St Kilda Film Festival 2026 entries are officially open for aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals.
Got a short film burning a hole in your hard drive?
St Kilda Film Festival has just opened submissions for their 2026 edition, giving filmmakers another shot at screening their work at one of Australia’s biggest film events. Running from 4-14 June next year, the festival continues to champion short-form storytelling while offering serious career opportunities for emerging creatives.
St Kilda Film Festival isn’t just another festival on the circuit – it’s an Academy Awards qualifying event, meaning select award-winning films become eligible for Oscar consideration. Prize money includes a hefty $10,000 for Best Short Film, plus the chance to screen your work in front of packed audiences and leading industry professionals who could change your career trajectory.
St Kilda Film Festival 2026
- Dates: 4-14 June 2026
- Entry deadline: 31 January 2026
- Location: St Kilda, Melbourne
- Categories: Various short film categories plus Youth Short Film (Under the Radar)
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
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Young filmmakers get special attention through the Under the Radar category, dedicated to shorts from aspiring creatives under 21. It’s designed as a stepping stone for the next generation of storytellers looking to break into the industry without competing directly against seasoned professionals.
St Kilda Film Festival has serious pedigree when it comes to launching careers. Past festival alumni include Adam Elliot (Harvie Krumpet), Jane Campion (The Piano), and Richard Lowenstein (Dogs in Space) – all of whom screened early works at the festival before becoming household names.
Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or someone with their first short ready to share with the world, St Kilda Film Festival 2026 offers the perfect platform to get your work seen by the right people. Submissions are open now with the deadline hitting 31 January 2026.
For more information, head here.
