by FilmInk Staff
The 2026 Gold Coast Film Festival opens with Warwick Thornton’s WOLFRAM following its critical acclaim at the Berlin Film Festival. from the Berlin Film Festival. Set in the same universe as the acclaimed 2017 film Sweet Country, WOLFRAM features standout performances from Deborah Mailman and its remarkable young leads, delivering a moving story of survival, resilience and unexpected connection.
In 1930s Australia, the story follows two swaggering outlaws who unleash cruelty upon a remote mining town, forcing two siblings to flee the white masters who have enslaved them as child labourers. Their journey across the desert “sweet country” of central Australia becomes a powerful search for safety, truth and home.
The Gold Coast Film Festival 2026 will close with the World Premiere of DON’T BE PREY, leaving an edge-of-your-seat adventure into one man’s fight to reclaim his life by taking on the world’s most dangerous marathon swims, the Oceans Seven. Featuring unforgettable characters, raw vulnerability and breathtaking ocean feats, it’s a gripping, uplifting journey of resilience, reinvention and what it really takes to survive.
Beyond the screen, the 2026 Gold Coast Film Festival is delivering an exceptional events program designed to inspire, celebrate and connect the screen community. Highlights include the always-inspiring Women in Film Lunch, presented by Screen Queensland, which shines a spotlight on the women driving innovation across the industry; the glittering Gold Coast Film Festival Awards Gala at Warner Bros. Movie World, celebrating the creative brilliance of Australian filmmakers. Each event offers audiences and industry professionals alike the chance to network, be inspired, and experience the magic of film in unforgettable settings.
“Our focus is to deliver bold storytelling from voices around the World while building the incredible industry we have here in South East QLD,” said Luke Wheatley, CEO of the Gold Coast Film Festival. “Our opening and closing night films are a taste of what is to come from an exciting festival. Events like Women in Film, EMERGE! and our Awards Gala, are about strengthening the industry, celebrating exceptional talent and creating opportunities for the next generation of Australian filmmakers.”
Jacqui Feeney, CEO Screen Queensland says “The Gold Coast Film Festival celebrates the creativity, storytelling and diversity that drive Queensland’s standing as a globally competitive screen production destination. This year’s program showcases the strength of our local sector, with eight Queensland titles screening alongside a compelling mix of national and international films, including the local documentary Don’t Be Prey. We encourage audiences from across Queensland and beyond to experience these stories on the big screen and support the exceptional filmmakers behind them.”
Tickets are on sale now to Opening and Closing Night Red Carpet Galas and our incredible featured events through www.gcff.com.au and the full programme for GCFF will be available from Thursday April 2.
The Gold Coast Film Festival 2026 is possible thanks to the support of our Major Partners Screen Queensland, Invest Gold Coast, Tourism and Events Queensland along with venue partner HOTA, Home of the Arts.
ABOUT WOMEN IN FILM LUNCH
Presented by Screen Queensland, This event passes the Bechdel Test with supersonic flying colours.
Presented by Screen Queensland, Women in Film is back for another year to celebrate the women in the industry that aren’t just making waves but changing the tide of the industry. There’s a special kind of electricity in the air when women who create and innovate come together. You know that unmistakable spark when you meet a fellow film fanatic and the conversation dives into camera specs and character arcs before the first course even hits the table? You’ll be with your people. Prepare for an afternoon that is as glamorous as it is grounded. You’ll get to walk the red carpet before hearing from some of the most influential women currently shaping the future of Queensland’s film scene.
Network, connect and enjoy the experience from the breathtaking Lakeside Room at HOTA, Home of the Arts, where the views are as incredible as the company.
Come for the inspiration, stay for the connection, and leave with your creative cup overflowing. We can’t wait to see you there!
ABOUT GOLD COAST FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS GALA
This is the glitz and glamour you signed up for! It’s time to honour your dedication, hard work and creative brilliance at the Gold Coast Film Festival Awards Gala. On Thursday 23 April, the red carpet will be rolled out at the iconic Warner Bros. Movie World and you’ll be welcomed by none other than Bugs Bunny. Promising to be an evening of unadulterated joy and excitement, fine food & wine and a true celebration of the incredible talent and creativity we breed in Australia. Gather with emerging, established and seasoned industry professionals to shine a spotlight on all the exceptional work within the Aussie film industry.
As part of the evening’s celebration, we will be honouring a true powerhouse of Australian cinema, as we present the prestigious Chauvel Award for 2026. The Chauvel Award represents two of Australia’s most significant filmmakers, Charles and Elsa Chauvel.
ABOUT THE GOLD COAST FILM FESTIVAL 2026
Plot twist. The Gold Coast isn’t just a beautiful backdrop where the world comes to film. It’s home to passionate filmmakers and an equally passionate film festival. Just like the GC never tried to be like anywhere else, The Gold Coast Film Festival embraces the same independent spirit. Over 12 days, you’ll soak up emotionally-moving films, rigorous and inspired panel discussions with industry experts and sophisticated galas and events. Come experience the magic of watching world-class films, including the incredible short film showcase, SIPFest, Shorts in Paradise. It’s time to roll out the red carpet, the festival of the year is coming 22 April to 3 May 2026.
