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Top 9 Photography and Film Festivals in Australia

18 Jul, 2024

10 min read

by George Panayides

Top 9 Photography and Film Festivals in Australia

Digital Media

Here’s our list of 9 incredible festivals that spotlight the best in Australia's photography and film. Get ready to discover must-attend events, plan your next creative adventure, and dive into Australia's awesome festival scene.

1. Sydney Film Festival

Overview

The Sydney Film Festival is one of the longest-running film festivals in the world, celebrating its 71st edition in 2024. The festival features a diverse selection of films from around the globe, including documentaries, short films, and world premieres.

Highlights

Opening Night: The festival kicked off with the world premiere of "Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line," a documentary chronicling the legendary Australian band's influence on social and political movements.
First Nations Award: Introduced a significant cash prize for Indigenous filmmakers, with notable entries including "The Convert," a historical drama about a missionary in New Zealand, and "Je’Vida," which explores Sami heritage and identity.
Free Events and Talks: Hosted several free events and panel discussions, including a major discussion on the impact of AI on creativity, featuring leading experts and filmmakers, and a global perspective on First Nations storytelling, with contributions from Indigenous filmmakers worldwide.
Special Screenings: Featured the Cannes Grand Prix winner "La Cocina," and Berlin Silver Bear winner "Pepe," among other internationally acclaimed films.
Documentary Australia Award: Ten documentaries, including seven world premieres, competed for this award, with the winner receiving a $20,000 cash prize and Academy Award eligibility.

Statistics

Number of Films: 197 films from over 69 countries screened.
Venues: Screenings were held at 12 venues across Sydney over 12 days.
Attendance: More than 110,000 attendees.
Premieres: 28 World Premieres and 133 Australian Premieres
Guest Speakers: Included international and local filmmakers, actors, and industry experts, providing insights and engaging in discussions with audiences.

Dates and tickets info

June 5-16, 2024
You can purchase tickets online at the Sydney Film Festival website.

2. Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF)

Overview

Established in 1952, the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) is renowned for its extensive program that includes feature films, documentaries, shorts, and retrospectives. The festival's MIFF Premiere Fund supports Australian filmmakers, enabling the production of high-quality local films.

Highlights

Opening Night Gala: Featured "Memoir of a Snail," a stop-motion film by Adam Elliot, known for his Academy Award-winning work. The film includes voice talents of Sarah Snook and Eric Bana.
Family Gala: "Magic Beach," based on the beloved Australian children's book, featured a special family-friendly screening with interactive activities for kids.
Music on Film Gala: Premiered "Ellis Park," a documentary by Justin Kurzel, chronicling musician Warren Ellis's efforts to establish an animal sanctuary during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Premiere Fund Films: Notable films included "Audrey," a biographical film about the life of Audrey Hepburn, and "Queens of Concrete," which explores the lives of female construction workers in Australia.
Closing Night Gala: Concluded with the Australian premiere of "Theater Camp," a musical mockumentary that received acclaim at Sundance and SXSW.

Statistics

Film Count: Over 275 films showcased in 2023.
Attendance: Approximately 144,500 attendees in 2023.
Premieres: 25 world premieres with 158 Australian premieres.
Award: The $140,000 Bright Horizons Award for emerging filmmakers

Dates and tickets info

Take place on August 8-25, 2024
Tickets will be available for purchase through the MIFF website, offering options like single tickets, Multipasses, and special event tickets.

3. Head On Photo Festival

Overview

Launched in 2010, Head On Photo Festival is one of Australia's most prestigious photography festivals, featuring exhibitions, workshops, and artist talks. The festival's inclusive approach has made it a key event in the global photography calendar.

Highlights

Head On Photo Awards: Covered various categories, including portrait, landscape, and environmental photography, with awards celebrating the creativity and impact of the images.
Diverse Exhibitions: Featured works by renowned photographers such as Barbara McGrady, whose work highlights significant social, political, and historical moments, particularly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Workshops and Talks: Included events like the Artist Walk & Talk at Bondi Beach, where participants engaged directly with photographers and learned about their creative processes.
Special Collaborations: Collaborated with the Royal College of Music, where composers created music inspired by award-winning photographs, adding a unique auditory experience to the visual art.

Statistics

Number of Artists: Showcased the work of over 700 artists from 32 countries.
Attendance: Over 400,000 visitors in exhibitions.
Number of Exhibitions: Over 110 exhibitions across various venues in Sydney.
Awards and Prizes: Distributed more than $870,000 in cash and prizes through the Head On Photo Awards.
Digital and Outdoor Reach: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival adapted by offering online exhibitions and utilising outdoor spaces like the Bondi promenade, which attracted up to 400,000 people.

Dates and tickets info

Took place 10 Nov - 3 Dec 2023, the dates for 2024 are not yet announced
Check the Head On Photo Festival website for updates and ticket information.

4. Adelaide Film Festival

Overview

The Adelaide Film Festival (AFF), founded in 2003, celebrates both Australian and international cinema. Known for its bold programming, the festival includes a strong focus on new media and interactive film projects.

Highlights

Opening Night: Featured "The Royal Hotel" directed by Kitty Green, a film that received strong reviews and was anticipated to be a crowd-pleaser.
World and Australian Premieres: Showcased 27 world premieres and 38 Australian premieres, including significant films like "Housekeeping for Beginners" by Goran Stolevski, and "The Musical Mind" by Scott Hicks.
EXPAND Lab: Supported large-scale projection and immersive works, such as "FIFO," which explores the culture of mining in Australia.
Special Events: Included a focus on Indonesian films, a music strand featuring documentaries on Joan Baez and Peter Doherty, and a satirical horror film "Late Night with the Devil" by Colin and Cameron Cairnes.

Statistics

Attendance: Record attendance in 2023 with a 15% increase in box office from 2022.
Film Count: Presented 141 films from 42 countries across 198 sessions.
Investment Fund: Supported 11 premieres through the Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund.

Dates and tickets info

Will take place Oct 23 - Nov 3 2024
Tickets and passes can be purchased on the website closer to the event date.

5. Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF)

Overview

The Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) is a premier film festival held annually in Brisbane, Australia. BIFF celebrates the art of cinema by showcasing a diverse selection of films from around the world, including feature films, documentaries, short films, and experimental works. The festival aims to provide a platform for filmmakers to present their work, engage with audiences, and participate in discussions and workshops.

Highlights

Opening Night Film: The festival opened with the Australian premiere of "The Drover's Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson," an adaptation of Leah Purcell's stage play that has received critical acclaim.
Queensland Short Film Competition: Showcased local talent with standout entries such as "The Last Whale," a poignant environmental short, and "Sunshine Street," a narrative focused on urban community life.
BIFF Family: Included family-friendly screenings of animated features like "Maya the Bee 3: The Golden Orb," along with interactive activities and workshops for children.

Statistics

Number of Featured Films: 85 films from 30 countries.
Attendance: Over 600,000 attendees over the years.
Premieres: 12 world premieres and 18 Australian premieres.
Special Guests: Included renowned filmmakers and actors such as Leah Purcell, Warwick Thornton, and Miranda Tapsell.

Dates and tickets info

Takes place on Oct 24 - Nov 3 2024
Visit the BIFF website for updates on the 2024 festival dates and ticket information.

6. Perth International Arts Festival (PIAF)

Overview

The Perth International Arts Festival (PIAF) is a major cultural event held annually in Perth, Western Australia. Established in 1953, it is one of the longest-running and most prestigious arts festivals in Australia. PIAF features a rich and diverse program of artistic performances and exhibitions, encompassing various art forms such as theatre, music, dance, visual arts, literature, and film.

Highlights

Lotterywest Films: Hosted outdoor screenings at the iconic Somerville Auditorium, featuring films like "The Truffle Hunters" and "Drive My Car."
International Premieres: Included the Australian premiere of "The Worst Person in the World," a Norwegian film that has garnered international praise.
Talks and Panels: Featured discussions with filmmakers such as Jane Campion and Bong Joon-ho, focusing on their creative processes and industry insight.

Statistics

Number of Artistic Events: Over 700 performances and exhibitions.
Attendance: Approximately 200,000 attendees.
Film Screenings: 50 films from 25 countries.
Workshops and Panels: Included 30+ industry events.

Dates and tickets info

Runs from 9 Feb - 3 Mar 2024
Tickets could be bought via the Perth Festival website

7. Flickerfest International Short Film Festival

Overview

Flickerfest is Australia's leading short film festival, showcasing the best short films from Australia and around the world. Since its inception in 1991, Flickerfest has grown in stature, becoming an Academy® Accredited and BAFTA-recognized festival. It features a competitive program that includes categories such as Best Australian Short Film and Best International Short Film. Flickerfest's commitment to supporting short filmmakers has helped launch the careers of many talented directors and producers.

Highlights

Best of Australian Shorts: Featured standout shorts such as "Shark," directed by Nash Edgerton, and "Grevillea," a touching story about family and resilience.
International Shorts: Showcased global entries like "The Long Goodbye" by Riz Ahmed and "Laika & Nemo," a poignant animated film from Germany.
Beachside Screenings: Provided a unique outdoor cinema experience at Bondi Beach, creating a festive atmosphere for attendees.

Statistics

Number of Films: 210 short films.
Premieres: 43 World Premieres and 61 Australian Premieres
Awards: Included categories for Best Australian Short, Best International Short, and Audience Choice Awards.

Dates and tickets info

Ran from 19-28 Jan 2024
Flickerfest 2025 tickets will go on sale in early December 2024. Tickets can be purchased through the Flickerfest website.

8. Melbourne Documentary Film Festival (MDFF)

Overview

The Melbourne Documentary Film Festival (MDFF) is an annual event that showcases a diverse range of documentary films from around the world. It provides a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers to present their work and engage with audiences through screenings, Q&A sessions, and panel discussions. The festival typically features a mix of feature-length and short documentaries covering various themes, including social issues, culture, environment, and personal stories.

Highlights

DocuWest: Focused on Western Australian documentaries, including "Wild Things," a film about environmental activism, and "In My Blood It Runs," highlighting Indigenous perspectives.
Industry Sessions: Offered workshops on documentary filmmaking techniques and funding, with speakers from Screen Australia and international documentary networks.
Audience Awards: Featured viewer-voted awards, with films like "Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra" and "Brazen Hussies" winning top honours.

Statistics

Number of Films: 150+ documentaries.
Premieres: Premiered over 800 + documentaries in Australia over the last 7 years
Q&A Sessions: 40+ sessions with filmmakers and subjects.

Dates and tickets info

Will run from 1 - 31 July 2024
For updates on the 2024 festival dates and ticketing, visit the MDFF website.

9. Ballarat International Foto Biennale

Overview

The Ballarat International Foto Biennale (BIFB) is a major event in the photography world, held biennially in the historic city of Ballarat. Established in 2005, BIFB features an impressive array of exhibitions, workshops, and public programs. The festival's emphasis on contemporary photography and its commitment to presenting thought-provoking and innovative works have made it a significant cultural event in Australia.

Statistics

Core Program: Showcased leading contemporary photographers like Liu Bolin and Bindi Cole Chocka, with exhibitions exploring themes of identity and invisibility.
Open Program: Included community and grassroots exhibitions, such as "Ballarat Through the Lens," highlighting local photographers.
Workshops and Talks: Offered educational sessions with top photographers like Trent Parke and Polixeni Papapetrou, focusing on techniques and the evolution of photographic art.