The longest running regional queer film festival in Australia, BQFF is now proudly part of the Bendigo Pride Festival. BQFF now specialises in short films, celebrating the best queer work from around the world, including narrative, documentary, experimental and performance shorts.

Bendigo Queer Film Festival Prize for Best Short Film - $500 AUD

Previous winners:

2020
Winner
Swivel, d. Lois Norman, UK

2021
Winner
The Odyssey, d. Emmanuelle Mattana, Australia

2022
Winner
How Not To Date While Trans, d. Nyala Moon, USA
Highly Commended
In Nature (Dan's La Nature), d. Marcel Barelli, Switzerland

2023
Winner
Laughter Club, d. Adam Ciancio, Australia
Highly Commended
I Can't Forget Him, d. Kevin Kai Wing Yiu, Hong Kong

2024
Winner
Realness With A Twist, d. Cass Kaur Virdee, UK
Highly Commended
Marriage (In)Equality in Ukraine, d. Yuriy Dvizhon, Ukraine

Bendigo Queer Film Festival Terms and Conditions

1. BQFF accepts films from Australia and around the globe.

2. BQFF accepts all genres of fiction, and documentary shorts.

3. Films submitted must be no longer than 15 minutes, inclusive of credits.

4. The producer grants BQFF the rights to:
(a) Exhibit the film in the Bendigo Queer Film Festival and as part of any festival tour or additional screening,
(b) use images or clips of the production for promotional purposes for both BQFF and the Bendigo International Short Film Festival.

5. The producer warrants to the BQFF that they have obtained all the necessary permissions to enter this film and that the film does not infringe the rights, including copyright, of any third party. This includes use of music and literary material.

6. All productions screened at the Bendigo Queer Film Festival must have been completed within 3 years of the entry closing date.

7. Entries cannot be withdrawn after March 1st, 2025. By submitting your film to the BQFF for consideration, you acknowledge this condition of entry and waive your right to withdraw your film from the Festival after this date.

8. If your film is selected for the Festival, you will be sent an email confirmation by Feb 20th, 2025.

9. Entries should include characters or themes connected to the LGBTQIA+ community.

10. BQFF only screens digital productions from file, we DO NOT screen from Beta SP, HDCam or DVD. To ensure your entry is screened correctly, you must include screening gauge and ratio details as requested on the entry form.

11. The judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

12. No refunds will be given, including (but not limited to) the filmmaker entering a film that does not fit the criteria above, or voluntarily removing film from consideration.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • CARL HUNTER

    I couldn’t attend the festival sadly but communicating with the festivsl was easy and they were very helpful.

    March 2024
  • Beautiful festival run by beautiful people.

    July 2022
  • Hush Darling

    A lovely festival that really cares for the art and the artists. A well established venue.

    May 2021
  • Emmanuelle Mattana

    We were absolutely thrilled to have 'The Odyssey' awarded best film at the beautiful Bendigo Queer Film Festival. Wonderful festival, great communication from the team, and a special selection of films! Much love

    April 2021
  • Lois Norman

    Totally thrilled that our gender fluid dance Film SWIVEL, won Best International Short 2020! Bendigo are the very first film festival in Australia to recognise the film and I couldn't be happier it was them! Big thanks to Chris and the team for their care and feedback: this means a lot!

    April 2020