A new regional short film challenge is set to launch in Toowoomba, giving students, emerging filmmakers and community storytellers the chance to see their work on the big screen.
The inaugural Shine Shootout will run alongside Queensland Fringe, culminating in a screening and awards night at The Empire, Armitage Centre on Friday 7 August 2026.
A $3,000 prize will be awarded for Best Film, with the Top 10 films screened before a live audience and judged by industry professionals, filmmakers and community representatives.
Open to secondary and tertiary students, community groups and individual creators from across regional Queensland, participants will have six days to write, film and edit a short film of up to seven minutes. Prior to the challenge, a practical filmmaking workshop on 18 July will provide guidance on storytelling, smartphone filmmaking, sound, editing and production techniques.
Organiser Stephen Roche said the event was designed to be accessible to anyone with a story and a smartphone.
"Regional Queensland is full of remarkable stories, but those stories often never get told,” Mr Roche said.
“Whether you're an experienced filmmaker or a student making your first short film, the Shine Shootout is about creativity, collaboration and having the confidence to tell a story.”
The Empire CEO Giuliana Bonel said the Shine Shootout aligned with The Empire's commitment to nurturing emerging artists across the region.
"One of the most exciting aspects of this initiative is that it removes many of the traditional barriers to filmmaking. Young people can participate using the technology they already have access to and focus on what matters most, telling great stories. We are particularly looking forward to welcoming participants, families and audiences to the Armitage Centre in August,” Ms Bonel said.
“The Shine Shootout has the potential to become a wonderful annual platform for emerging storytellers and filmmakers, and we are excited to be part of its first chapter.”
Mr Roche said he hoped the event would grow into an annual celebration of regional talent.
“This is our first year and we’re deliberately starting small, but the vision is to create something that grows over time and becomes a showcase for regional talent,” Mr Roche said.
“Stories come from everywhere. This is where they shine,” Mr Roche said.
KEY DATES
17 June 2026 - Official Launch
18 July 2026 - Shine Shootout Workshop
1 August 2026 - Challenge Brief Released
6 August 2026 - Entries Close (12 noon)
7 August 2026 - Top 10 Screening and Awards Night