β Testimonials
π "The AFIN Festival just honoured me with a best actress award for playing Annie in South of Heavenβ¦probably the most wonderful experience Iβve ever had making a character come to life. Thank you AFIN, I guess it just goes to show that joy in what you do shines through."
- Evangeline Lilly (Actress - South Of Heaven, Lost, Ant-Man, Avengers: Endgame)
π "Our film had such a wonderful time at the AFIN festival this year. There was constant communication and we had a great experience overall."
- Laura Vandervoort (Actress - The Handmaid's Tale, Smallville, Bitten, V, Producer, Writer)
π "Such a great festival!"
- Neil Marshall (Director - Game of Thrones, The Reckoning, The Descent, Hellboy)
π "Outstanding communication, commitment to the arts and an all round professional team. The quality of films and the manner in which they are presented and judged is outstanding. The festival's awards night offers a top-notch experience for both indie and professional film makers. This is a highly recommended festival."
- Natalia Cricri (Director - Two Dollars, Actress - Streets of Colour)
π "This is one of the best festivals, ever. Great communication and we had to compete with the best films in the world, highly competitive, If you are looking for great exposure and completion, this is the right festival."
- Deepak Reddy (Director - Manasanamaha)
π "The communication was amazing! Highly recommending this festival, as they are very professional and also extremely well organized."
- Katrina Grey (Director - Daytime Nightmare)
β AFIN (All-Inclusive Film International Network) International Film Festival is your gateway to a global celebration of cinematic excellence, uniting emerging and established filmmakers and screenwriters from around the world.
(www.afinfestival.com)
π₯ AFIN International Film Festival Mission Statement
At AFIN International Film Festival, we proudly stand as a beacon of cinematic celebration, embracing a truly diverse and inclusive spectrum of all voices and stories from across the globe. Our mission is rooted in the unwavering belief that storytelling knows no boundaries, and excellence is not confined to privilege or prestige. We also pride ourselves in being a fair and unbiased film festival, where with us, "who you know" does not come into the conversation, only what you make and submit to us. If you are looking for a truly equal-opportunity playing field in film festivals? You've found one here.
π A Truly Inclusive Community:
We champion true inclusivity as the heart of our festival. Everyoneβbe it Hollywood A-listers, independent creators, emerging talents, students, or any storyteller passionate about their craftβis not just welcomed but celebrated.
π Global Collaboration:
We serve as a bridge, bringing together Australian filmmakers with their counterparts worldwide. AFIN is a vibrant meeting ground where cultures converge, creativity knows no borders, and filmmakers connect beyond geographical constraints.
π¬ Recognizing Excellence Beyond Constraints:
Our commitment extends beyond the glitz and glamour; it delves into the essence of storytelling. AFIN's selection process focuses on artistic value, originality, and globally distributable appeal, acknowledging that excellence in execution prevails regardless of background, experience, or budget constraints.
π‘ AFIN Values:
β
Innovation and Exploration: We nurture innovation and exploration in filmmaking and storytelling.
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Networking Opportunities: We provide a platform for local and international filmmakers and screenwriters to connect with agents and distributors.
β
Cultural Exchange: AFIN thrives on fostering cultural exchange through cinematic experiences.
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Inclusive Selection Criteria: We choose films based on artistic value, originality, global appeal, production quality, and narrative content, ensuring a fair and unbiased selection process.
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Recognition for All: AFIN recognizes engaging, thought-provoking films and screenplays, valuing each project equally with the best of the best.
π₯ Acceptance Beyond Formats:
Our doors are open to various creative formsβshort films, web series, feature films, documentaries, music videos, screenplays, animated films. AFIN provides the space where creativity flourishes, and every voice finds its resonance.
π AFIN Festival: Where Excellence Meets Inclusivity and the World Comes Together in Celebration of Film.
β Why Submit to AFIN International Film Festival:
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Premier International Recognition:
AFIN is swiftly becoming a leading international film festival in Australia.
β
Industry Support during Cost-of-Living Crisis:
Enjoy a 30% reduction in submission fees for 2024, supporting filmmakers and screenwriters during challenging times.
β
Diverse Submission Categories:
Submit across various categories, including short films, feature films, documentaries, music videos, animated films, student films, and short/long screenplays.
β Inclusive Embrace, qualifying for all applicable awards :
LGBTQIA+: We warmly invite submissions that celebrate diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
Multicultural: Embrace the rich tapestry of cultures worldwide - share your stories with us.
First Nations: AFIN welcomes the unique voices and narratives of First Nations storytellers.
Locally Made Projects: Highlight the beauty of your local stories - submissions from your community are valued.
β Artistic Excellence: Meticulously selected entries based on artistic value, originality, global appeal, production quality, and compelling narratives.
β
IMDb Qualification:
AFIN is officially IMDb qualifying, elevating your film's credibility and visibility.
β
Prestigious Live Events:
Engage in red carpet sophistication, networking, and live entertainment.
Global nominees benefit from a world-class live stream.
β
Valuable Feedback Option:
Opt for valuable insights and scoring feedback through our optional feedback add-on.
β
Live Screenings and Red-Carpet Awards:
Experience live screenings and red-carpet awards for exposure and networking.
β
Single Low Entry Fee for Multiple Awards:
Maximize recognition potential with a single-entry fee qualifying for multiple awards.
β
Professionalism and Outstanding Communication:
Praise for AFIN's outstanding communication and commitment to the arts.
β Inclusive Development: Committed to aiding filmmakers' development regardless of nationality or experience level, fostering worldwide cultural exchange.
β Engagement & Innovation: Recognizing films and screenplays for their engagement, thought-provoking content, and innovation.
β
Networking Opportunities:
A global event fostering connections with local, interstate, and international filmmakers, screenwriters, agents, and distributors.
β
Support for Filmmakers and Screenwriters Regardless of Experience:
Encouraging filmmakers of all nationalities and experience levels.
β
Recognizing Engaging, Thought-Provoking Films and Screenplays:
AFIN values and recognizes innovative films and screenplays regardless of budget constraints.
β
Transparent Award Selection Process:
Detailed information on the award selection process ensures transparency.
β
Generous Prize Pool:
Crystal trophies, subscriptions, and exposure opportunities through partner festivals.
β
AI Fair Competition:
Maintaining fair competition based on standard criteria for awards to only be considering human-made projects.
β
Clear Eligibility Criteria:
Clearly outlined eligibility criteria ensure fairness and compliance.
β Budget Consideration: Celebrating high production values while understanding and considering budget constraints.
β
Commitment to Ethical Filmmaking:
AFIN's dedication to ethical filmmaking against libel, defamation, or cultural offenses.
β
Constant Evolution and Adaptation:
Rules and terms evolve, reflecting AFIN's commitment to the dynamic film industry landscape.
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π AWARD WINNERS, NOMINEES, and FINALISTS
2024 (In Progress): https://www.afinfestival.com/2024-results
More about our statuses and what they mean can be found in our FAQs: https://www.afinfestival.com/faqs
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β FEEDBACK / SHARED SCORING & INSIGHTS
Every entry can choose to add on feedback (Scoring insights and high-level comments)
We also, where appropriate, share comments from our judges. Please note, we do not accept arguments against our decisions, these insights are anonymized, and any direct approaching of our adjudicators to argue or cause any disruption is not allowed.
Feedback for projects will not be provided until a finalised status is achieved (as far as that project can go), and as soon as it is able to be processed.
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βMEET OUR JUDGING TEAM - Quick info (Full biographies : https://www.afinfestival.com/afin-team)
π₯ Peter Koevari - Festival Director & Adjudicator
* Accomplished screenwriter, director, and producer from Australia.
* Notable works include the critically acclaimed "3" (2022) and the upcoming films "Quantum Ride" and "Lucky Devil."
* Academy director of FilmLab Academy and festival director of AFIN International.
π₯ Steve Coates - Adjudicator
* Well over a decade of experience crafting intriguing and compelling stories.
* A go-to screenwriter for producers, in-demand as a story consultant.
* Immersed himself in literature, fostering a love for mystery and adventure.
* Latest feature, "Poker Face," released in 2022, was Stan's best-performing film for the year.
* His 2012 genre-bending feature 'John Doe: Vigilante' has a cult following and is used in university curriculums globally.
π₯ Jennifer Scott - Adjudicator
* Award-winning p.g.a. Producer, Actress, and Writer from the USA.
* Founder of Open Eyes Productions, L.L.C.
π₯ Andrew Conder - Adjudicator
* Cinematographer, Camera, and Producer from Australia.
* Director of Photography for eight Australian feature films.
π₯ Justin Hill - Adjudicator
* Entertainment Reporter, Host, and Film Expert from Australia.
* Hosted Hayu's first original series during World Pride in 2023.
π₯ Tim Alexander - Adjudicator
* Fight Choreographer and Actor from Australia.
* Asia Pacific's foremost expert in hand-to-hand combat for the International Krav Maga Federation.
π₯ Damien Leith - Adjudicator
* Multi-talented artist, including Singer, Songwriter, Producer, * Author, and TV/Radio Personality from Australia.
* Winner of Australian Idol in 2006.
π₯ R J Redl - Adjudicator
* Producer, Director, Writer, Editor, and Cinematographer from Australia.
* Captivating audiences since 2010 as a freelance film reviewer.
π₯ Kyle Goldfinch - Adjudicator
* Creative Producer from Australia.
* Engaged in LGBTQIA+ screen space, involved in festivals like Mardi Gras Film Festival and Queer Screen Film Fest.
π₯ Glen Collins - Adjudicator
* Producer, Director, Actor, Writer, and Editor from Australia.
* Joined AFIN International Film Festival as an adjudicating member in 2021.
π₯ Tim Clough - Adjudicator
* Director and Editor from Australia.
* Received three annual awards and two nominations for his self-funded feature documentary.
π₯ Vicky Wanless - Adjudicator (Festival Operations Manager)
* Actress, Producer, and Director from Brisbane, Australia.
* Award-winning shorts include "Ripples" and AACTA-nominated "Once Upon A Midnight."
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β ENTRY AND CONSIDERATION FOR AWARDS / AWARD CATEGORIES
AFIN aims to provide a platform for filmmakers and writers to be seen and heard as best as possible, without making them choose specific award categories for entry.
With this goal, each project only needs to be submitted for one category. With each submission, the project will be considered for several awards. All of this happens with a very affordable price.
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β SELECTION PROCESS/ SCREENING SELECTION
More about our selections, screenings, and how we work can be found in our FAQs: https://www.afinfestival.com/faqs
π MEET AFIN TEAM: https://www.afinfestival.com/afin-team
π FAQs: https://www.afinfestival.com/faqs
π PARTNERS, SUPPORTERS, SPONSORS: (SUBJECT TO UPDATES)
We are proudly associated, sponsored, and partnered with many brands and institutions, including:
GP2 Entertainment
Redbox Events
Final Draft
Coverfly
BlackMagic Design
Area-51 / Alien Night Market
Razer
Nomie
SunPAC
Inktip
iPitch TV
The Poppy Jasper International Film Festival (Premier Partner)
AFIN Logo Video Intro graphics designed by Jack Absolom
2024 AFIN Awards Lineup
π Partner Festival Opportunity:
5 WINNERS will be awarded a full waiver entry code for The Poppy Jasper International Film Festival in California, USA.
π₯ BEST FEATURE FILM (Up to 5 nominees) - (Narrative/Scripted Feature Films Only)
Crystal Trophy, Final Draft 13 License, iPitch.TV 3 Months Subscription,
π¬ BEST DIRECTOR (Up to 5 nominees) - (Narrative/Scripted)
Crystal Trophy, Final Draft 13 License, iPitch.TV 3 Months Subscription.
π BEST PRODUCED SCREENPLAY (Up to 5 nominees) - (Narrative/Scripted - Produced Project)
Crystal Trophy, Final Draft 13 License, iPitch.TV 3 Months Subscription.
πββοΈ BEST EMERGING FEMALE DIRECTOR (Up to 5 nominees) - (Narrative/Scripted)
Crystal Trophy, Final Draft 13 License, 4-month InkTip Pro Membership, iPitch.TV 3 Months Subscription.
πββοΈ BEST LEAD PERFORMANCE (Up to 6 nominees)
Crystal Trophy, Final Draft 13 License, iPitch.TV 3 Month Subscription.
πββοΈ BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE (Up to 6 nominees)
Crystal Trophy, iPitch.TV 3 Month Subscription.
πββοΈ BEST AUSTRALIAN LEAD PERFORMANCE (Up to 6 nominees)
Crystal Trophy, Final Draft 13 License, iPitch.TV 3 Month Subscription.
πββοΈ BEST AUSTRALIAN SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE (Up to 6 nominees)
Crystal Trophy, iPitch.TV 3 Month Subscription.
π₯ BEST AUSTRALIAN FILM (Up to 5 nominees) - (Narrative/Scripted - Live Action)
Crystal Trophy, Final Draft 13 License, iPitch.TV 3 Months Subscription.
π₯ BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM (Up to 5 nominees) - (Narrative/Scripted - Excluding student films)
Crystal Trophy, Final Draft 13 License, iPitch.TV 3 Month Subscription.
π¨ BEST ANIMATED FILM (Up to 5 nominees)
Crystal Trophy, iPitch.TV 3 Month Subscription.
π BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE (Up to 5 nominees)
Crystal Trophy, iPitch.TV 3 Months Subscription.
π BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT (Up to 5 nominees)
Crystal Trophy, iPitch.TV 3 Month Subscription.
π BEST STUDENT FILM (Up to 5 nominees)
Crystal Trophy, Final Draft 13 License, DaVinci Resolve Studio license, iPitch.TV 3 Month Subscription.
πΌ BEST MUSIC VIDEO (Up to 5 nominees)
Crystal Trophy, iPitch.TV 3 Month Subscription.
π BEST FILM EDITING (Up to 5 nominees)
Crystal Trophy, 4-month InkTip Pro Membership, iPitch.TV 3 Month Subscription.
π₯ BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY (Up to 5 nominees)
Crystal Trophy, iPitch.TV 3 Month Subscription.
π΅ BEST SOUND (Up to 5 nominees)
Crystal Trophy, iPitch.TV 3 Month Subscription.
π΅ BEST ORIGINAL SCORE (Up to 5 nominees)
Crystal Trophy, iPitch.TV 3 Month Subscription.
π₯ BEST VISUAL EFFECTS (Up to 5 nominees) - (Narrative/Scripted/Documentary/Music Video)
Crystal Trophy, iPitch.TV 3 Month Subscription.
π BEST FEATURE SCREENPLAY (Up to 5 nominees)
Crystal Trophy, Final Draft 13 License, 4-month InkTip Pro Membership, iPitch.TV 3 Months Subscription.
π BEST SHORT SCREENPLAY (Up to 5 nominees)
Crystal Trophy, Final Draft 13 License, iPitch.TV 3 Month Subscription.
π BEST COSTUME DESIGN (Up to 5 nominees) - (Narrative/Scripted/Music Video)
Crystal Trophy, iPitch.TV 3 Month Subscription.
π BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN (Up to 5 nominees) - (Narrative/Scripted/Music Video)
Crystal Trophy, iPitch.TV 3 Month Subscription.
Cap on Total Wins: A single film can win up to 4 awards: 1 major award + 3 technical/performance awards. If a film wins both a major film award (for producers) and a directorβs award, itβs capped at 2 non-major awards.
Why This Change?
At our festival, we aim to recognize as many of our nominees as possible for their exceptional work. In the past, our judging was based purely on first judging ratings, and then voting results. While this is still the case, some films missed out on additional recognition after a winner in their category already secured a major category win. We believe all our nominees are outstanding, and this approach ensures a fairer playing field, allowing more films to be celebrated for their achievements.
Multiple Nominations Allowed: Films can be nominated in all applicable categories. This ensures recognition of the filmβs merits across various categories while capping the total number of wins for fairness.
Major Awards (1 win allowed per film, except for films winning both a major film award and a director's award):
Best Feature Film
Best Director
Best Produced Screenplay
Best Emerging Female Director
Best Australian Film
Best Live Action Short Film
Best Animated Film
Best Music Video
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short Subject
Best Student Film
Best Feature Screenplay
Best Short Screenplay
Non-Major/Technical/Performance Awards (3 wins allowed per film, or 2 if the film wins both a major film award and a director's award):
Best Film Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Sound
Best Original Score
Best Visual Effects
Best Costume Design
Best Production Design
Best Lead Performance
Best Supporting Performance
Best Australian Lead Performance
Best Australian Supporting Performance
NOTE: In the case of a project winning in multiple categories with duplicate prizes (excluding cash and trophies), only one of that prize will be awarded, and the duplicate prize(s) will be re-allocated at the festival's discretion.
INKTIP: Winners will receive a 4-month InkTip Pro Membership. As an InkTip Pro Member, thousands of filmmakers can find and read your scripts, and you'll be able to pitch directly to production companies every week. With over 3,000 options and 400 movies made, InkTip is the place for independent film.