by FIlmInk Staff
Australia’s next generation of filmmakers has been recognised at the 2026 Very Short Film Festival (VSFF), following a successful National Premiere Weekend in Hobart that brought together filmmakers, industry guests and audiences from across the country.
Held across three days of screenings, workshops and events, the festival culminated in the presentation of the 2026 VSFF Awards, known as The Dorothys, with actor and producer Marta Dusseldorp joining audiences and filmmakers for the celebration of this year’s standout talent.
The festival’s top honour, Best Film, was awarded to The Pocket Dial by Josephine Croft and Pete Vulinovich. Other major winners included Tidal by Sofia Poli (Best Director), Version 1.0 by Chanelle Le Roux and Michael de Lange (Best Story), and Tasmanian filmmakers Isaac Sargent and Vienna Leaf, whose film Wear & Tear [pictured] took out Best Cinematic Craft. darrens_camera by Taylan Gogan was recognised as Best Junior Film.
Now, following the Hobart premiere, VSFF is taking its Official Selection and award-winning films on the road as part of the 2026 National Tour, bringing Australian short filmmaking to audiences around the country.
The tour will visit cinemas and communities around the country, giving audiences the chance to experience a curated selection of comedy, drama, documentary and experimental works on the big screen.
Created specifically for VSFF, each film responds to this year’s signature theme, Thread, interpreted in diverse and unexpected ways across story, image and form. The collection brings together stories that stay with you, inviting audiences to laugh, reflect and see things differently.
Open to filmmakers of all ages and backgrounds, VSFF celebrates storytelling in its most concise and powerful form. All films are under five minutes, delivering impact, originality and craft within a tight frame.
“The Very Short Film Festival offers an excellent platform for storytelling voices. The films are always unique, full of heart and often have a great twist. Celebrating them with an audience, in a cinema, is incredibly special and so important for our filmmakers to see themselves on the big screen. This festival reminds us how our stories connect us while also unearthing new Australian talent.” — Marta Dusseldorp, Award-Winning Actor and Producer, VSFF Ambassador
As the festival now moves beyond the Hobart Premiere Weekend, the 2026 National Tour will continue bringing emerging Australian stories to audiences around the country, creating new opportunities for filmmakers and communities to connect through film.
“For us, VSFF has always been about creating a platform for creative voices and giving filmmakers the opportunity to share stories that may otherwise never be seen. Every year we’re reminded just how much heart, imagination and talent exists across the country, and it’s incredibly special to help bring those stories to audiences.” — Tamara Svirskis, Festival Director
Event information and screening dates for the 2026 National Tour are available at: veryshortfilmfestival.com.au/screenings
