by FilmInk Staff
This summer, Flickerfest – Australia’s largest and most prestigious short film competition, renowned for its Academy® and BAFTA qualifications – returns to Bondi Beach from January 17th – 26th.
Now in its 34th year, this unmissable 10-day festival will once again roll out the red carpet, showcasing a curated selection of the world’s most exciting short films under the stars at Bondi Pavilion.
The festival highlights Australia’s most promising emerging talent and brings a global perspective to our shores.
The 2025 programme is now live, featuring over 200 of the most inspiring short films, including world and Australian premieres, chosen from a pool of over 3,400 entries.
These films are set to entertain, move, and inspire audiences across 24 dedicated festival programmes.
Among the official selections are 63 Australian films in the Best of Australian Competition, 36 international films in the Best of International Competition, and 15 documentaries in the Best of Documentary Competition.
Additionally, Flickerfest will feature a further 100 films in its showcase sessions.
Flickerfest’s prestigious Academy®-qualifying competitions will include 130 short films, with 37 world premieres, 46 Australian premieres, and 5 NSW premieres, giving audiences a first-look at the best in short film. These films are in the running for a host of prestigious awards, including the Flickerfest Award for Best International Short Film, the Yoram Gross Award for Best International Animation, the Panasonic Lumix Award for Best Australian Short Film, and the Flickerfest Award for Best Documentary.
In addition to the competition films, the festival will feature a range of curated programmes, including FlickerUp, celebrating youth filmmaking across Australia; Rainbow Shorts, showcasing the best in LGBTQI cinema; FlickerKids, a special programme of kids and family-friendly films; Love Bites, exploring films about relationships; and Short Laughs, offering a collection of hilarious comedies.
Flickerfest Director, Bronwyn Kidd shares: “With over 3,500 entries, Flickerfest 2025 promises to deliver an exceptional programme that celebrates the work of contemporary storytellers from both Australia and around the world. We’re thrilled to present a selection of bold, inspiring, and unforgettable short films from emerging talent destined to shape the future of cinema.”
After the festival, Flickerfest will embark on a national tour, visiting over 40 venues across Australia from February – October 2025. Celebrating 34 years in 2025 Flickerfest hits Bondi Beach from 17th – 26th January. For full programming details and tickets, visit flickerfest.com.au.
FLICKERFEST 2025 PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS SUMMARY
Flickerfest is excited to present a selection of standout films from the 2025 Academy® qualifying Australian competition, highlighting the incredible depth and talent within Australia’s vibrant film industry.
Flickerfest is delighted to showcase the world premiere of the deeply personal and heartfelt family drama Vlog, written, directed by, and starring Emmy Award-nominated Australian actress Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale). Raised in Sydney and a graduate of Nepean University, Yvonne went on to achieve success in the US film and TV industry. Her directorial debut Vlog follows a woman navigating the chaos of motherhood and the pressures of maintaining her social media presence. Featuring her own family, the film offers a candid exploration of working motherhood, the impact of social media, and the unrealistic standards women are expected to meet.
Flickerfest alum and acclaimed director Nash Edgerton returns with the world premiere of his new short film Candy Bar, a darkly comedic story starring internationally renowned Australian actor Damon Herriman. Edgerton, a multi-talented filmmaker with credits as a writer, director, producer, actor, editor, and stuntman, is known for his work on The Square, Gringo, and the celebrated series Mr Inbetween, as well as standout short films Spider, Bear, and Shark.
Also featured is the quirky and hilarious Australian short Glove, marking the directorial debut of actress Belinda Bromilow. The film tells the story of a young woman whose unusual passions lead her to unexpected romantic adventures. Known for her roles in Doctor Doctor and The Great, Belinda brings Glove to life with her signature creativity and sharp, witty humour.
In the Oscar-qualifying international competition, audiences can look forward to the Australian premieres of Hearts of Stone, a beautifully high-concept short from Belgium, which explores love and the challenges of overcoming obstacles. The film stars Noomi Rapace, best known for portraying Lisbeth Salander in the Swedish adaptations of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl who Played with Fire, and The Girl who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest).
Flickerfest is also proud to present The Brown Dog, a poetic and poignant animation about the overlooked and forgotten, voiced by the late Michael K. Williams (The Wire). The film features an exceptional team of collaborators, including Pulitzer Prize-nominated composer Tyshawn Sorey and acclaimed actor Steve Buscemi, who not only voices a character but also serves as an Executive Producer.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
RASH Australia | 13:45 | 2024 Australian Premiere Writer/ Director: Claudia Osborne Producers: Imogen Gardam, Amy Powter
Synopsis: Set over the course of one afternoon, Rash follows two young brothers, Quinn and Max, as they navigate the recent death of their mother. With their father unable to cope, the brothers find themselves in a tense encounter with their new babysitter. The film explores the profound instability of grief and the unintended consequences of an outsider’s involvement.
Director’s Bio: Claudia Osborne, a Sydney-based filmmaker and theatre director, is the co-director of the production company FERVOUR. A graduate of NIDA, she has worked with prestigious theatre companies such as Sydney Theatre Company and Belvoir St Theatre. Rash is her debut as a screenwriter and director.
THE DOG Australia | 20:00 | 2024 Australian Premiere Writer/ Director: Danielle Baynes Producers: Danielle Baynes, Morgan Hind, Lottie Aspinall
Synopsis: A sick dog mysteriously appears in a struggling vet’s clinic (Kate Walsh, Grey’s Anatomy), leading them both on a surreal journey through life, mortality, and self-reflection.
Director’s Bio: Danielle Baynes is an award-winning writer, director, and actor. Known for her debut short film Cold Hearts (nominated for multiple awards), her recent short Ghost Gear premiered at Flickerfest in 2023. She is currently working on her debut feature film.
RHUBARB RHUBARB UK | 16:10 | 2024 World Premiere Director: Kate McMullen Writers: Kate McMullen, Paul Wauters Producer: Rob Godbold
Synopsis: Set in the legendary Yorkshire Rhubarb Triangle, Rhubarb Rhubarb is an intimate portrait of Jo and her elderly father, who harvest the region’s famous pink rhubarb. The film captures their ancestral tradition, while introducing the looming danger of the changing world around them. Featuring BAFTA-winning actress Joanna Scanlan.
ORNMOL Australia | 10:05 | 2024 World Premiere Writer/ Director: Marlikka Perdrisat Producer: Anna Kaplan
Synopsis: In Kupungarri, a remote community in North-West Australia, the youth find confidence through their relationship with Country. The film captures their excitement as they prepare for the annual Mowanjum Festival, showcasing the community’s unique cultural traditions.
Director’s Bio: Marlikka Perdrisat is an acclaimed filmmaker and advocate for Indigenous storytelling. Her work focuses on Nyikina culture and language, with her first short film Babanil premiering at Sydney Film Festival.
RECOMPOSING EARTH UK | 27:30 | 2024 Australian Premiere Director: Christian Cargill Producers: Christian Cargill, John Bannister
Synopsis: In Recomposing Earth, composer Erland Cooper’s unheard album is buried in peaty soil beneath Orkney. The film explores his collaboration with nature in a quest for patience, art, and the value of music as an expression of humanity. The documentary features interviews with Paul Weller and Sir Ian Rankin.
ECHOES OF DISSENT Australia | 07:47 | 2024 Australian Premiere Director: Dylan Nicholls Producers: Luke Hodge, Dylan Nicholls
Synopsis: Echoes of Dissent tells the story of Anthony Martin Fernando, an Aboriginal man who protested Indigenous rights in Europe over a century ago. The film uses reenactments to explore the prophetic nature of his protests and their relevance today.
IN HEAT UK | 20:00 | 2024 Australian Premiere Writer/ Director: Rory Fleck Byrne Producer: Radha Bhandari
Synopsis: A recovering sex addict faces his deepest temptations as he sits on a beach car park, diving into a surreal journey through his own psyche. In Heat explores addiction, identity, and self-reflection, starring Ben Whishaw.
SILVIA’S HOUSE Spain | 11:32 | 2024 World Premiere Writer/ Director/ Producer: Álvaro Lucas
Synopsis: Two friends, Martín and Raúl, make their way to a party at Silvia’s house in Madrid. Through their conversation, they discuss friendship, love, and the fears of their generation, shaped by uncertainty and instability. Starring Omar Ayuso (Elite).
DRAGFOX UK | 08:10 | 2024 Australian Premiere Director: Lisa Ott Producer: Owen Thomas
Synopsis: Sam’s quest for identity is interrupted by a mysterious fox. Together, they embark on a magical journey to an attic, learning about their commonalities and differences along the way. Voiced by Ian McKellen and Owen Devina De Campo Farrow.
STRANDED Australia | 17:05 | 2024 World Premiere Directors: Reilly Archer-Whelan, Michael Whyntie Writer: Michael Whyntie Producer: Andre Scholz
Synopsis: When Kelly dumps Brian, he finds himself stranded—again—just like when their cruise ship sank, leaving them the only two survivors on a deserted island. This comedic short features Michelle Brasier and Ben Russell.
DOMME Australia | 06:22 | 2024 World Premiere Director: Lindsay Hamilton McDonald Writer: Natasha Henry Producer: Neisha Sophie Dallamora
Synopsis: Monique, armed with palm cards and latex boots, prepares for a romantic evening of kink. As she navigates her partner’s peculiar sexual preferences, she explores the murky depths of desire and self-discovery. Starring Megan Smart.
MOG’S CHRISTMAS UK | 23:05 | 2023 Australian Premiere Director: Robin Shaw Writer: Joanna Harrison Producers: Ruth Fielding, Camilla Deakin
Synopsis: In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Judith Kerr’s birth, her beloved children’s book Mog’s Christmas is brought to life through a beautifully crafted, hand-drawn animated special. Created by the same team behind the Emmy-winning adaptation of Kerr’s The Tiger Who Came to Tea, this charming adaptation is produced by Lupus Films for HarperCollins Children’s Books, Channel 4 Television, and Universal Pictures Content Group.
As Australia’s premier Academy® Qualifying short film festival, Flickerfest showcases an exciting competition where films vie for prestigious awards, including the Flickerfest Award for Best International Short Film, the Yoram Gross Award for Best International Animation, the Flickerfest Award for Best Australian Short Film, and the Flickerfest Award for Best Documentary.
Additionally, numerous other coveted prizes are awarded, recognizing excellence across various areas of short film craftsmanship. Now in its 34th year, Flickerfest continues to be supported by some of the most respected names in the Australian film industry.
Below are a few words from some of the country’s film industry royalty: “It was more than 30 years ago that a few actor friends and I started our first theatre company in what was then the upstairs theatre at the Bondi Pavilion. From there, with support from people in the industry, we were able to get our start. So, it’s great to see that just outside the forecourt, Flickerfest now provides a similar platform for short filmmakers to showcase their work in our local neighbourhood.” – Baz Luhrmann, Director and Flickerfest Supporter
“The short film is a place to experiment and push boundaries. Flickerfest provides a space for emerging voices to be heard and for established voices to renew their craft. It’s fitting that such a cutting-edge, internationally recognized festival takes place in such an unconventional, vibrant setting: under the stars, on the beach, in Australia.” – Cate Blanchett, Oscar-winning actress and Flickerfest Supporter
“Being a Bondi local isn’t the only reason I’ve been eagerly attending Flickerfest for many years. It’s the only international short film festival held under the stars—a rare and romantic experience. I hope we can continue to enjoy this important showcase for years to come.” – Claudia Karvan, Actress and Flickerfest Patron
