Find Australian film festivals open for submissions, ordered by their listed closing deadline. The calendar and cards show entry windows across different film types and locations. Before entering, confirm the deadline with the festival and check your category, runtime, premiere history and submission platform. A closing month without an exact date is a planning guide, so verify it before scheduling your entry.
Submission calendar (31)
├─┤ Submissions▬ Festival┄ Approximate / recurring dates│ Today: 2026-11-09
Next festival edition and its preceding submission window; closed windows stay visible. Dashed boxes show possible months, not confirmed days. Scroll for all festivals and months; hover a row for dates.
Submission windows and festival dates for the current filters
Festival
Dates by month
NiSFFSubmissions: opens Dec 2025 (approx.); closes 10 Nov 2026. Opens Dec · Closes early Nov. Festival: 20 Nov 2026 – 21 Nov 2026.
SWIFFSubmissions: opens Jan 2026 (approx.); closes 30 Nov 2026. Opens Jan · Closes Nov. Festival: 11 Apr 2027 – 17 Apr 2027.
FFFSubmissions: opens Jun 2026 (approx.); closes 1 Dec 2026. Opens Jun · Closes early Dec. Festival: 6 Feb 2027 – 6 Feb 2027.
WAMFFSubmissions: opens Aug 2026 (approx.); closes 1 Dec 2026. Opens Aug · Closes early Dec. Festival: 18 Feb 2027 – 28 Feb 2027.
PFFSubmissions: opens Feb 2026 (approx.); closes 4 Dec 2026. Opens Feb · Closes early Dec. Festival: 8 Jan 2027 – 12 Jan 2027.
MGFFSubmissions: opens Sep 2026 (approx.); closes 8 Dec 2026. Opens mid-Sep · Closes early Dec. Festival: 18 Feb 2027 – 4 Mar 2027.
PQFFSubmissions: opens Aug 2026 (approx.); closes 18 Dec 2026. Opens Aug · Closes Dec. Festival: 3 Mar 2027 – 10 Mar 2027.
Over The FenceSubmissions: opens Nov 2026 (approx.); closes 20 Dec 2026. Open by Nov · Closes late Dec. Festival: 9 Apr 2027 – 11 Apr 2027.
NIFFASubmissions: opens Oct 2026 (approx.); closes 10 Jan 2027. Opens Oct · Closes Jan. Festival: 17 Mar 2027 – 27 Jun 2027.
GIFFSubmissions: opens Mar 2026 (approx.); closes 13 Jan 2027. Opens Mar · Closes Jan. Festival: 12 Mar 2027 – 19 Mar 2027.
SKFFSubmissions: opens Sep 2026 (approx.); closes 15 Jan 2027 (typical; unconfirmed). Opens Sep · Closes mid-Jan. Festival: 3 Jun 2027 – 13 Jun 2027.
GCFFSubmissions: opens Aug 2026 (approx.); closes 22 Jan 2027. Opens mid-Aug · Closes late Jan. Festival: 28 Apr 2027 – 9 May 2027.
GPFFSubmissions: opens Aug 2026 (approx.); closes 29 Jan 2027. Opens Aug · Closes late Jan. Festival: 15 Apr 2027 – 18 Apr 2027.
FFFASubmissions: opens Sep 2026 (approx.); closes 31 Jan 2027. Opens late Sep · Closes late Jan. Festival: 23 Apr 2027 – 16 May 2027.
SLSFFSubmissions: opens Aug 2026 (approx.); closes 31 May 2027. Opens Aug · Closes late May. Festival: 6 Aug 2027 – 7 Aug 2027.
SFCSubmissions: opens Sep 2026 (approx.); closes 1 Jun 2027. Opens Sept · Closes early June. Festival: 13 Aug 2027 – 14 Aug 2027.
Vision Splendid Outback Film FestivalSubmissions: opens Aug 2026 (approx.); closes 1 Jun 2027. Opens Aug · Closes early June. Festival: 25 Jun 2027 – 3 Jul 2027.
AFFSubmissions: opens Nov 2026 (approx.); closes 8 Jun 2027. Opens Nov · Closes early Jun. Festival: 20 Oct 2027 – 31 Oct 2027.
AFINSubmissions: opens Oct 2026 (approx.); closes 27 Jun 2027. Opens late Oct · Closes late Jun. Festival: 10 Oct 2027 – 23 Oct 2027.
SSFFFSubmissions: opens Oct 2026 (approx.); closes 27 Aug 2027. Opens mid-Oct · Closes late Aug. Festival: 15 Oct 2027 – 17 Oct 2027.
BBFFSubmissions: opens Nov 2026 (approx.); closes 31 Aug 2027. Opens Nov · Closes late Aug. Festival: 22 Oct 2027 – 31 Oct 2027.
SF3Submissions: opens Nov 2025 (approx.); closes 1 Sep 2026 (typical; unconfirmed). Opens Nov · Closes early Sep. Festival: Oct 2026 – Nov 2026 (approx.).
Fraser Shorts Film FestivalSubmissions: opens Oct 2026 (approx.); closes Sep 2027 (approx.). Opens Oct · Closes Sept. Festival: Oct 2027 (approx.).
Includes festival dates for all current matches. Approximate dates cover the possible months and are marked tentative. This is a one-time import; changes here will not sync automatically.
Newcastle, NSW · The Royal Exchange Hybrid Performance Space & Cinema Next: 20 Nov 2026 (in 11 days)
Closing soon · entries close 10 Nov
Festival
November
Entries
Opens Dec · Closes early Nov
Fees
~$7–$24 AUD ($6–$22 student)
Submit via
FilmFreeway
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.
Sydney, NSW · Palace Cinemas Moore Park Next: 11 Apr 2027 (in 5 months)
Closing soon · entries close 30 Nov
Festival
11–17 Apr 2027
Entries
Opens Jan · Closes Nov
Fees
Shorts/music videos $37–$105 · Features $100–$200 · Other categories vary; currency unconfirmed
Submit via
FilmFreeway
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.
McLaren Vale, SA · McLaren Vale Visitor Centre Next: 6 Feb 2027 (in 3 months)
Closing soon · entries close 1 Dec
Festival
February
Entries
Opens Jun · Closes early Dec
Fees
$20–$35 AUD ($28–$33 student)
Submit via
FilmFreeway
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.
Perth, WA · Palace Cinemas Raine Square Next: 18 Feb 2027 (in 3 months)
Closing soon · entries close 1 Dec
Festival
February
Entries
Opens Aug · Closes early Dec
Fees
Shorts $15 AUD · Long Shorts $25 AUD · Features $35 AUD
Submit via
FilmFreeway
Western Australia's largest celebration of exclusively WA-made screen content, showcasing features, documentaries, shorts, web series, and the 'Get Smart!' smartphone film competition.
Sydney, NSW · Event Cinemas George St & Dendy Newtown Next: 18 Feb 2027 (in 3 months)
Closing soon · entries close 8 Dec
Festival
February / March
Entries
Opens mid-Sep · Closes early Dec
Fees
Shorts $30–$40 AUD · Features $50–$60 AUD
Submit via
FilmFreeway
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.
West Perth, WA · The Backlot Studios Next: 3 Mar 2027 (in 4 months)
Open for entries · closes 18 Dec
Festival
3–10 Mar 2027
Entries
Opens Aug · Closes Dec
Fees
$5 early/regular · $10 late; currency unconfirmed
Submit via
FilmFreeway
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.
Shorts under 15m $28–$45 AUD · Shorts 16–40m $35–$52 AUD
Submit via
FilmFreeway
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.
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.
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.
St Kilda, Melbourne, VIC · The Astor Theatre & Alex Theatre Next: 3 Jun 2027 (in 7 months)
Open for entries · closes 15 Jan 2027
Festival
June
Entries
Opens Sep · Closes mid-Jan
Fees
Top Shorts ~$35–$60 AUD · Free for Under the Radar (youth)
Submit via
FilmFreeway
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.
Gold Coast, QLD · HOTA (Home of the Arts) Next: 28 Apr 2027 (in 5 months)
Open for entries · closes 22 Jan 2027
Festival
April / May
Entries
Opens mid-Aug · Closes late Jan
Fees
Scripts & Web Series $20–$40 AUD · Shorts & Features $40–$70 AUD
Submit via
FilmFreeway
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.
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.
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.
Melbourne, VIC · ACMI Next: Apr 2027 (in 5 months)
Open for entries · closes 5 Feb 2027
Festival
April 2027 · Screening dates TBC
Entries
Opens Nov · Closes early Feb
Fees
$15 AUD in FAQ · Payment currency conflicts with entry conditions
Submit via
FilmFreeway
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.
Melbourne, VIC · ACMI, The Capitol, Forum Melbourne Next: 5 Aug 2027 (in 9 months)
Open for entries · closes 16 Feb 2027
Festival
August
Entries
Opens mid-Oct · Closes mid-Feb
Fees
Shorts $50–$95 AUD · Features $90–$145 AUD
Submit via
FilmFreeway
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.
Sydney, NSW · State Theatre & Dendy Newtown Next: 9 Jun 2027 (in 7 months)
Open for entries · closes 26 Feb 2027
Festival
June
Entries
Opens Oct · Closes late Feb
Fees
~$45 AUD flat fee (free for First Nations & Screenability)
Submit via
FilmFreeway
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.
Perth, WA · Luna Cinemas Leederville Next: 7 Jul 2027 (in 8 months)
Open for entries · closes 28 Feb 2027
Festival
July
Entries
Opens late Aug · Closes late Feb
Fees
$40–$60 AUD flat fee across categories
Submit via
FilmFreeway
Western Australia's champion of independent, underground, documentary, and experimental screen culture. Western Australian premieres required for all feature-length projects.
Collingwood, Melbourne, VIC · Eclipse Cinema Next: 1 May 2027 (in 6 months)
Open for entries · closes 31 Mar 2027
Festival
1–2 May 2027
Entries
Opens Aug · Closes Mar
Fees
$16–$40 standard entries · First Nations waivers; currency unconfirmed
Submit via
FilmFreeway
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.
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.
Melbourne, VIC · Cinema Nova Next: Jul 2027 (in 8 months)
Open for entries · closes May 2027
Festival
July
Entries
Opens June · Closes May
Fees
~$10–$62 AUD depending on tier and category
Submit via
FilmFreeway & Festhome
Dedicated Australian documentary showcase presenting local and international non-fiction features and shorts, VR/XR, and pitching competitions across cinema and streaming formats.
Palmerston, Canberra, ACT Next: 14 Aug 2027 (in 9 months)
Open for entries · closes 31 May 2027
Festival
14–22 Aug 2027 · Online and community screenings
Entries
Opens Aug · Closes May
Fees
$10–$60 across categories · Student rates and requested waivers; currency unconfirmed
Submit via
FilmFreeway
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.
Brisbane, QLD · PIP Theatre Next: 6 Aug 2027 (in 9 months)
Open for entries · closes 31 May 2027
Festival
August
Entries
Opens Aug · Closes late May
Fees
~$10–$30 AUD
Submit via
FilmFreeway
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.
Canberra, ACT · Tuggeranong Arts Centre Next: 13 Aug 2027 (in 9 months)
Open for entries · closes 1 Jun 2027
Festival
13–14 Aug 2027
Entries
Opens Sept · Closes early June
Fees
Shorts $15–$50 · Features $50–$90 · Student rates and free workshop category; currency unconfirmed
Submit via
FilmFreeway
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.
Australian independent features, documentaries and shorts screened in outback Queensland. Short-film entries are limited to 10 minutes; feature-length work is also accepted.
Adelaide, SA · Adelaide Studios Next: 20 Oct 2027 (in 11 months)
Open for entries · closes 8 Jun 2027
Festival
October
Entries
Opens Nov · Closes early Jun
Fees
Shorts $40–$75 AUD · Features $80–$130 AUD
Submit via
FilmFreeway
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.
Brisbane, QLD · SunPAC & Dendy Cinemas Portside Next: 10 Oct 2027 (in 11 months)
Open for entries · closes 27 Jun 2027
Festival
October
Entries
Opens late Oct · Closes late Jun
Fees
Shorts $26–$44 AUD · Features $33–$50 AUD (free for First Nations)
Submit via
FilmFreeway
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.
Sydney, NSW · Event Cinemas George St Next: 15 Oct 2027 (in 11 months)
Open for entries · closes 27 Aug 2027
Festival
October
Entries
Opens mid-Oct · Closes late Aug
Fees
Shorts $20–$40 AUD · Features $40–$65 AUD
Submit via
FilmFreeway
Australia's premier dedicated science-fiction, fantasy, and speculative cinema festival. Showcases local and international speculative features, shorts, animations, and student works.
Byron Bay, NSW · Palace Byron Bay Next: 22 Oct 2027 (in 11 months)
Open for entries · closes 31 Aug 2027
Festival
October
Entries
Opens Nov · Closes late Aug
Fees
$30–$75 AUD depending on category and tier
Submit via
FilmFreeway
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.
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.
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.
Use the official entry link on the festival card, then read the rules for your chosen category. Check the screening link, supporting materials, rights clearances and fee before submitting. The festival decides which entries it selects.
