This summer, Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach will once again roll out the red carpet for the Flickerfest International Short Film Festival, celebrating its 35th year as Australia’s leading short film event.
From January 23 to February 1, 2026, Flickerfest will showcase the very best in short cinema from Australia and around the globe, cementing its reputation as an Academy®-qualifying and BAFTA-recognized festival.
A Landmark Year for Flickerfest
Marking its 35th anniversary, Flickerfest 2026 promises an unforgettable journey through the world of short film. With over 200 films selected from nearly 3,600 entries, the festival will feature 18 competitive programs and six showcase sessions, offering something for every film lover. From hilarious comedies to heartwarming family films, bold First Nations storytelling, and exceptional LGBTQI+ shorts, the lineup is as diverse as it is inspiring.
Festival Director Bronwyn Kidd shared her excitement: “I’m thrilled to celebrate Flickerfest’s landmark 35th birthday with our passionate audiences whose support and love for short films have made this milestone possible. With a record number of entries, this year’s program celebrates bold, creative, and unforgettable storytelling in our magical Bondi Beach location.”
Highlights of Flickerfest 2026
The festival’s competitive programs will see filmmakers vying for prestigious awards, including the Flickerfest Award for Best International Short Film, the Yoram Gross Award for Best International Animation, and the Best Australian Short Film. All of these awards are Academy®-qualifying, offering winners a chance to compete for Oscar® glory.
Audiences can look forward to:
- Short Laughs: A collection of hilarious comedies guaranteed to entertain.
- Flickerkids: Delightful films for kids and families.
- Indigenous Showcase: A Survival Day program honoring the voices of talented First Nations filmmakers.
- Rainbow Shorts: Exceptional LGBTQI+ stories from around the world.
- Love Bites: Quirky tales about relationships.
A Magical Bondi Experience
Set against the stunning backdrop of Bondi Beach, Flickerfest offers more than just incredible films. Guests can enjoy magical nights under the stars at the festival’s palm-fringed alfresco cinema and bar, or relax in the air-conditioned comfort of the Bondi Pavilion for daytime screenings. With panoramic beachside and lawn bars serving up delicious food and drinks, the festival is as much about the experience as it is about the films.
Audiences will also have the chance to hear from filmmakers sharing their work on the big screen for the first time, making Flickerfest a unique opportunity to discover the next big names in cinema.
Beyond Bondi
After its Bondi run, Flickerfest will hit the road, touring nationally to over 45 venues from February to October 2026, bringing the magic of short film to audiences across Australia.
Don’t Miss Out
The full Flickerfest 2026 program will be announced in mid-December, with tickets available at flickerfest.com.au.
Festival Dates: January 23 – February 1, 2026
Location: Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
National Tour: February – October 2026
Join Flickerfest this summer for a celebration of bold, inspiring, and unforgettable short films in one of the world’s most iconic beachside locations.