Understory High Film Festival

Four years of putting Far North Queensland students on a cinema screen.

First launched in 2023, Understory High is a dedicated platform for young storytellers, offering high school students the chance to share their vision and imagination through film. The inaugural event featured an inspiring mix of short films that reflected the diverse voices of our region’s talented youth.

In 2024, Tiago Amora Flores won at Understory High with LOVE. The same film went on to take Best Non-Narrative at the flagship Understory Film Festival that November. Winning films from this year's shortlist will also be screened at Understory Film Festival.

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.

Get artist opportunities

Understory High is a Cairns Regional Council initiative proudly supported by Jonathan M. Shiff Productions, Bang Media and Essential Screen Skills.

🥁 The 2026 shortlist is in.

On Friday 9 October, the region’s high school filmmakers and animators walk a red carpet at Tank 5, watch their films screen in front of a live audience, and find out who takes home a trophy.

Award categories are judged by working screen industry professionals. Winning films go on to screen at the flagship Understory Film Festival in November, and the full shortlist tours regional Far North Queensland from December.

Every young filmmaker has someone behind them. The parent who listened to the idea for the hundredth time. The teacher who said keep going. The friend who helped with a scene. This is the night the whole support crew shows up.

BOOK TICKETS NOW