Film festivals are a wonderful way to engage with movies on a whole new level. There’s the excitement (and bragging rights) that comes with getting to see a film long before its official cinema release.
There’s also the opportunity to broaden your horizons and check out films that you might not find out about otherwise.
Many festivals also have a range of great events to attend, as well, like parties and Q&As with the filmmakers and talent.
Basically, film festivals are a great way to connect with other movie lovers and to support the local film industry, and that’s something we’re passionate about at The Latch.
Here are all the film festivals taking place in 2022 and 2023. This article will be updated frequently to reflect newly announced dates and festivals as they are announced, so keep checking back.
National Film Festivals
The Alliance Française French Film Festival
The Alliance Française French Film Festival has been happening for over 30 years, and offers the best of the best when it comes to French cinema. In 2021, the festival boasted several world premieres and had over 170,000 attendees.
Where: Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Byron Bay, Victor Harbour, Hobart, Parramatta and Bendigo.
2023 dates:
Sydney: March 1 – April 6
Melbourne: March 3 – April 17
Canberra: March 2 – April 17
Perth: March 9 – April 10
Brisbane: March 16 – April 13
Adelaide: March 24 – April 26
Byron Bay: April 10 – April 20
Victor Harbour: April 4 – April 11
Hobart: March 9 – March 20
Parramatta: April 7 – April 10
Bendigo: April 22 – April 24
British Film Festival
The British Film Festival is a nation-wide celebration of the best of British cinema, and is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2022. The festival has grown significantly over the last decade, and become one of the most highly anticipated festivals of the year.
Where: Canberra, Brisbane, Byron Bay, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Adelaide
2023 dates: TBA
Flickerfest
Originally beginning as a short film festival at Bondi Beach, Flickerfest has grown exponentially over the past 31 years, and is now Australia’s only Academy® Qualifying and BAFTA Recognised Short Film Festival, and the country’s largest Australian & International short film competition,
While the main festival is still held each year over 10 days at Bondi Beach, Flickerfest highlights now tour the country, hitting capital cities and regional areas as well.
Where: Sydney, Coffs Harbour, Perth, Port Macquarie, Armidale, Nambour, Kempsey, Huskisson, Griffith, Sawtell, Narrogin, Hobart, Alice Springs, Gold Coast, Gunnedah, Noosa, Bangalow, Cygnet – Australian, Goulburn, Murwillumbah, Melbourne, Canberra, Canowindra, Toowoomba, Cygnet – International, Adelaide, Parramatta, Brisbane, Kununurra, Newcastle, Airlie Beach, Lightning Ridge, Cygnet – FlickerKids, Darwin, Katherine, Broome, Narrabri, Cairns, Merimbula, Wandoan, Chinchilla, Bell, and Meandarra
2023 dates: January 21 – 30 at Bondi Beach, click for touring dates
German Film Festival
The German Film Festival celebrates the best contemporary German cinema. Bringing films directly from all the major European festivals to Australian audiences for the first time, the German Film Festival also offers a selection of films from Austria and Switzerland.
Where: Adelaide, Byron Bay, Canberra, Perth, Sydney, Queensland and Victoria
2023 dates: TBA
Iranian Film Festival Australia
The Iranian Film Festival Australia is the only nation-wide Australian Festival dedicated to highlighting the best of Iranian Cinema. They aim to screen films that are diverse and interesting, and to introduce Iranian culture to an Australian audience.
2022 will mark the 11th year of the IFFA.
Where: Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney
2023 dates: TBA
Irish Film Festival
A not-for-profit cultural event, the Irish Film Festival first premiered in Sydney in 2015, and has been growing ever since. They pride themselves on showcasing innovative, quality films that showcase Irish culture at its best, and are supported by the Irish Embassy and Consulate.
Where: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, and online.
2023 dates: TBA
Italian Film Festival
Founded in 2000, the Italian Film Festival boasts a line up that includes both the best in contemporary Italian cinema, as well as some of Italy’s most beloved classic films. A celebration of Italian language, culture and cinema, the Italian Film Festival is now the biggest public celebration of Italian cinema outside Italy.
Where: Melbourne, Byron Bay, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane
2023 dates: TBA
Japanese Film Festival
The Japanese Film Festival is a relatively new film festival, with 2022 marking its second year. JFF prides itself on offering a deep dive into Japanese culture with a film selection that covers documentaries, features, animations and adaptations.
Where: Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney
2023 dates: TBA
Jewish International Film Festival
The Jewish International Film Festival offers Australian audiences the most comprehensive selection of contemporary Israeli and Jewish-themed films over an annual three-week festival.
Where: Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Gold Coast, Hobart
2023 dates: TBA
Korean Film Festival
The Korean Film Festival brings the best of Korean cinema to Australian audiences, and celebrated its 13th year in 2022. Check back later in the year for more details on the 2023 Korean Film Festival in Australia.
Where: Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane
2023 dates: TBA
Lebanese Film Festival
In 2012, the inaugural Lebanese Film Festival was originally a celebration of Lebanese cinema held for western Sydney residents. Since then, it’s grown into a national film festival that now attracts patrons from across the country.
Where: Bankstown and Australia wide.
2023 dates: TBA
Monster Fest
After premiering in 2011, Monster Fest celebrated its 10th Anniversary in 2021. Monster Fest is all about bringing the most weird and wonderful in international cult cinema to its audience. If you like horror, science fiction, fantasy, dark drama, black comedy, and animation, Monster Fest is for you.
Where: Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Auckland
2023 dates: TBA
Moro Spanish Film Festival
In 2022, the Moro Spanish Film Festival brought 34 films from Spain and Latin America to Australian audiences across the nation.
The festival is a celebration of Spanish language cinema, and culture. Aside from the films, there are live music events and tapas on offer.
Where: Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Byron Bay
2023 dates: TBA
Palestinian Film Festival Australia
A celebration of the best in Palestinian cinema, the Palestinian Film Festival Australia showcases a diverse and innovative selection of Palestinian films from around the world, in a cinematic journey of creative, thought-provoking storytelling.
Where: Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart,
2023 dates: TBA
Russian Resurrection
Showcasing the best in Russian cinema, Russian Resurrection just wrapped up its mini 2022 festival in Sydney and Melbourne. Stay tuned for 2023 dates.
Where: Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne
2023 dates: TBA
Scandinavian Film Festival
If nordic noir is your vibe, then the Scandinavian Film Festival has what you’re looking for. A celebration of the best cinema that Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have to offer, the 2022 festival took place in July, so stay tuned for 2023 details.
Where: Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Byron Bay
2023 dates: TBA
SCINEMA International Science Film Festival
Offering up the largest science film festival in the southern hemisphere, SCINEMA — aka the International Science Film Festival — is all about showcasing the best in science cinema from all over the world.
Where: Online
2023 dates: TBA
South African Film Festival
The South African Film Festival is only a few years old, after holding its inaugural festival in 2019. A not-for-profit event, SAFF prides itself on showcasing South African talent, and works to support educational opportunities for disadvantaged children.
Where: NSW, Queensland, WA, Victoria and online.
2023 dates: May 2023, dates TBA
Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival
The Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival is a celebration of all things sci-fi, and is set to go national this year, screening a “Best Of” collection at six screens around the country after it wraps up in Sydney.
Where: Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, as well as Tuggerah and Shellharbour. A Victorian venue is also being negotiated.
2023 dates: TBA
Taiwan Film Festival
A celebration of Taiwanese culture and heritage, the Taiwan Film Festival is an annual showcase of the best cinema from Taiwan, as well as Asian Australian filmmakers.
The 2022 program wrapped up in August, so stay tuned for 2023 dates.
Where: TBA
2023 dates: TBA
Australian Capital Territory
Canberra International Film Festival
The Canberra International Film Festival offers a far different selection of films than many of the other festivals on our list. Rather than focusing on the latest releases and brand new premieres, CIFF’s focus this year will be to celebrate the Australian achievements in world cinema during the 1940s and 50s.
2023 dates: TBA
Canberra Short Film Festival
The Canberra Short Film Festival prides itself on screening the best short films — both from Australia and around the world — for Canberra audiences.
An independent and locally run festival, CSFF is a competition-based festival now in its 27th year, and celebrates the art of the short film across 10 different categories.
2023 dates: TBA
Czech and Slovak Film Festival of Australia (also Adelaide, Melbourne)
The Czech and Slovak Film Festival of Australia is dedicated to showcasing the best of film for the Czech and Slovak Republics and former Czechoslovakia.
2023 dates: TBA
New South Wales
Antenna Documentary Film Festival
Established in 2011, the Antenna Documentary Film Festival is an international documentary film festival that also includes a range of supporting events, including seminars, talks, panel discussions and Q&As.
2023 dates: TBA
Armenian Film Festival (also Victoria)
The Armenian Film Festival was established in 2016, and showcases the best of Armenian cinema, across feature films, documentaries, animations and short films. The 2022 festival took place in June, so stay tuned for 2023 dates.
2023 dates: TBA
Australian Womens Film Festival
The Australian Womens Film Festival is a short film festival created by women, for women. For a film to qualify for AWFF, it needs to be shorter than 15 minutes and pass the Bechdel Test. The festival is designed to celebrate and uplift female storytellers.
Blue Heeler Film Festival
Offering cultural opportunities to the Upper Hunter region, the Blue Heeler Film Festival was first launched in 2013. Stay tuned for more details about what’s in store for 2023.
2023 dates: TBA
Byron Bay Film Festival
The Byron Bay Film Festival celebrates its sweet 16th in 2022, showcasing unique content that promises to expand the audience’s horizons. It will return in 2023.
2023 dates: TBA
Byron Underground Film Festival
The Byron Underground Film Festival is one of Australia’s newest film festivals, focusing on innovative, experimental, independent and ground-breaking cinema from around the world.
2023 dates: TBA
Children’s International Film Festival (also Victoria)
The Children’s International Film Festival (CHIFF) brings a curated selection of feature and short local and international cinema dedicated to our youngest film buffs. The 2022 festival took place in May, so stay tuned for 2023 dates.
2023 dates: May 2023, dates TBA
Read more: 5 Unmissable Films At This Year’s Children’s International Film Festival
Europa! Europa! (also Victoria)
Whether you’re a cinephile wanting to check out the latest films coming out of Europe, or a casual moviegoer who wants to push their boundaries a little, Europa! Europa! has something for everyone. Representing cinema from across the continent, Europa! Europa! celebrates the vast range of films that Europe has to offer.
2023 dates: February 2023, dates TBA
Far South Film Festival (also online)
The Far South Film Festival is held in Merimbula, NSW, and also online, the festival is produced by Far South Film Inc and designed to celebrate emerging filmmakers and digital creatives in South East regional NSW. The 2022 festival just finished on August 19, but stay tuned for 2023 dates.
Where: Merimbula, NSA
2023 dates: TBA
Good Dog! International Film Festival
If you’re a Must Love Dogs type of person, the Good Dog! International Film Festival is one for you. Good Dog! is a Sydney-based writing and film festival screening engaging films that include a dog.
2023 dates: TBA
Human Rights Arts and Film Festival (also Victoria)
The Human Rights Arts and Film Festival is all about celebrating, supporting and motivating social justice through creativity. They’re all about showcasing art and cinema that will be thought-provoking and will challenge its audience to be champions for change.
2023 dates: May 4 – 9, 2023
Made in the West Film Festival
The Made in the West Film Festival was founded in 2012, and is the biggest annual celebration of Western Sydney talent on the big screen.
2023 date: TBA
Where: TBA
A Night of Horror International Film Festival
Held at Dendy Cinemas in Newtown, A Night of Horror International Film Festival showcases the latest and greatest genre films from Australia and the world.
2023 dates: TBA
Perfect Light Film Festival
Broken Hill’s Perfect Light Film Festival is a celebration of Australian independent cinema and short films, and entries for the 2023 festival are open now.
2023 dates: March 24 — 26
Persian Film Festival
The Persian Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing the best of Iranian cinema, as well as films from Persian filmmakers from Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The festival also aims to be a leader in shifting views and misconceptions in Australia by creating spaces for new and alternative voices of Persian-Australians and by being a forum for dialogue between and amongst diverse communities.
2023 dates: TBA
Polish Film Festival (also WA)
The Polish Film Festival is a celebration of Polish cinema, and the 2023 festival promises smart comedies, gripping dramas, and awe-inspiring biographies. The Polish Film Festival wrapped up in June, so stay tuned for 2023 dates.
2023 dates: TBA
Queer Screen Presents the Mardi Gras Film Festival
Held alongside Sydney’s Mardi Gras, the Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival is a celebration of the diversity of sexualities and gender identities through queer storytelling on screen. Stay tuned for 2023 dates.
2023 dates: TBA
Screenwave International Film Festival
This year marked the third Screenwave International Film Festival, and in that time, SWIFF has grown to be a flagship Mid North Coast summer cultural event which attracts visitors from across Australia and around the world.
Where: Coffs Harbour, Bellingen
2023 dates: April 20 – May 5, 2023
Sydney Czech and Slovak Film Festival
The Sydney Czech and Slovak Film Festival was founded in 2014 and showcases both new releases, past classics, documentaries and short films from the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
2023 dates: TBA
Sydney Film Festival
One of the biggest film festivals Australia has to offer, the Sydney Film Festival is proud to showcase the greatest, strangest and most exciting works that cinema has to offer. Once SFF wraps up, it will travel the country, screening highlights in regional NSW and beyond.
2023 dates: June 7 – 18, 2023
Read more:
Five Unmissable Films Screening at the 2022 Sydney Film Festival
Doco About Viral Sensation Hendrika Van Genderen to Screen at Sydney Film Festival
Sydney Film Festival Announces Opening Night Film ‘We Are Still Here’
Sydney Short Film Festival
The Sydney Short Film Festival is an independent film festival that puts the spotlight on short films, providing a platform for short films that challenge the way we think about cinema. They’re accepting submissions for 2023 currently.
2023 dates: TBA
Sydney Underground Film Festival (also online)
The Sydney Underground Film Festival is all about unique, eye-opening and entertaining independent films that transgress the status quo and challenge the conservative conventions of filmmaking. The festival is devoted to renewing local interest in independent and experimental film as part of an international underground film culture and aims to change an ingrained culture of cinematic complacency and revitalise enthusiasm for cinema.
2023 dates: TBA
Sydney Women’s International Film Festival
The Sydney Women’s International Film Festival prides itself on being a place where (self-identified) female filmmakers are celebrated and supported.
2023 dates: TBA
Sydney World Film Festival
Sydney World Film Festival takes pride in discovering hidden gems that later go on to thrive successfully at A-list festivals, with some films even catching the eye of the Academy Awards.
2023 dates: TBA
Travelling Film Festival (also QLD and NT)
An offshoot of the Sydney Film Festival, the Travelling Film Festival brings the best of SFF to regional NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
2023 dates:
Ulladulla: TBA
Wagga Wagga: TBA
Tamworth: TBA
Newcastle: TBA
Warrawong: TBA
Young: TBA
Macquarie Park: TBA
Campbelltown: TBA
Huskisson: TBA
Orange: TBA
Murwillumbah: TBA
Lismore: TBA
Wollongong: TBA
Port Macquarie: TBA
Sawtell: TBA
Tropfest
Tropfest Australia began with humble beginnings at the Tropicana Caffé in Sydney’s inner city Darlinghurst and quickly spread to bigger venues as more and more people delighted in the short films that Tropfest is famous for.
2023 dates: TBA
Veterans Film Festival
The Veterans Film Festival prides itself on showcasing stories about veterans, their families, first responders, and real or imagined genre stories about warfare and its influence on society.
2023 dates: TBA
Northern Territory
Darwin International Film Festival
The Darwin International Film Festival aims to enhance the diverse cultural experiences of the community by providing unique and alternative film experience to mainstream cinema in Darwin.
2023 dates: September 14 – 24
Travelling Film Festival (also QLD and NSW)
An offshoot of the Sydney Film Festival, the Travelling Film Festival brings the best of SFF to regional NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
2023 dates:
Darwin: February 9 – 12, 2023
Katherine: February 10 – 12, 2023
Alice Springs: February 24 – 27, 2023
South Australia
Adelaide Film Festival
The Adelaide Film Festival aims to present a festival which celebrates and explores contemporary Australian and international screen culture with a unique program of screenings and special events, which aim to increase audience knowledge and participation.
2023 dates: TBA
Czech and Slovak Film Festival of Australia (also Canberra, Melbourne)
The Czech and Slovak Film Festival of Australia is dedicated to showcasing the best of film for the Czech and Slovak Republics and former Czechoslovakia.
2023 dates: TBA
Fleurieu Film Festival
The Fleurieu Film Festival is an industry-standard, competitive short film festival held on the Fleurieu Peninsula as an avenue for new and emerging filmmakers to showcase their work, it has been running since 2016.
2023 dates: February 4, 2023
Queensland
Australian Independent Film Festival
The Australian Independent Film Festival is an annual Australian film festival founded in February 2018. AIFF prides itself on showcasing and celebrating the very best in independent cinema from Australia and around the world.
2023 dates: October 27 – 28, 2023
Brisbane Backyard Film Festival
The Brisbane Backyard Film Festival is a celebration of local screen content. This annual event showcases some of the best short films, music videos and movie trailers from around Queensland.
2023 dates: TBA
Brisbane International Film Festival
The Brisbane International Film Festival is a celebration of films for audiences seeking new perspectives and memorable experiences. From award winners to festival favourites, cult films, classic cinema, entertaining dramas, compelling documentaries and dark comedies – expect to be entertained.
2023 dates: TBA
Caloundra Film Festival
The Caloundra Film Festival began in 2013 with the aim of providing a platform for local, Australian and student filmmakers to show their work. The Festival also focuses on screening foreign language and art-house films in recognition of the growing cultural diversity of the Sunshine Coast region. Stay tuned for 2023 dates.
2023 dates: January 24 – February 14, 2023
Capricorn Film Festival
The Capricorn Film Festival is the biggest film event of the year in Central Queensland. This Festival is a unique cultural platform where latest achievements in cinema are viewed, discussed and debated for both their narrative and technical merits by audiences of cinema lovers.
2023 dates: January 18 – 22
Gold Coast Film Festival
The Gold Coast Film Festival is 12-day festival that’s all about bringing film to life in a distinctly Gold Coast way for local and visiting audiences and to help grow and support Queensland’s screen industry.
2023 dates: TBA
Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival
The Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival is Queensland’s biggest short film festival. Every year Gympie comes alive with film lovers from far and wide to celebrate short films that are uplifting, heartwarming and inspirational.
2023 dates: April 19 – 30, 2023
Sanctuary Film Festival
The Sanctuary Film Festival is an annual film festival held on the Gold Coast that screens features, documentaries and short films.
2023 date: TBA
Travelling Film Festival (also NSW and NT)
An offshoot of the Sydney Film Festival, the Travelling Film Festival brings the best of SFF to regional NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
2023 dates:
Cairns: TBA
Townsville: TBA
Southport: TBA
Mackay: TBA
Bundaberg: TBA
Toowoomba: TBA
The Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival
The Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival is inspired by the Sundance Film Festival. It is an incorporated, non-profit organisation developed by the passion and drive of the Winton community and brought to you thanks to our visionary partners.
2023 dates: June 23 — July 1, 2023
West End Film Festival
The West End Film Festival is an Australian short film competition, and highlights the importance of creativity and connection. WEFF is one of Brisbane’s most loved festivals, and celebrates the community, culture and diversity of the West End. Stay tuned for 2023 dates.
2023 dates: TBA
Tasmania
Breath of Fresh Air Film Festival
The Breath of Fresh Air Film Festival is an in-person/online hybrid event that prides itself on bringing the world’s best films to you, however you’d like to attend.
2023 dates: TBA
Very Short Film Festival
The Very Short Film Festival is a festival showcasing short films between two and five minutes long. The festival prides itself on being a vehicle for social change – a place where diverse voices are front and centre in an environment full of opportunity.
2023 dates: TBA
Victoria
Armenian Film Festival (also NSW)
The Armenian Film Festival was established in 2016, and showcases the best of Armenian cinema, across feature films, documentaries, animations and short films. Stay tuned for 2023 dates.
2023 dates: TBA
Bendigo Queer Film Festival
The Bendigo Queer Film Festival was founded in 2004 by Chris Walters, and attracts people from all over Victoria and interstate. They are one of the few regional centres Australia wide that hosts its own queer film festival.
2023 dates: TBA
Buninyong Film Festival
The Buninyong Film Festival enjoys bringing highly acclaimed Australian and international films to the big screen to the historic village of Buninyong, and giving the community access to films that would not normally be seen outside of Melbourne.
2023 dates: May 19 – 20, 2023
Castlemaine Documentary Festival
The Castlemaine Documentary Festival is held annually in July in central Victoria (90 minutes from Melbourne) in Castlemaine’s iconic Theatre Royal. The Festival offers a curated program of superb Australian and international non-fiction films. Audiences are introduced to a series of fascinating worlds populated by enthralling characters. Stay tunes for 2023 dates.
2023 dates: TBA
Children’s International Film Festival (also NSW)
The Children’s International Film Festival (CHIFF) brings a curated selection of feature and short local and international cinema dedicated to our youngest film buffs. Stay tunes for 2023 dates.
2023 dates: May – June 2023, dates TBA
Read more: 5 Unmissable Films At This Year’s Children’s International Film Festival
Czech and Slovak Film Festival of Australia (also Canberra, Adelaide)
The Czech and Slovak Film Festival of Australia is dedicated to showcasing the best of film for the Czech and Slovak Republics and former Czechoslovakia.
2023 dates: TBA
Environmental Film Festival Australia
The Environmental Film Festival Australia is a 100% volunteer-run organisation that showcases groundbreaking cinema, traversing the relationship between humans and their environments, challenging the way people think about the natural world, and inspiring us all to discuss, explore and act on important environmental issues.
2023 dates: TBA
Europa! Europa! (also NSW)
Whether you’re a cinephile wanting to check out the latest films coming out of Europe, or a casual moviegoer who wants to push their boundaries a little, Europa! Europa! has something for everyone. Representing cinema from across the continent, Europa! Europa! celebrates the vast range of films that Europe has to offer.
2023 dates: February 2023, dates TBA
Fantastic Film Festival
The Fantastic Film Festival offers a journey beyond any known map of convention. It’s a celebration of those on the cutting edge of international storytelling: craftspeople and collaborators with unique voices, and unbounding passion and imagination.
2023 dates: April 2023, dates TBA
Filmonik Melbourne
Filmonik Melbourne is an inclusive open-screen short film night. Melbourne filmmakers take to the screen with their latest short films of all genres in an energetic evening.
2023 dates: TBA
G Biennale
The G Biennale is a major cultural event in Geelong, which places outstanding and significant cinema, art, and design housed in rotational instances from local, national, and international contributions.
2023 dates: TBA
Geelong Pride Film Festival
The Geelong Pride Film Festival is an LGBTQIA+ film festival in Geelong, Australia. It screens contemporary and classic LGBTQIA+ themed films, and hosts a series of special screenings and events.
2023 dates: April 20 – 30, 2023
Human Rights Arts and Film Festival (also NSW)
The Human Rights Arts and Film Festival is all about celebrating, supporting and motivating social justice through creativity. They’re all about showcasing art and cinema that will be thought-provoking and will challenge its audience to be champions for change.
2023 dates: May 4 – 9, 2023
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is the largest festival of its kind in Australia, celebrating the best of Indian cinema in all its forms. The festival presents a diverse selection of movies that encapsulates the best of Indian cinema and films from the Indian sub-continent. Stay tuned for 2023 dates.
2023 dates: TBA
Indonesian Film Festival
The Indonesian Film Festival is the most prominent celebration of Indonesian cinema in Australia. Held annually in Melbourne, IFF aims to promote the appreciation of Indonesian culture in Australia, as well as raise international awareness of the burgeoning Indonesian film culture.
2023 dates: TBA
Melbourne Documentary Film Festival
The Melbourne Documentary Film Festival began as a small, young, fun, experimental film festival incubated at local art space (to make documentary accessible to everyone), and has since gone on to become one of the biggest showcases of documentary and factual filmmaking in Australia via its filmmaking competition.
2023 dates: TBA
Melbourne International Film Festival
The Melbourne International Film Festival is one of the world’s longest-running film festivals, alongside Cannes and Berlin. Presenting a curated global program of innovative screen experiences and the world’s largest showcase of exceptional Australian filmmaking, MIFF is an accessible, iconic cultural event that provides transformative experiences for audiences and filmmakers alike.
2023 dates: August 3 – 20, 2023
Melbourne Queer Film Festival
The Melbourne Queer Film Festival aims to engage the community with the best LGBTI+ content in order to educate, entertain and celebrate diversity. MQFF is dedicated to celebrating and giving a voice to the underrepresented, and to showcasing unique perspectives.
2023 dates: TBA
Melbourne Short Film Festival
Melbourne Short Film Festival was founded to support and promote independent short films from all around the world. They aim to promote and provide exposure for these films and organise a fun and culturally diverse night of indie cinema for filmmakers and cinephiles alike.
2023 dates: TBA
Melbourne Underground Film Festival
The Melbourne Underground Film Festival first debuted in July of 2000, and has been a cutting edge premiere showcase for Independent cinema in the Southern Hemisphere ever since.
2023 dates: TBA
Melbourne Women in Film Festival
The Melbourne Women in Film Festival aims to make a valuable and meaningful contribution to the local culture by facilitating participation of diverse creative women and audiences in a festival celebrating different stories about women; stories that can make a difference to women’s lives.
2023 dates: February 23 – 27, 2023
The Other Film Festival
The Other Film Festival is a groundbreaking disability-led program that has put Deaf and Disabled people at the centre of the Australian screen industry for almost 20 years.
2023 dates: TBA
Oz Indie Film Festival
The Oz Indie Film Festival is a celebration of the very best of International and Australian independent film making. Oziff selects projects from categories which include Australian Independent Feature Films, Australian Short Films, International independent Films, Documentaries, Australian Indigenous/First Nation Work, LGBTQI+, Animated Features, Animated Shorts, Student Work, Music Videos and much more.
2023 date: March 25, 2023
Peninsula Film Festival
The Peninsula Film Festival is one of Victoria’s most iconic film festivals. Starting out with 500 people packed into a theatre, the festival has grown into an unmissable event that thousands of people travel to the peninsula to enjoy each year.
2023 dates: February 3 – 5, 2023
Where: Village Green, Rosebud
Setting Sun Short Film Festival
The Setting Sun Short Film Festival is a community festival that aims to provide the West with its own film festival that promoted. It was the only festival designed specifically for the Western suburbs. It has now grown in popularity to become the premier international film festival in Melbourne’s West and one of the largest short film festivals in Melbourne.
2023 dates: May 4 – 12
Transitions Film Festival (also online)
The Transitions Film Festival showcases groundbreaking documentaries about the social and technological innovations, revolutionary ideas and trailblazing changemakers that are leading the way to a better world.
2023 dates: TBA
St Kilda Film Festival
The St Kilda Film Festival supports the Australian film industry by turning the spotlight on exceptional films by both emerging talent and short works by accomplished industry professionals. Accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the St Kilda Film Festival is an Academy Awards® qualifying event.
2023 dates: June 1 – 11
Western Australia
Cinefest Oz Film Festival
The Cinefest Oz Film Festival premieres feature films and events in the seaside centres of Busselton and the Margaret River wine region, making it a feast for the senses and an unforgettable six-day getaway.
2023 dates: August 29 – September 3, 2023
Mud and Saltwater Film Festival
The Mud and Saltwater Short Film Festival showcases the best short films made by professional and amateur filmmakers around Roebuck Bay and the Kimberley region.
2023 dates: TBA
Polish Film Festival (also NSW)
The Polish Film Festival is a celebration of Polish cinema, and the 2022 festival promises mart comedies, gripping dramas, awe-inspiring biographies, a timeless classic, and a little treat for the young audience.
2023 dates: TBA
PRIDE Queer Film Festival
The PRIDE Queer Film Festival is an LGBTQIA+ film festival in Perth, Australia, and showcases the best in queer cinema.
2023 dates: TBA
Revelation Perth International Film Festival (also online)
The Revelation Perth International Film Festival has developed a reputation as Australia’s leading independent film event and continues to actively advocate for Australian screen culture practice in a still conservative exhibition environment.
2023 dates: July 12 – 16, 2023
WA Made Film Festival
The WA Made Film Festival puts the spotlight on Western Australia’s best filmmakers, showcasing the best that the state has to offer.
2023 dates: February 17 – 26
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