Australian International Film Awards recognises and celebrates contemporary independent filmmaking, honouring new and cutting-edge Australian and foreign independent films in several competition categories. Australian International Film Awards provides a forum for talented filmmakers to be recognised for their work, creativity, and achievements.

AIFA will award deserving films, filmmakers, and writers in the following categories: Best Picture, Directing, Screenplay, Directing, Actor, Actress, Production Design, Cinematography, Editing, Music, Visual Effects, Sound Design, Costume Design, Animation, Short Films, Feature Films, Documentaries, Australian Films, International Films, and Student Films.

Awards & Prizes

One feature film and one short film by a filmmaker will receive one AIFA in each award category with the award winners selected from the list of honourees comprised of 2-10 nominees in each category.

Australian International Film Awards categories are:

Best Picture
Best Feature
Best Australian Film
Best International Film
Best Documentary
Best Animation
Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Cinematography
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actor
Best Editing
Best Original Music
Best Production Design
Best Visual Effects
Best Costume Design
Best Sound Design
Best Student Film
Best 360 Film

Rules & Terms

Competition Rules and Conditions

Entrants retain all of their rights, title and interest in their works and intellectual property.

Short Films are under 39 minutes. Feature Films are over 40 minutes and maximum 180 minutes.

Student Films are under 29 minutes (including credits).

All fiction, documentary, and short films of any form or genre can apply to the Australian International Film Awards. Films should have been completed no earlier than four years prior to the submission date.

Works in progress are not accepted.

Students receive a 20% discount. Please include a copy of your student ID.

The entry fee is nonrefundable.

Entrants agree to indemnify and hold us, including our employees, our officers, and our partners and affiliates harmless against all claims arising out of entry or participation in the Australia International Film Awards.

Films produced in languages other than English should have legible English subtitles.

Entrants are responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses, royalties, release forms, clearances, permits necessary to present their work.

The selection committees’ and juries’ decisions are final.

Awarded films are not screened for the public. Australian International Film Awards will announce winners to the public via its official website, through social media, and other online promotional channels.

Australian International Film Awards reserves the right to make any necessary changes in regulations or scheduling.

Please do not send press kits or photos. If your film is selected we will contact you to request press materials.

Submission of a film to the Australian International Film Awards implies express understanding and acceptance to all competition rules and conditions.