Understory Film Festival 2026
Thirteen years of putting Far North Queensland stories on a cinema screen.
Short films from Townsville to Cairns and across Cape York, the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Torres Strait Islands. Documentary, drama, animation, comedy, experimental work and music video, screening at Tank 5 on Saturday 21 November with a live awards presentation to follow.
Hosting this year is Jannah Dryden, who won both Best Film and People’s Choice at Understory in 2024. She has sat exactly where this year’s finalists will be sitting.
Since its inception, we've received 673 submissions, screened 229 finalist films, and presented 125 awards, shining a spotlight on the creative spirit of Far North Queensland.
Made something? Hear about the next opportunity first.
Artist Opportunities is Council's mailing list for creatives across Cairns: calls for entry, grants, workshops and programs, including Understory entry dates.
Enter your film
Entries close Monday 12 October 2026
Entry is FREE. Films run to a maximum of 8 minutes including credits, with no minimum length.
You might be a student who picked up a camera last term, an emerging filmmaker still working out what your voice sounds like, or someone who has been doing this professionally for years. Understory takes all of it. What we are after is work that could only have been made here.
- Documentary, drama, animation, comedy, experimental, music video
- Open to filmmakers across North and Far North Queensland
- Maximum 8 minutes including credits, no minimum
- FREE to enter
Come to the night
Screening and Awards Presentation, Saturday 21 November 2026
The finalists screen back to back on the big screen, then the awards.
It is also the one night a year the region’s whole screen community is in the same room.
Saturday 21 November 2026
Tank 5, Tanks Arts Centre
6.30pm to 9.30pm
$20, inclusive of booking fees
The Understory Film Festival 2026 Shortlist
Industry Exchange
Tanks Arts Centre - Friday 22 November - 7pm to 10pm - FREE
This evening promises a unique blend of networking and inspirations, as we hear from Screen Queensland, Screenworks and ABC about the latest opportunities and programs. There is also a facilitated Q&A session with Screen Industry organisations and filmmakers, providing insight into creating pathways for a career in the Screen Industry and highlighting the valuable experience gained from attending these programs.
The Authentic NQ Program will also premiere three short documentaries: Alden Lyall with Empowering Dreams / Nurturing Talent, Josaphine Seale with Bringing Back the Good Fire, and Garthe Edwards and Chedwa Whyte with No Plan B.; all offering intimate glimpses into the lives and passions of local Indigenous storytellers.
This will be followed by the first public screening of Tullywell, a short film produced by the inaugural Film Intensive Script to Screen (FISS) team. Tullywell is a short mockumentary comedy set in the fictional FNQ town of Tullywell that is known for two things: Sugar Cane and its annual UFO Festival.
FISS, a Screen Queensland initiative, will be offered in Cairns across February to May 2025. Selected participants from both Brisbane and Cairns receive entry-level training, including mentorship from industry professionals and hands-on filmmaking experience through a series of workshops and the production of short films.
This event provides a valuable opportunity for local creatives to connect with key players in the Australian screen industry and gain insights into the lates opportunities in the field.
Thanks again for making Understory 2025 such a memorable celebration of local filmmaking!
For over a decade, the Understory Film Festival has been at the heart of Far North Queensland's vibrant screen culture, offering regional filmmakers a powerful platform to share their unique stories and showcase their incredible talent to a diverse audience.
Understory Film Festival screening and awards presentation was on Saturday 22 November 2025 and was bigger and brighter than ever, as we celebrated our 12th year of championing the incredible talent of North Queensland filmmakers. A huge thanks to everyone for your hard work, creativity, and ongoing support. You make this festival what it is.
We’re thrilled to announce the 2025 Understory Film Festival Winners:
Trophy Winners
Best Experimental Film — Medusa, Raquel Lobera Balbas
Best Animation — Beyond the Waves, Oliver Marsden, Karen Jackson & The ARC Creative Team
Best Documentary — Two Is Better, Kerry Balzarolo
Best Music Video — Tell Me, Elleni Geena Adams
Best Non-Narrative — Age, Ella Carney
Best Narrative — IDOL, Sam Pates
Jonathan M. Shiff Productions Best Emerging Filmmaker — Scotoma, James Panevin
Best Film — Tammy Tooth, Rachel Terry & Tnee Dyer
People’s Choice Award — Rachel Terry & Tnee Dyer
Highly Commended Certificates
Enemies of Progress — Pablo Wild
The Fall — Garth Edwards
Jasper — Janne Rytkonen
Lost in Time — Akira Schwarz
Congratulations to all filmmakers! Your work lit up the screen and inspired everyone in the room.
Understory hits the road early in the new year with a regional touring schedule — keep an eye on our socials for dates and locations. We’re also planning a screening at the Library (date and time TBC), so stay tuned!
Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or just beginning your creative journey, ensure you get to work creating your cinematic masterpiece as Understory returns in November 2026.
This is the year to shine and make your mark.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates, ticket info, and announcements, we’ve got plenty in store!
Follow us on Facebook for all the latest news, or feel free to reach out directly at j.aird@cairns.qld.gov.au for any inquiries.
It’s time to unleash your creativity and showcase your talent with applications to the 11th Annual Understory Film Festival now open!
The Understory Film Festival has been a cornerstone of Far North Queensland's screen culture for over a decade. We provide a platform for regional filmmakers to share their unique stories and showcase their talent to a diverse audience.
What we're looking for:
- Short films up to 8 minutes in length
- All genres welcome: documentaries, dramas, animations, comedies, music videos, and more
- Creative storytelling that pushes boundaries
Who can apply:
Filmmakers from North and Far North Queensland, spanning from spanning from Townsville in the south, to the Torres Strait Islands in the north and west to the Gulf of Carpentaria
Why participate:
- $2,500 prize for Best Film
- $2,500 prize for People's Choice Award
- Additional awards judged by screen industry professionals
- Opportunity to showcase your work to a wider audience
- Connect with fellow creatives in the industry
Key dates:
- Submissions Close: 4pm, Monday, 7 October 2024
- Screening and Awards Event: Saturday, 23 November 2024 at Munro Martin Parklands
Over the years, we've received 581 short film submissions, screened 181 finalist films, and presented 103 awards to talented Far North Queensland filmmakers. Join us in celebrating the vibrant film culture of our region. Whether you're an experienced filmmaker or just starting out, Understory Film Festival is your chance to shine!
Last Updated: 15 September 2026
Latest News > All News
Our trainees share why you should apply
With no one better placed to provide insight than our current trainees and apprentices, we asked members of the cohort...
16 September 2026
Barlow Park stadium upgrade works to begin
Barlow Park will close temporarily from 21 September to allow early works to begin on the major upgrade, creating a...
15 September 2026
School’s Out! What’s on these school holidays
School holidays have rolled around again. The weather is getting warmer and we have collated a comprehensive list of low-cost,...
15 September 2026