by FIlmInk Staff
From 20 to 25 October, six days of professional development, local talent showcases and an awards night round out ShowFest 2026’s eight-event program across the Sunshine Coast.
SUNSHINE COAST, QUEENSLAND: ShowFest 2026 runs from Tuesday 20 to Sunday 25 October, spanning five venues across Maroochydore, Coolum Beach, Nambour, Mooloolaba and Kawana. Presented by the Sunshine Coast Screen Collective, sponsored by Sunshine Coast Council, Screen Queensland and CameraHouse Maroochydore, the six-day program brings together industry professionals, emerging creators, students and audiences for eight events, including a free outdoor screening, a Pacific Islands Film Festival night and the Sunshine Coast Screen Awards.
Tickets are now on sale, with individual event tickets and all-access passes available. The opening-night Showdown Showcase is free and open to everyone.
“ShowFest is about celebrating the incredible practitioners already working across film, games and digital storytelling here on the Sunshine Coast, while opening the door to new audiences and the next generation of filmmakers, storytellers and creators. This year’s expanded program reflects the breadth of talent and ambition in our region.”
David Edgar, President, Sunshine Coast Screen Collective
THE SHOWFEST 2026 PROGRAM
Tuesday 20 October
Showdown Showcase – Under the Stars
6.00 pm doors, 6.30 pm start | The MET, Maroochydore
Join us for a free outdoor screening, presented by Walker Corporation, celebrating standout local short films from Sunny Coast Showdown and Showdown Shorts.
Wednesday 21 October
Island Vibes featuring Pacific Islands Film Festival
6.30 pm to 9.00 pm | Blackflag Brewing, Coolum Beach
An evening of Pacific short films, live music and community.
Thursday 22 October
GAMES Summit
1.00 pm to 4.00 pm | Altitude Nine, Maroochydore
Explore the future of game development. Hear from experienced developers and industry specialists working across production, design, branding and AI, and discover how Sunshine Coast game developers and creative businesses can connect with global markets and opportunities.
AI in Screen
4.00 pm to 7.00 pm | Altitude Nine, Maroochydore
Hear from industry speakers, see demonstrations and join practical discussions on how artificial intelligence is reshaping screen production.
Friday 23 October
Screen Summit
9.00 am to 5.00 pm | Maroochy RSL
Dive into a full day of panels, workshops and keynotes designed for both emerging and established screen practitioners.
Saturday 24 October
LevelUp GAMES Workshops
10.00 am to 3.00 pm | ScreenHub Nambour
Build your skills and connect with the local games development community through hands-on workshops.
Sunshine Coast Screen Awards
6.00 pm to 10.00 pm | Wharf Events, The Wharf Mooloolaba
Celebrate excellence in film, television, games and digital media at a three-course awards evening.
Sunday 25 October
Showdown Shorts
12.00 pm to 3.00 pm | Event Cinemas Kawana
A big-screen showcase of emerging filmmakers, independent storytelling and regional creative voices, supported by Camera House Maroochydore.
PARTNER SUPPORT
ShowFest 2026 is made possible with the support of valued partners who share the Sunshine Coast Screen Collective’s commitment to growing the region’s screen, games and creative industries.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said Council was proud to support a festival that brought together industry leaders, creators, students, aspiring filmmakers and audiences, helping to build skills, foster collaboration and create pathways for local talent to succeed.
“ShowFest offers something for everyone, from professional development and networking opportunities for our screen, games and digital technology sectors, to valuable platforms for emerging creatives.
“Plus, the really engaging experiences on offer allow the community to celebrate and enjoy local stories,” Mayor Natoli said.
“Events like ShowFest strengthen our creative economy, support job creation and reinforce the Sunshine Coast’s growing reputation as a destination for creativity, innovation and growth in the screen industry.”
Screen Queensland is a valued sponsor of the Screen Summit, helping connect Sunshine Coast practitioners with industry expertise, practical professional development and stronger regional pathways.
“Screen Queensland is proud to partner with ShowFest’s Screen Summit through our Screen Culture Fund, connecting regional practitioners with industry leaders across film, games and digital storytelling. Events like this strengthen Queensland’s diverse and growing screen sector by providing valuable access to industry experts, practical professional development and stronger pathways for regional talent.”
Ken Crouch, Executive Director, Industry & Audience Engagement, Screen Queensland
All-access passes are $190 for Sunshine Coast Screen Collective members and $265 for non-members, plus booking fees. Tickets to individual events are also available.
See the full program and secure your tickets: ShowFest 2026 tickets
