Port Shorts Film Festival

Overview

🎬 PORT SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL 2026 The Coolest Short Film Festival in the Tropics – and now an AACTA Awards Qualifier 📅 OCTOBER 24, 2026 | 🌴 PORT DOUGLAS, AUSTRALIA 🌏 Open to Filmmakers Worldwide 💰 Over $15,000 AUD in Cash & Prizes ⚡25% discount on entry fee to the AACTA Best Short Film category for all Port Shorts finalists! We’ve partnered with the Australian Academy of Cinema & Television Arts (AACTA) to give finalists discounted entry into the AACTA Awards and put their work on a national stage. Plus, we’re proud to present: 🏆 Best Queensland Short Film – Presented by AACTA Open to short films shot in Queensland with at least two Queensland-based key creatives. MAIN PRIZES INCLUDE: 🎞️ Best Open Film – $5,000 AUD - open to worldwide 🎥 Best Queensland Short Film – $250 AUD + AACTA Package (value TBA) 🎧 Music Video Award – $1,000 AUD 🎬 Port Shorts Jury Prize – $750 AUD 📍 Local Award – $500 AUD 🎟️ Audience Choice Award – $500 AUD What’s Port Shorts All About? It’s more than a film festival—it’s a vibe. Held under the stars in Rex Smeal Park, with the Coral Sea breeze, towering palm trees, and the Daintree Rainforest as your backdrop, Port Shorts is Australia’s most picturesque and feel-good film event. Past attendees describe it as “an absolute blast”, “beautifully community-driven”, and “the most scenic festival in the world.” Port Shorts Ambassadors: 🎭 Stephen Curry – Actor, Ambassador & Judge 🎬 Matt Hearn – Executive Producer (Wolf Creek) 🌟 Rarriwuy Hick – Australian Actress, dancer, performer 🎓 Ivan Vukusic – AACTA Awards & Industry Development Manager Whether you’re a first-time filmmaker or a festival regular, Port Shorts is your chance to be seen, celebrated, and connected. Submit now and shoot for the stars.

Last updated Sep 6, 2026

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Festival Details

FilmFreeway communityGold festival

• Filmmaker

  Such an amazing event to be part of! thank you for showing our film and giving us the airtime.

• Filmmaker

  Alison knows how to run a festie

• Filmmaker

  There is no better place to run a film festival. So picturesque. It was such an honour for my film, Foundation, to win the Youth Prize. Cheers

• Filmmaker

  I've always loved laying on the grass under the stars at Port Shorts and feasting on the top notch program (and the delicious food vans) This year we were also honoured to have our inclusive short comedy film Chesters screened. Port Shorts and the rock star team that make it happen, go from strength to strength every year. Rad festival, rad location and well worth the gorgeous drive up the coast.

• Filmmaker

  Port Shorts is a brilliant festival! Wonderful hospitality, an incredibly fun spirit, and a gobsmacking location. We had a blast and met some fabulous FNQ talent. Thank you so much for having us. Totally recommend - Five stars!!

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