Understory Film Festival 2026

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.

Understory Film Festival 2025

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.

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.

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!