Understory Film Festival

Lights. Camera. Far North Queensland.

Applications are now officially open for Understory High and Understory Film Festival 2026, with entries now being accepted through FilmFreeway.

As Far North Queensland’s premier short film festival, Understory celebrates the creativity, stories and screen talent of our region. Filmmakers from Townsville to Cairns, across Cape York, the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Torres Strait Islands are invited to share their vision and celebrate our local talent.

Whether you're a student picking up a camera for the first time, an emerging filmmaker finding your voice, or an experienced screen professional, Understory provides a platform to showcase locally produced stories that capture the unique landscapes, cultures, communities and characters of Northern Queensland.

Films must be no longer than 8 minutes (including credits), with no minimum duration. Best of all, entry is free.

If you've got a story to tell, now is the time to bring it to life.

Enter Your Film

Think your story deserves the big screen?

Film submissions for Understory Film Festival and Understory High are open from 8 June 2026 via FilmFreeway.

Understory High

A dedicated showcase for high school filmmakers and animators across Far North Queensland.

Key Dates

• Submissions close: Monday 31 August 2026
• Screening & Awards Presentation: Friday 9 October 2026
• Venue: Tank 5, Tanks Arts Centre
• Time: 6.30pm – 9.30pm

Understory Film Festival

The festival's headline event.

Experience an unforgettable evening of cinema as the region's best films take centre stage. Watch the finalist selections on the big screen, celebrate outstanding achievements in filmmaking and connect with the creative community that continues to grow across Far North Queensland.

Hosted by Jannah Dryden, the awards presentation showcases the incredible talent, passion and stories emerging from our region.

Key Dates

• Submissions close: Monday 12 October 2026
• Screening & Awards Presentation: Saturday 21 November 2026
• Venue: Tank 5, Tanks Arts Centre
• Time: 6.30pm – 9.30pm

Develop Your Craft

Next Level Film Workshops: One Moment in Time

Ready to take your storytelling skills further?

Across two immersive weekends, filmmaker Alex Smee from Multi Story Media will guide participants through the art of creating authentic stories for screen. Explore visual language, sound design, narrative techniques and the creative choices that shape how audiences feel, think and connect with a story.

Workshop Dates

18–19 July & 25–26 July 2026 |9.00am - 5.00pm

BGVC Multipurpose room, Tanks Arts  Centre

*Participants are required to attend both weekends.

Opening Night: Taste of the Tropics

Screenworks Showcase

Fri 20 Nov 2026 |6.30 - 9.30pm

Tank 5, Tanks Arts Centre

Kick off the festival with a special big-screen celebration of regional storytelling.

Opening Night features a premiere screening from the latest season of the SBS series Taste of the Tropics, followed by a moderated Q&A with filmmakers and industry guests. The evening concludes with networking opportunities for creatives, audiences and screen industry professionals.

Understory Industry Exchange

Sat 21 Nov 2026 |2.00 - 4.00pm

Tank 5, Tanks Arts Centre

Connect directly with the people shaping Australia's screen industry.

The Industry Exchange brings together representatives from key organisations including Screen Australia, Screen Queensland, Screenworks and WIFT Queensland, creating valuable opportunities for regional filmmakers to build connections, gain insights and explore pathways for career development.

Whether you're an emerging creator or an established practitioner, this is your chance to engage with industry leaders and learn about funding, opportunities and the future of screen production in regional Australia.

Join the Story

Whether you're submitting a film, attending a workshop, networking with industry professionals or settling in for a night at the movies, Understory Film Festival is your invitation to experience the power of storytelling on screen.

Create. Connect. Celebrate.

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