Serving as a platform for Australian storytellers, this festival offers both seasoned and emerging filmmakers a stage to captivate a national audience. With its inclusive spirit, the Very Short Film Festival provides an opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their creativity, refine their skills, and craft stories that resonate and leave audiences with a lasting message.
Every corner of Australia holds a story, a unique voice, a different perspective. By embracing and showcasing the myriad of narratives that our land offers, from the First Nations with the world’s oldest recorded stories to the ongoing generations that continue to enrich Australia’s cultural identity.
We not only celebrate our diversity but weave a richer, more inclusive tapestry of what it truly means to be Australian. – Leah Purcell, Australian filmmaker.
In a commitment to inclusivity, the festival waives entry fees, ensuring that all storytellers, regardless of background, have an equal opportunity to share their stories. Keeping it truly Australian, the festival is exclusive to local talents, with a vision to share stories from all corners of Australia. Films spanning all genres are welcome, with a sole requirement: they must be within 5 minutes and incorporate the 2024 signature theme – ‘spark’. This can be achieved through visuals, dialogue, metaphor, or any other creative interpretation.
Filmmakers can compete in two categories: Junior, tailored for the budding school-aged talents (aged 18 and younger), or Open (aged 19 and older).
Submissions can be made through veryshortfilmfestival.com.au and the official competition is open until 7 April 2024.
Rewards for the top ten finalists include mentorship with industry greats and an all-inclusive trip to the festival premiere at the State Theatre in Hobart, Tasmania on 31 May 2024. In addition, six winners will receive cash prizes.
The jury boasts a star-studded panel including esteemed actor Essie Davis, accomplished director Justin Kurzel, acclaimed actor and writer Leah Purcell, renowned actor and producer Marta Dusseldorp and highly-awarded cinematographer, Martin McGarth.
We’re seeking tales that originate from the heart, that spark inspiration, offer enlightenment, or provoke change. We recognise the power of films, not only to captivate but to stir and motivate action. – Anna Cerneaz, Executive Director at Artology and the Very Short Film Festival.
Key Dates:
● Submission deadline: 7 April 2024
● Finalists announcement: 14 May 2024
● Premiere Screening Event at the State Theatre in Hobart, Tasmania: 31 May 2024
FILM SUBMISSIONS veryshortfilmfestival.com.au
