by FilmInk Staff
The AFIN International Film Festival will return from 13–19 September 2026, bringing filmmakers, screenwriters, film lovers, and industry professionals together for a celebration of bold storytelling, cinematic craft, and international creative exchange.
The festival’s signature Awards Night will take place on 19 September 2026 at SunPAC, Brisbane. Recognised as an IMDb-qualifying festival and listed among the Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals, AFIN International Film Festival continues to build its reputation as a filmmaker-focused platform that champions originality, strong storytelling, and meaningful industry connection. The festival welcomes a wide range of work, including feature films, short films, web series, documentaries, animated works, and screenplays.
Strong emphasis on both opportunity and accessibility, AFIN offers entrants a model designed to give each project broad awards consideration from a single category submission, while also providing feedback to filmmakers and writers. The festival promotes an open and globally minded approach, supporting emerging and established creatives alike through networking, recognition, and cultural exchange. Submissions for the 2026 festival remain open until 6 June 2026.
Part of AFIN’s continued growth is its expanding adjudication team, featuring respected industry professionals from Australia and overseas.
Publicly listed adjudicators include Director – Neil Marshall (The Descent, Westworld, Game of Thrones), Actor – Bruce Hopkins (The Lord of the Rings, Hercules), alongside festival directors Peter Koevari and Vicky Wanless, and a broader team make up professional experience spanning directing, acting, cinematography, screenwriting, and production
Notification date: 12 August 2026
Festival dates including screenings:13–19 September 2026
Awards Night: 19 September 2026 — SunPAC
