by Dov Kornits
“With a record of over 3700 entries received, Flickerfest 2026 will again deliver an outstanding programme celebrating our most talented contemporary storytellers, both here in Australia and from around the world,” said longtime Flickerfest director Bronwyn Kidd. “With so many outstanding films to choose from I am so excited to present our audiences with programmes that applaud bold, inspiring, creative & unforgettable short films from talent who are destined to shape the future of cinema.”
Celebrating its 35th year, Flickerfest will screen around 200 short films from over 100 countries, with most of them Australian and even world premieres. An Academy® Qualifying festival, selection at Flickerfest is award-worthy enough, let alone that you’re also eligible for various prizes, including Best International Short Film, the Yoram Gross Award for Best International Animation, the Panasonic Lumix Award for Best Australian Short Film and the Flickerfest Award for Best Documentary. Apart from the films in competition, there are also programs such as FlickerUp, which spotlights youth filmmaking, Rainbow Shorts for LGBTQI films, a First Nations Showcase, FlickerKids, which are kids and family friendly films, LoveBites for fans of romance and Short Laughs, for those who love a laff.
There are too many highlights to mention in much detail, but a few include Renée Zellweger’s directorial debut They, an animation about a man and his dog; actor Robert Carlyle’s short film debut Three, described as “a provocative and darkly funny short exploring themes of sex, power and privilege”; and the world premiere of Matt Day’s latest short film Baby Shower starring Contessa Treffone, Hugo Weaving and Helen Thomson.
Flickerfest will once again be hosted at its home of almost three decades, the stylish Bondi Pavilion for indoor and outdoor screenings. The panoramic beachside festival bar is open daily before each session and into the night. 23rd January – 1st February 2026 (Touring Nationally Feb – Oct, 40+ dates)
