by FIlmInk Staff
The 2026 Gold Coast Film Festival (GCFF) has released its programme and highlights include THE AI DOC: HOW I BECOME AN APOCALOPTIMIST, the most talked about film from the Sundance film festival, Agnieszka Holland’s brilliant FRANZ from the Toronto International Film Festival and Alex Lutz’s CONNEMARA bowed to rave reviews on the Croisette at Cannes. Paolo Strippoli’s THE HOLY BOY, a terrifying Italian horror, debuted in Venice and Jan-Ole Gerster, ISLANDS at the Berlinale. The darkly comedic fable BIRTHRIGHT from Australian director Zoe Petter was first unveiled at the Tribeca Film Festival and another Australian Richard E. Williams brought his POV nightmare DEAD EYES to SXSW Texas.
GCFF is lighting up screens at both HOTA, Home of the Arts and Dendy Southport delivering an extraordinary slate of acclaimed international cinema from some of the world’s most visionary filmmakers alongside an incredibly strong line-up from local filmmakers for a 12-day cinematic feast, from April 22 to May 3, 2026.
Fresh from critical acclaim at the Berlin International Film Festival, GCFF opens with a glittering gala and Warwick Thornton’s WOLFRAM. Featuring a powerful performance from Deborah Mailman alongside its remarkable young leads, the film delivers a deeply moving story of survival, resilience and unexpected connection.
The festival will close with the Australian premiere of DON’T BE PREY, an edge-of-your-seat adventure with Mark Sowerby’s fight to reclaim his life by taking on the world’s most dangerous marathon swims, the Oceans Seven.
Directed by Tyler Atkins and starring Daniel MacPherson, Luke Hemsworth, Russell Crowe and Amy Shark, GCFF presents a special Red-Carpet screening of the highly anticipated adrenaline-fueled feature BEAST. More films from Australian filmmakers include the dystopian thriller THE RUN from Stephen De Villiers and ALPHABET LANE, an unsettling thriller from James Litchfield. A MOMENT IN THE SUN is a US made documentary, shot and produced by Queensland’s own Jacob Richardson.
GCFF is proud to spotlight seven exceptional local titles within the 2026 programme, showcasing the depth and diversity of Queensland filmmaking. Highlights include the World Premiere of the charming romantic comedy ALL MY FRIENDS ARE BACK IN BRISBANE, a fresh and heartfelt return to a beloved story directed by Louise Alston and written by Stephen Vagg.
The line-up also features Gold Coast writer/director Rafael Star’s MANHUNT, and Haruki Ryles’s action dystopian movie 100% PURE RAGE. Also screening are DEATHKEEPER, by local talent Tristan Barr, the action thriller BADLAND RISING from director Blair Moore starring Jake Ryan. Derek Yang’s micro budget VIOLET and screen and Clint Cure’s impressive student project DRACULA REVAMPED. Together, these films underscore the Festival’s commitment to championing bold, homegrown storytelling and elevating local filmmakers throughout the festival.
The international drama line-up also delivers the powerful New Zealand true-life story PIKE RIVER, centred on the 2010 mining disaster that claimed 29 lives, TOW starring Rose Byrne, GLENROTHAN directed and starring Brian Cox with Alan Cumming, the French drama CONNEMARA, and FRANZ, a biographical drama from Agnieszka Holland exploring the life and creative struggles of literary icon Franz Kafka. There is also the thought-provoking VIKTOR, following a deaf man navigating the Russian invasion of Ukraine, TEARS ON THE FIELD, a powerful New Zealand story of grassroots women’s rugby and THIS BLOODY COUNTRY an American character-driven Western starring Aussie Martin Dingle Wall exploring survival, morality and redemption.
The comedy strand delivers plenty of laughs with HOW TO TALK AUSTRALIANS: HIGHWAY TO HELL, a feature adaptation of the hit 2014 web series that racked up over 12 million views, featuring cameos from Stephen Curry and Shane Jacobson, alongside Zoe Pepper’s sharp and darkly funny BIRTHRIGHT.
Horror fans will be on the edge of their seats with Richard E. Williams’ POV nightmare DEAD EYES, alongside the haunting THE HOLY BOY, fresh from the Venice Film Festival.
A compelling slate of documentaries offers something for everyone such as THE AI DOC: HOW I BECAME AN APOCALOPTIMIST, from the Oscar®-winning team behind Everything Everywhere All at Once and Navalny, to the hilarious MOCKBUSTER, where filmmaker Anthony Frith lands a chaotic directing gig with The Asylum, shooting a dinosaur epic in suburban Adelaide in just six days.
Music lovers are also in for a treat with TENOR: MY NAME IS PATI, charting the remarkable journey of Pene Pati and Amitai Pati from Samoa to international success, alongside THAT HALF BARBARIC TWANG, following The Number 4 Band as they bring their “bad ass gospel” country sound to remote Australia.
Celebrating 25 years of iconic cinema, cult comedy ZOOLANDER and Oscar®-winning THE ENGLISH PATIENT take centre stage in a special anniversary event honouring two unforgettable films that defined their era.
Shorts and Short filmmaking are celebrated highlighting both emerging voices and world-class storytelling.
The EMERGE! Student Short Film Gala shines a spotlight on the filmmakers of tomorrow, showcasing the best works from graduating South East Queensland film students providing a platform for emerging creatives to present their films on the big screen and be recognised across key categories including Best Student Short Film, Cinematography and Screenplay.
SIPFest, Shorts in Paradise, the Festival’s much-loved short film competition features an outstanding collection of films from Australia and around the globe. The evening culminates in a live awards presentation, honouring excellence across Best Gold Coast Short Film, Best Queensland Short Film, Best Australian Short Film, Best International Short Film and Best Screenplay Film, with audiences also voting for the coveted People’s Choice Award.
Beyond the screen, the 2026 Gold Coast Film Festival is delivering an exceptional events program designed to inspire, celebrate and connect the screen community. Highlights include the always-inspiring Women in Film Lunch, presented by Screen Queensland with special guests Sophia Zachariou, EP Scripted, BBC Studios Australia Productions, and Kylie Washington EVP & Creative Director, BBC Studios Australia Productions, two of the most influential women currently shaping the future of screen content in Australia
The glittering Gold Coast Film Festival Awards Gala at Warner Bros. Movie World, celebrating the creative brilliance of Australian filmmakers and the incredible talent and creativity in Australia. As part of the evening’s celebration, we honour a true powerhouse of Australian cinema, as we present the prestigious Chauvel Award for 2026 and this year that honour goes to Australian Scribe, Director and Cinematographer; Warwick Thornton. The Chauvel Award represents two of Australia’s most significant filmmakers, Charles and Elsa Chauvel.
Luke Wheatley, CEO of the Gold Coast Film Festival says. “This year’s programme is a true celebration of storytelling in all its forms from globally acclaimed films direct from the world’s leading festivals to bold, homegrown Australian stories and emerging voices. The Gold Coast Film Festival is about bringing people together through shared screen experiences, and in 2026 we’re proud to deliver a line-up that is more diverse and more inspiring than ever, both on screen and across our incredible events programme.”
Jacqui Feeney, CEO Screen Queensland says ““The 2026 Gold Coast Film Festival program is an energetic and bold storytelling showcase for audiences. It makes sense that our State’s ‘Goldywood’ festival brings globally acclaimed films together with Queensland-made stories and industry events including Screen Queensland’s Women in Film Lunch. We are proud to support and champion the whole world of screen talent, ambition and creativity in this festival that is also driving our industry forward.”
Tickets are on sale now through www.gcff.com.au
The Gold Coast Film Festival 2026 is possible thanks to the support of our Major Partners Screen Queensland, Invest Gold Coast, Tourism and Events Queensland along with venue partner HOTA, Home of the Arts.
ABOUT THE GOLD COAST FILM FESTIVAL 2026
Plot twist. The Gold Coast isn’t just a beautiful backdrop where the world comes to film.
It’s home to passionate filmmakers and an equally passionate film festival. Just like the GC never tried to be like anywhere else, The Gold Coast Film Festival embraces the same independent spirit. Over 12 days, you’ll soak up emotionally-moving films, rigorous and inspired panel discussions with industry experts and sophisticated galas and events.
Come experience the magic of watching world-class films, including the incredible short film showcase, SIPFest, Shorts in Paradise. It’s time to roll out the red carpet, the festival of the year is coming 22 April to 3 May 2026.
