Brunswick East is getting its own indie film festival next year.
Vantra Film Festival launches on 8 March at FOMO Cinemas, bringing a curated selection of independent short films to Melbourne’s inner north.
The debut event runs from 4pm to 8pm, showcasing Australian and international shorts chosen by a panel of filmmakers. Vantra Film Festival positions itself as a space for original storytelling and distinctive voices in short-form cinema, with programming selected to highlight work that sits outside the mainstream.
Vantra Film Festival
- When: 8 March, 4pm to 8pm
- Where: FOMO Cinemas, 5 Bluestone Way, Brunswick East
- More info here
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The festival team has programmed a lineup of shorts from local and overseas filmmakers, with each screening designed to spotlight stories that break from conventional narratives. Submissions for the 2026 edition are currently open through the festival website, with filmmakers able to enter work across various categories and styles.
FOMO Cinemas in Brunswick East will host the entire program, with the venue offering a single-screen setup for the afternoon and evening sessions. The festival operates as a filmmaker-focused event, aiming to create connections between people making films and audiences looking for work that challenges expectations.
Vantra Film Festival joins Melbourne’s growing roster of independent film events, carving out space specifically for short-form content. The March launch will mark the festival’s first year, with organisers planning to establish an annual presence on the city’s film calendar.
For more information, head here.
