by FilmInk Staff
11-21 June, 2026
A&I Hall | Bangalow
Bangalow Film Festival (BFF) returns in 2026 for its 6th festival. This year’s program showcases cinematic excellence, environmental storytelling, visually arresting screen art, cult classics, and the launch of Australia’s first award dedicated to nature documentary.
With a curated program of 26 feature films and screen based performances expect brand new award-wining movies for the international festival circuit (including five absolute Australian premieres), including new films by critically acclaimed Australian and International filmmakers – Gus Van Sant, Ildiko Enyedi Vincent Munier, Richard Ladkani and Selina Miles.
BFF is thrilled to announce a line-up of distinctive guests including Rolf de Heer, Nicholas Hope (Bad Boy Bubby), Jonathan de Jong, Teun Toebes (Human Forever), Chadden Hunter (The Raftsmen), Kal Glanznig (The Plastic Country), Sarah Beard (Trade Secret), and Paul Witzig (All Down The Line).
Opening night is set to be one of the most uplifting films you’ll see this year. Christopher Nelius’ Whistle is one of those rare gems you didn’t know you needed, it’s not to be missed! The documentary follows an eccentric group of international virtuoso whistlers who descend on Hollywood to compete in the Masters of Musical Whistling, the world’s greatest whistling competition.
BFF26’s red carpet opening evening will be accompanied by special guests and provides the backdrop of the Northern Rivers’ first whistling competition!
For cult classic aficionados, don’t miss a very special screening of Bad Boy Bubby with director Rolf de Heer and actor Nicholas Hope in attendance. Stay for an AMA Q&A after the screening as we celebrate one of Australia’s most seminal and original films.
Social justice takes center stage with Selina Miles’ Silenced, a powerful, emotional and urgent documentary challenging gendered flaws within the justice system, and with the Australian premiere of Richard Ladkani’s YANUNI, a multi-award winning visually stunning portrait of resilience, Indigenous sovereignty, and the fight to protect the world’s largest rainforest.
Premiering at Tribeca 2025, Tow is an uplifting, compassionate portrayal of women and homelessness. In the current housing crisis, Rose Byrne’s powerhouse performance is vital
viewing.
One of Europe’s most original filmmakers, Ildiko Enyedi brings us Silent Friend, winner of six awards at the last Venice Film Festival. A majestic, ancient ginkgo tree brings us closer to what it means to be human through the narratives of three unique lives, set around a botanical garden in a medieval university town in Germany.
Surf films get centerstage with the NSW premiere of Jack Johnson: SURFILMMUSIC, an intimate documentary follows Jack Johnson’s journey from surfer to filmmaker, to world-renowned musician. And a lookback to the golden age of surf with a newly remastered version of Paul Witzig’s All Down The Line (1989), and a 16mm projection of Playgrounds in Paradise (1977) directed by Alan & Evelyn Rich.
For shapes, tastes and flavours, the aesthetically rich Italian set Trifole tells an intergenerational story of an ageing Truffle Hunter and his granddaughter. A heart-warming adventure starring two Italian screen legends – Umberto Orsini and Margerita Buy – steeped in family, tradition and locating one’s place in the world.
And another beauty for fiendish foodies – Shelf Life draws unexpected parallels of between the aging of cheese and the human experience of ageing. This is a sensorial delight, its quiet humour profoundly explores life, death and decay.
Challenging stereotypes whilst warming your heart cockles, Cricket Dreams highlights and inspires courage, belief, and the power of sport to create belonging and brighter futures. Ideal film for the younger members of our community.
For our friends across the ditch in NZ (and their adjacent Aussie pals), No Tears on the Field is an up-close look at women’s rugby and its competitive beginnings. In this scrum, sisterhood is the strategy. You’ll be cheering them on from your seat!
Two original film concerts will be presented exclusively as part of BFF26:
Home of the Blizzard – A Film Concert For Antartica features new music composed and performed live by Romano Crivici, Carla Thackrah & guests, alongside the eight-voices Syrinx Vocal Ensemble, for Frank Hurley iconic silent film Home of the Blizzard, documenting Douglas Mawson’s 1911 Antarctic expedition.
Created by award-winning immersive media director/producer, composer and Ocean activist Joshua Sam Miller, the poetic film Sounds of the Ocean will be presented with a live score by internationally renowned Maori Sonic Weaver WHAIA.
On the theme of music, opulently styled by Dolce & Gabbana The Opera! weaves traditional arias with contemporary music in a spectacular of cinema, fashion, and pop culture. Wear your finest!
Five international and Australian documentaries will compete for the first Green Frame Nature Documentary Award, with one film to be awarded by a jury and by the audience. The line-up of films include production from France, UK, USA, Italy and Australia.
Celebrating cinema and fashion in style is synonymous of BFF and this edition’s closing night raises the bar. Round out the festival closing night in Western attire to celebrate the cowboys and cowgirls of La Pampa with the multi-award winning timeless film Gaucho Gaucho – be sure to wear your boots and best Westerns; that’s threads and tassels folks!
BFF 2026 showcases artful, thoughtful cinema. Finely crafted stories of activism, resistance and a zoom in on our mortal human condition. Get set for making memories, come and celebrate – interact with some highly inspiring and iconic industry guests. Truly outstanding films and experiences for all ages!
For more details on films and special events, peruse the full festival program over at www.bangalowfilmfestival.com.au. Join us for a celebration of arts, film and culture at the
Bangalow Film Festival happening at A&I Hall from 11 – 21 June 2026.
Tickets are on sale Fri 1 May!
For tickets and more info, head to www.bangalowfilmfestival.com.au
BANGALOW FILM FESTIVAL
11-21 June, 2026
A&I Hall | Bangalow
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