by FilmInk Staff
AN ACCESSIBLE SHORT FILM FESTIVAL CREATING A MORE INCLUSIVE CINEMA EXPERIENCE
Screen It International Film Festival (SIIFF) will return to Angelika Cinemas in Woolloongabba on Saturday, 22 August 2026, bringing together a diverse program of Australian and international short films while placing accessibility and inclusion at the heart of the festival experience.
SIIFF was created to give emerging filmmakers a platform to have their work seen, with a particular focus on creating opportunities for disabled and neurodivergent filmmakers.
Rather than treating accessibility as an afterthought, SIIFF has designed accessibility into the festival experience itself. All finalist films will screen with English subtitles, Companion Cards are accepted, and audiences can access a visual story before attending to help them become familiar with the venue and festival environment.
The festival will also provide free sensory items such as ear plugs, tissues, wet wipes and fidget items alongside accessible seating options designed to help audiences feel comfortable throughout the day.
“We wanted to create a film festival where people could come in, feel welcome and actually enjoy the experience without having to fight for access,” said Krystal Shuttleworth, Festival Director.
“Accessibility shouldn’t be something that is added at the end of the planning process. It should be part of the conversation from the beginning. Accessibility is part of making the experience possible for more people. It shouldn’t be an exception people have to settle for, it should simply be part of how we do things”
CELEBRATING FILMMAKERS AT EVERY STAGE
SIIFF’s program is divided into three categories:
Passionate Artists highlights films with disabled or neurodivergent representation within key cast or crew roles.
Inspired Students showcases filmmakers currently studying film or multimedia, from high school through to university.
Maverick Movie Makers celebrates independent filmmakers creating outside formal study.
“While the stories and experiences may be different, they all have one thing in common, filmmakers have poured time and passion into making something they’re proud of, and they deserve to have it seen and celebrated,” said Shuttleworth. “I want to help make that happen because, ultimately, the world could always use a little more kindness and support.”
The festival aims to provide more than simply a screening opportunity. SIIFF gives emerging filmmakers the chance to connect with other creatives, meet industry professionals and receive recognition for their hard work.
SIIFF also aims to challenge the idea that accessibility and creativity are separate conversations.
The Screen It International Film Festival 2026 will take place on Saturday, 22 August 2026 at Angelika Cinemas, Woolloongabba, Brisbane.
Tickets are currently available through the SIIFF website.
EVENT DETAILS
Screen It International Film Festival 2026
Saturday, 22 August 2026
Angelika Cinemas, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland
Website: siiff.com.au
About Screen It International Film Festival
As an accessible short film festival, our mission goes beyond the screen. We believe everyone deserves to feel comfortable and able to fully participate in the festival experience. From the venue we choose, to the sensory features we provide and the language we use, we carefully consider the needs of our diverse community.
Every finalist film is screened with English subtitles, creating a more inclusive cinema experience for everyone who benefits from them. We also continue to explore new ways to improve accessibility because we believe inclusion is an ongoing journey, not a destination.
We know inclusion is not achieved through one big change. It is built through hundreds of small thoughtful decisions, and we are committed to learning and improving every year.
Whether you’re submitting a film or attending a screening, you’ll find SIIFF is a festival that values creativity and strives to ensure everyone feels welcome.
At SIIFF, every story matters, and so does every person who comes to experience it. Together, we’re creating a festival where great films bring people together, meaningful connections are made, and everyone has the opportunity to belong.
We may be a little festival, but we have a lot of heart.
AN INDUSTRY-SUPPORTED FESTIVAL
With film entries arriving from across Australia and around the world, SIIFF set out to offer winners a diverse range of prizes to acknowledge their work.
This year, we have been incredibly fortunate to receive an overwhelming level of generosity from our sponsors helping us create a prize pool that goes well beyond traditional film festival awards.
SIIFF 2026 is proudly supported by Brisbane City Council.
All festival trophies are proudly supplied by Logan City Trophy Centre.
Prizes generously sponsored by:
- Australian Production Design Guild (APDG)
- Australian Screen Editors Guild
- Australian Guild of Screen Composers
- Screen Producers Australia
- The Writers’ Studio
- Improv Queensland
- Stan Winston School of Character Arts
- Patch Studio
- Beyond Film School
- PIP Theatre
- Metro Arts
- Belvoir Theatre
- Toscano Bar & Kitchen
- Sit Down Comedy Club
- Queensland Museum
- Aqua Duck Sunshine Coast
- Escape Manor
- Soak Bathhouse
- VR Motorsports
- Angelika Cinemas
- Todd Iffland Golf Tuition
From professional industry opportunities and creative education to entertainment experiences, these prizes give SIIFF winners the opportunity to continue creating, learning and celebrating long after the festival ends.
We are incredibly grateful to every organisation that has chosen to support emerging and independent filmmakers through SIIFF. Their generosity helps us recognise the filmmakers behind the films and strengthen the creative community that makes the festival possible.
