Understory Film Festival
That's a wrap! This year’s screening and program was truly epic.
Thank you to everyone involved and to everyone who attended. Watch this space for next year!
The Understory Film Festival returned in 2025, bigger and brighter than ever, as we celebrated our 12th year of championing the incredible talent of North Queensland filmmakers. At the heart of the festival were our exciting short film competitions, with prizes up for grabs and the chance for local filmmakers to showcase their work.
Since our inception in 2014, we’ve received numerous submissions, screened hundreds of finalist films, and presented countless awards - shining a spotlight on the creative spirit of Far North Queensland. In 2023, we also launched Understory High, a dedicated category celebrating the best young and emerging filmmakers in the region.
Our Industry Exchange once again offered a unique opportunity for film lovers and professionals to connect through live panels and expert-led workshops, exploring everything from emerging trends to insider industry knowledge.
Whether you’re an experienced filmmaker or just beginning your creative journey, Understory Film Festival continues to be a platform where our region’s talent can shine.
Thank you again to everyone who made the 2025 festival such a success.
Follow our Facebook page for updates on the 2026 screening tour and next year’s festival dates.
Art vs. Artist Vodcast
Art vs. Artist is a no-BS vodcast that dives into the raw, technical guts of creative industries. We bring in the heavyweights – the pros, the visionaries, the ones shaping the scene – to break down what it really takes to make art that hits hard and holds up.
Across every medium, we dig deep to uncover the gems, the grit, and the game-changing insights that fuel the future of creativity.
Hosted by local filmmaker Jannah Dryden, winner of Best Film & People’s Choice at Understory 2024 (Chesters) – whose work shines a light on regional stories and the creative energy unique to North Queensland.
Understory Film Festival
Unleash Your Creativity in Far North Queensland
Open to filmmakers from North and Far North Queensland.
Understory High Film Festival
Young Visionaries, Big Screens
Exclusive to high school filmmakers
Celebrate the next generation of filmmaking talent.
For any further enquiries, please contact Jan Aird on J.Aird@cairns.qld.gov.au or 07 4032 6656.
Understory Film Festival is proudly supported by Screen Queensland and Queensland Government, and the Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council to support local arts and culture in Regional Queensland.

Last Updated: 20 March 2026
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