Melbourne International Comedy Festival is bringing back its short film competition after a 20-year break.
Funny Shorts, proudly supported by .au and presented in partnership with ACMI, is officially open for submissions from filmmakers of all experience levels.
Festival Director Susan Provan is calling for the best in comedy created for screens big and small, noting that it’s been two decades since the festival last ran a short film competition.
Past editions have launched some of Australia’s most celebrated storytellers, and with digital content more popular and accessible than ever, Funny Shorts aims to boost the next generation of comedy filmmakers and content creators.
Funny Shorts – Melbourne International Comedy Festival
- Submissions open: 18 December 2025
- Submissions close: 11.59pm, 20 February 2026
- Screening: First weekend of 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival at ACMI
- Prizes: $5,000 for winner, $1,000 for Audience Favourite
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Designed to recognise excellence in screen comedy, Funny Shorts welcomes original, short-form, laugh-inducing work from first-timers and seasoned pros alike. If it’s funny, it’s in the running. A panel of leading comedy and film industry professionals will select a shortlist of films to screen at a special event at ACMI during the first weekend of the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. One winner will take home a $5,000 cash prize, while the Audience Favourite scores $1,000, thanks to inaugural partner .au.
ACMI Director and CEO Seb Chan says Funny Shorts celebrates the inventive spirit of short filmmaking and fresh comedic voices. As the national museum of screen culture, ACMI is backing these emerging creators and their smart, surprising and silly storytelling. The format may be short, but the laughs will be long.
Funny Shorts is part of a special events program celebrating Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s 40th birthday. Previous winners include heavyweight talents like Oscar-winner Adam Elliot (Mary & Max, Memoir of a Snail) and beloved comedian Frank Woodley (The Adventures of Lano & Woodley).
Elliot, a multi Academy Award nominee and winner, reflects on rarely being included in festivals that celebrate and recognise the art of telling a comedic story in its short form.
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