFestival",
      "imageUrl": "https://www.revelationfilmfest.org/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fa.storyblok.com%2Ff%2F339690%2F1200x628%2F3b46539b37%2Fcity_of_vincent_submissions_open_landscape_v5.jpg&w=3840&q=75",
      "sources": [
        "https://filmfreeway.com/RevelationFilmFestival",
        "https://www.revelationfilmfest.org/"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08",
      "festival": {
        "text": "July",
        "startMonth": 7,
        "endMonth": 7,
        "startDate": "2027-07-07",
        "endDate": "2027-07-18"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens late Aug · Closes late Feb",
        "openMonth": 8,
        "closeMonth": 2,
        "closeDay": 28,
        "deadline": "2027-02-28"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "$40–$60 AUD flat fee across categories",
        "min": 40,
        "max": 60,
        "currency": "AUD"
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": null,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "major"
        ],
        "state": [
          "wa"
        ],
        "format": [
          "feature",
          "short",
          "documentary",
          "animation",
          "xr"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "genre",
          "experimental",
          "independent",
          "local"
        ],
        "recognition": [
          "cash-prize"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "required"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-07-07",
        "endDate": "2027-07-18",
        "monthsAway": 8,
        "daysAway": 240,
        "sortDate": "2027-07-07"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-02-28",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 111,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/revelation-perth-international-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "australia-youth-film-festival",
      "name": "Australia Youth Film Festival",
      "shortName": "AUYFF",
      "location": "Sydney, NSW",
      "venue": null,
      "summary": "Accepts shorts, documentaries, animation and music videos from Australia-based filmmakers aged 15–24, including students and non-students of any nationality. Entries must have been completed within two years of the deadline; previously published films are accepted.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://auyff.com/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/auyffest",
      "imageUrl": null,
      "sources": [
        "https://filmfreeway.com/auyffest",
        "https://auyff.com/guideandrules"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09",
      "festival": {
        "text": "30–31 July 2027",
        "startMonth": 7,
        "endMonth": 7,
        "startDate": "2027-07-30",
        "endDate": "2027-07-31"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens July · Closes May",
        "openMonth": 7,
        "closeMonth": 5,
        "closeDay": null,
        "deadline": "2027-05-31"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "Free",
        "min": 0,
        "max": 0,
        "currency": null
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": null,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "specialised"
        ],
        "state": [
          "nsw"
        ],
        "format": [
          "short",
          "documentary",
          "animation",
          "music-video"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "youth"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "none"
        ],
        "cost": [
          "free"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-07-30",
        "endDate": "2027-07-31",
        "monthsAway": 8,
        "daysAway": 263,
        "sortDate": "2027-07-30"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-05-31",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 203,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/australia-youth-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "melbourne-international-film-festival",
      "name": "Melbourne International Film Festival",
      "shortName": "MIFF",
      "location": "Melbourne, VIC",
      "venue": "ACMI, The Capitol, Forum Melbourne",
      "summary": "Australia's largest and most significant film festival and home of the MIFF Shorts Awards (Academy Award®, BAFTA, and Canadian Screen Award qualifying). Victoria premiere required for all selections.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://miff.com.au/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/MelbourneInternationalFilmFestival",
      "imageUrl": "https://miff.com.au/imgs/square/assets/2026/08/260806-miff-ap-dijana-risteska-0133.jpg",
      "sources": [
        "https://filmfreeway.com/MelbourneInternationalFilmFestival",
        "https://miff.com.au/submissions"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08",
      "festival": {
        "text": "August",
        "startMonth": 8,
        "endMonth": 8,
        "startDate": "2027-08-05",
        "endDate": "2027-08-22"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens mid-Oct · Closes mid-Feb",
        "openMonth": 10,
        "closeMonth": 2,
        "closeDay": 16,
        "deadline": "2027-02-16"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "Shorts $50–$95 AUD · Features $90–$145 AUD",
        "min": 50,
        "max": 145,
        "currency": "AUD"
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": null,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "major"
        ],
        "state": [
          "vic"
        ],
        "format": [
          "feature",
          "short",
          "documentary",
          "animation",
          "xr"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "independent"
        ],
        "recognition": [
          "academy",
          "bafta",
          "cash-prize"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "required"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T08:08:12Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-08-05",
        "endDate": "2027-08-22",
        "monthsAway": 9,
        "daysAway": 269,
        "sortDate": "2027-08-05"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-02-16",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 99,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/melbourne-international-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "sparrowland-short-film-festival",
      "name": "Sparrowland Short Film Festival",
      "shortName": "SLSFF",
      "location": "Brisbane, QLD",
      "venue": "PIP Theatre",
      "summary": "Independent short film festival held at PIP Theatre in Milton, Brisbane, dedicated to unique, heartfelt short films up to 20 minutes. Accepts drama, comedy, horror, queer, animation, student, music video, and documentary works. No premiere requirements.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://www.slsff.com/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/SparrowlandShortFilmFestival",
      "imageUrl": "https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06aa90_b54630527b7e44f29df7de11f87bf705~mv2.jpg",
      "sources": [
        "https://filmfreeway.com/SparrowlandShortFilmFestival",
        "https://www.slsff.com/"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08",
      "festival": {
        "text": "August",
        "startMonth": 8,
        "endMonth": 8,
        "startDate": "2027-08-06",
        "endDate": "2027-08-07"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens Aug · Closes late May",
        "openMonth": 8,
        "closeMonth": 5,
        "closeDay": 31,
        "deadline": "2027-05-31"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "~$10–$30 AUD",
        "min": 10,
        "max": 30,
        "currency": "AUD"
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": 20,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "short"
        ],
        "state": [
          "qld"
        ],
        "format": [
          "short",
          "documentary",
          "animation",
          "series",
          "music-video"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "horror",
          "independent",
          "lgbtqia",
          "youth"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "none"
        ],
        "cost": [
          "student"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-08T12:34:33Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-08-06",
        "endDate": "2027-08-07",
        "monthsAway": 9,
        "daysAway": 270,
        "sortDate": "2027-08-06"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-05-31",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 203,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/sparrowland-short-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "space-faring-civilisation-film-festival",
      "name": "Space Faring Civilisation Film Festival",
      "shortName": "SFC",
      "location": "Canberra, ACT",
      "venue": "Tuggeranong Arts Centre",
      "summary": "Science-grounded, optimistic narratives, documentaries and animation, with shorts up to 30 minutes and a selected feature premiere. Features require Canberra premiere status; shorts have no prior-screening restriction. The workshop-participant category is free.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://sfcfilms.com/film-festival/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/SFCFestival",
      "imageUrl": null,
      "sources": [
        "https://filmfreeway.com/SFCFestival"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09",
      "festival": {
        "text": "13–14 Aug 2027",
        "startMonth": 8,
        "endMonth": 8,
        "startDate": "2027-08-13",
        "endDate": "2027-08-14"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens Sept · Closes early June",
        "openMonth": 9,
        "closeMonth": 6,
        "closeDay": null,
        "deadline": "2027-06-01"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "Shorts $15–$50 · Features $50–$90 · Student rates and free workshop category; currency unconfirmed",
        "min": null,
        "max": null,
        "currency": null
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": null,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "specialised"
        ],
        "state": [
          "act"
        ],
        "format": [
          "feature",
          "short",
          "documentary",
          "animation"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "genre",
          "science",
          "uplifting"
        ],
        "premiere": [
          "required",
          "none"
        ],
        "cost": [
          "free",
          "student"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-08-13",
        "endDate": "2027-08-14",
        "monthsAway": 9,
        "daysAway": 277,
        "sortDate": "2027-08-13"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-06-01",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 204,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/space-faring-civilisation-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "scinema-international-science-film-festival",
      "name": "SCINEMA International Science Film Festival",
      "shortName": null,
      "location": "Palmerston, Canberra, ACT",
      "venue": null,
      "summary": "Science-themed features, shorts, documentaries, animation, experimental films and television series. Films are considered for jury awards and a separate online/community screening program during National Science Week. Student fee waivers can be requested; awards are trophies rather than cash.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/SCINEMAInternationalScienceFilmFestival",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/SCINEMAInternationalScienceFilmFestival",
      "imageUrl": null,
      "sources": [
        "https://filmfreeway.com/SCINEMAInternationalScienceFilmFestival"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09",
      "festival": {
        "text": "14–22 Aug 2027 · Online and community screenings",
        "startMonth": 8,
        "endMonth": 8,
        "startDate": "2027-08-14",
        "endDate": "2027-08-22"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens Aug · Closes May",
        "openMonth": 8,
        "closeMonth": 5,
        "closeDay": null,
        "deadline": "2027-05-31"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "$10–$60 across categories · Student rates and requested waivers; currency unconfirmed",
        "min": null,
        "max": null,
        "currency": null
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": null,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "specialised"
        ],
        "state": [
          "act"
        ],
        "format": [
          "feature",
          "short",
          "documentary",
          "animation",
          "series"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "science"
        ],
        "cost": [
          "waivers",
          "student"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": true,
        "startDate": "2027-08-14",
        "endDate": "2027-08-22",
        "monthsAway": 9,
        "daysAway": 278,
        "sortDate": "2027-08-14"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-05-31",
        "closeExact": true,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 203,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/scinema-international-science-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "fraser-shorts-film-festival",
      "name": "Fraser Shorts Film Festival",
      "shortName": null,
      "location": "Maryborough / Hervey Bay, QLD",
      "venue": "Brolga Theatre and Big Screen Cinema",
      "summary": "Short films across fiction, documentary, animation, experimental, environmental, First Nations, music video and student categories. Screenings take place in Maryborough and Hervey Bay. Only films made in the Fraser Coast region qualify for the local category.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://www.frasershorts.com.au/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/Frasershorts",
      "imageUrl": null,
      "sources": [
        "https://www.frasershorts.com.au/enter-awards/",
        "https://filmfreeway.com/Frasershorts"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-09",
      "festival": {
        "text": "October",
        "startMonth": 10,
        "endMonth": 10,
        "startDate": null,
        "endDate": null
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens Oct · Closes Sept",
        "openMonth": 10,
        "closeMonth": 9,
        "closeDay": null,
        "deadline": null
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "$30 flat fee · Previous-cycle rate; currency unconfirmed",
        "min": null,
        "max": null,
        "currency": null
      },
      "maxRuntimeMinutes": 45,
      "tags": {
        "category": [
          "short"
        ],
        "state": [
          "qld"
        ],
        "format": [
          "short",
          "documentary",
          "animation",
          "music-video"
        ],
        "focus": [
          "experimental",
          "first-nations",
          "regional",
          "local",
          "youth",
          "environment"
        ],
        "platform": [
          "filmfreeway"
        ]
      },
      "updatedAt": "2026-11-09T01:06:57Z",
      "next": {
        "status": "upcoming",
        "exact": false,
        "startDate": "2027-10-01",
        "endDate": null,
        "monthsAway": 11,
        "daysAway": 326,
        "sortDate": "2027-10-01"
      },
      "submissionStatus": {
        "status": "open",
        "closesOn": "2027-09-30",
        "closeExact": false,
        "opensOn": null,
        "daysToClose": 325,
        "closingSoon": false
      },
      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/fraser-shorts-film-festival"
    },
    {
      "id": "afin-international-film-festival",
      "name": "AFIN International Film Festival",
      "shortName": "AFIN",
      "location": "Brisbane, QLD",
      "venue": "SunPAC & Dendy Cinemas Portside",
      "summary": "Brisbane-based international festival celebrating independent cinema across features, shorts, documentaries, animations, series, and screenplays. Features 22 award categories with crystal trophies and memberships, plus free entry for Australian First Nations filmmakers. No strict premiere required, though premieres are prioritised.",
      "websiteUrl": "https://www.afinfestival.com/",
      "submissionUrl": "https://filmfreeway.com/AFINInternationalFilmFestival",
      "imageUrl": "https://www.afinfestival.com/og/section/home.png",
      "sources": [
        "https://filmfreeway.com/AFINInternationalFilmFestival",
        "https://www.afinfestival.com/"
      ],
      "verifiedOn": "2026-11-08",
      "festival": {
        "text": "October",
        "startMonth": 10,
        "endMonth": 10,
        "startDate": "2027-10-10",
        "endDate": "2027-10-23"
      },
      "submissions": {
        "text": "Opens late Oct · Closes late Jun",
        "openMonth": 10,
        "closeMonth": 6,
        "closeDay": 27,
        "deadline": "2027-06-27"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
      "fees": {
        "text": "Shorts $26–$44 AUD · Features $33–$50 AUD (free for First Nations)",
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    },
    {
      "id": "sydney-science-fiction-film-festival",
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        "closeMonth": 8,
        "closeDay": 27,
        "deadline": "2027-08-27"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
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        "text": "Shorts $20–$40 AUD · Features $40–$65 AUD",
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    {
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        "endMonth": 10,
        "startDate": "2027-10-22",
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      },
      "submissions": {
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        "closeMonth": 8,
        "closeDay": 31,
        "deadline": "2027-08-31"
      },
      "platform": "FilmFreeway",
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        "startDate": "2027-10-22",
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        "sortDate": "2027-10-22"
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      "url": "https://film-festivals.au/festivals/byron-bay-international-film-festival"
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  ]
}