PRESS RELEASE
Flickerfest – Australia’s largest and most prestigious short film competition, renowned for its Academy® and BAFTA qualifications – has announced its official programme for 2025.
Celebrating its 34th year, Flickerfest International Short Film Festival will return to Bondi Beach this summer from January 17th – 26th with a new programme showcasing a glittering line-up of short film cinema.
This unmissable 10-day festival will once again roll out the red carpet, showcasing a curated selection of the world’s most exciting short films under the stars at Bondi Pavilion. The annual short film festival highlights Australia’s most promising emerging talent and brings a global perspective to our shores.
Tickets are now on sale and 2025 programme is live, featuring over 200 of the most inspiring short films, including world and Australian premieres, chosen from a pool of over 3,400 entries.
These films are set to entertain, move, and inspire audiences across 24 dedicated festival programmes. Among the official selections are 63 Australian films in the Best of Australian Competition, 36 international films in the Best of International Competition, and 15 documentaries in the Best of Documentary Competition. Additionally, Flickerfest will feature a further 100 films in its showcase sessions.
Flickerfest’s prestigious Academy®-qualifying competitions will include 130 short films, with 37 world premieres, 46 Australian premieres, and 5 NSW premieres, giving audiences a first look at the best in short film. These films are in the running for a host of prestigious awards, including the Flickerfest Award for Best International Short Film, the Yoram Gross Award for Best International Animation, the Panasonic Lumix Award for Best Australian Short Film, and the Flickerfest Award for Best Documentary.
In addition to the competition films, the festival will feature a range of curated programmes, including FlickerUp, celebrating youth filmmaking across Australia; Rainbow Shorts, showcasing the best in LGBTQI cinema; FlickerKids, a special programme of kids and family-friendly films; Love Bites, exploring films about relationships; and Short Laughs, offering a collection of hilarious comedies.
Flickerfest Director, Bronwyn Kidd shares: “With over 3,500 entries, Flickerfest 2025 promises to deliver an exceptional programme that celebrates the work of contemporary storytellers from both Australia and around the world. We’re thrilled to present a selection of bold, inspiring, and unforgettable short films from emerging talent destined to shape the future of cinema.”
After the festival, Flickerfest will embark on a national tour, visiting over 40 venues across Australia from February – October 2025. For full programme details and ticket information (starting from $22), please visit flickerfest.com.au.
Flickerfest is thrilled to present an exceptional lineup of films from the 2025 Academy® qualifying Australian competition, showcasing the immense talent within Australia's dynamic film industry.
This year, the festival is excited to feature the world premiere of Vlog, a deeply personal family drama written, directed by, and starring Emmy-nominated Australian actress Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale). In her directorial debut, Yvonne explores the chaotic reality of motherhood and social media pressures, offering a candid portrayal of working women.
Acclaimed director Nash Edgerton returns with the world premiere of Candy Bar, a dark comedy starring Damon Herriman, famed for his roles in Mindhunter and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Belinda Bromilow, known for her work in Doctor Doctor and The Great, makes her directorial debut with the quirky and humorous Glove, which follows an adventurous young woman in search of love.
In the international competition, audiences can look forward to the Australian premieres of Hearts of Stone, starring Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), and the poetic animation The Brown Dog, voiced by the late Michael K. Williams (The Wire) and featuring Steve Buscemi. These films highlight the incredible breadth of talent on display at this year's Flickerfest.
To celebrate Judith Kerr’s 100th birthday, her beloved children’s book Mog’s Christmas is brought to life in a beautifully hand-drawn animated special, directed by Robin Shaw and created by the team behind The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Produced by Lupus Films, Channel 4, and Universal Pictures Content Group.
Set in the legendary Yorkshire Rhubarb Triangle, Rhubarb Rhubarb is an intimate portrait of Jo and her elderly father, who harvest the region’s famous pink rhubarb. The film captures their ancestral tradition, while introducing the looming danger of the changing world around them. Featuring BAFTA-winning actress Joanna Scanlan.