by FilmInk Staff
Central Queensland’s premier screen arts event, the Capricorn Film Festival, will return to Yeppoon from 15–18 January 2026, marking a major milestone as the festival celebrates 10 years of championing film, creativity and community on the Capricorn Coast.
Presented by Keppel Coast Arts, and supported by Livingstone Shire Council, Screen Queensland, Tourism Events Queensland, Bishopp and a broad network of regional partners, the 2026 Capricorn Film Festival delivers a bold and curated four-day program of feature films, documentaries, short film premieres, filmmaker talks and community arts experiences, all hosted at Yeppoon Town Hall.
This year’s festival will showcase Queensland premieres, international festival highlights and powerful Australian stories, alongside the region’s most exciting emerging filmmakers through the CAPS Short Film Competition.
OPENING NIGHT HIGHLIGHT
The festival opens on Thursday 15 January with the Opening Night screening of YURLU | COUNTRY, directed by Yaara Bou Melhem and presented by Keppel Coast Arts. Set on Banjima Country in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, the documentary is a deeply moving portrait of Elder Maitland Parker as he confronts the toxic legacy of the Wittenoom asbestos mines. The screening will be followed by a post-screening Q&A, connecting local community and business leaders with one of the most important environmental and cultural stories currently on screen.
FEATURE FILMS & DOCUMENTARIES
Across the four days, audiences will experience a carefully curated selection of standout films, including:
- Queensland Premiere of Floodland – an urgent environmental documentary exploring climate resilience and human impact, presented by Keppel Bay Sailing Club.
- Queensland Premiere of Pasa Faho – a powerful First Nations story directed by Kaju Obi, screening with the director in attendance for Q&A, presented by Rocky Flix.
- Queensland Premiere of Pointe: Dancing on a Knife’s Edge – an intimate and courageous portrait of Australian dancer Floeur Alder, and the healing power of art, presented by Alliance Française Central Queensland.
- But Also, John Clarke – a moving tribute to one of Australia and New Zealand’s most beloved satirists, with filmmaker Lorin Clarke attending for Q&A
Several filmmakers will attend in person, with others joining via digital Q&A, ensuring rich audience engagement throughout the program.
SHORT FILMS, TALKS & COMMUNITY EVENTS
The festival concludes with the CAPS Short Film Competition, featuring outstanding short films selected from hundreds of international and Australian submissions, alongside premieres by in the CAPS Experimental category.
Free and ticketed Filmmaker Talks and Masterclasses will run on the final day, offering insights into storytelling, documentary practice, and screen careers, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to education and regional industry development.
Festival Director Luke Graham, the 2026 program reflects both growth and purpose:
“Reaching ten years is a huge moment for the Capricorn Film Festival. This program is a reflection of everything we’ve been building toward — bold storytelling, meaningful conversations, and giving regional audiences access to world-class cinema right here on the Capricorn Coast.”
“We’re incredibly proud to bring filmmakers and audiences together again in Yeppoon, and to continue championing stories that matter — locally, nationally and globally.”
FESTIVAL DETAILS
Location: Yeppoon Town Hall
Dates: 15–18 January 2026
Tickets & Program: www.capricornfilmfestival.com
