The Capricorn Film Festival is a not for profit organisation that discovers local, national and international cinema gems, and shares them with a diverse audience of film lovers.

The Capricorn film festival was established to encourage production, not just exhibition. Our event is not just about ‘showing’ films – it’s about ‘making’ them. We aim to provide you with the opportunity to showcase your work to as wide an audience as possible, and help you promote your career and film-making endeavours.

The event is held early January, where a crowds from all over Central Queensland enjoy four days of cinema, supporting filmmakers from the region and all corners of the globe.
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Shortlisted films are screened at the event with a total prize pool of $4,000 in cash and prizes awarded between the winners of each category. 
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The festival is open to any level of filmmaker, from amateur to professional and is supported by some of Australia's premiere filmmakers and industry companies.

We appreciate our Festival ALUMNI. Contact us to receive your DISCOUNT coupon code on any upcoming entries.

Awards & Prizes

The Capricorn Film Festival was established to encourage production, not just exhibition.

Our event is not just about ‘showing’ films – it’s about ‘making’ them. We aim to provide you with the opportunity to showcase your work to as wide an audience as possible.

The Capricorn Film Festival is competitive, with over $4,000 in cash and prizes awarded to the winners. The categories include:

Feature Films in competition:
CAPS Feature - $1000 (AUD) World Open 

Documentaries in competition:
CAPS Doco - $1000 (AUD) World Open 

OTHER LONG FORM AWARDS:
CAPS Best Director
CAPS Best Actor

CAPS Short Film Competition:

CAPS Short - $1000 (AUD) World Open 
CQ Shorts - $500 (AUD) Central Queensland only

OTHER SHORT FORM AWARDS:
CAPS EXperimental Winner
CQ Rising Star
Best Short Director
Best Short Actor

Rules & Terms

All Films must be submitted to the Film Festival by 24th Oct 2025.
Only films completed after 1st Jan 2024 will be considered for the sections.
Short Films: Any genre of film under 30 minutes length will be considered for CQ Shorts.
The film must not have appeared on Australian television, Pay TV or be screened on an internet site.
Short Films do not require a premiere screening to be accepted.
Must be subtitled in English if not English language .
Filmmakers must enter the correct category. Festival staff reserve the right to request proof.
Entrants may enter multiple films in multiple categories.
CAPS Short, Open & Junior must NOT contain; nudity, drug use or excessive violence.
Feature Films must be suitable for audiences 15 years and above.
Entrant must have copyright over the film and music and the film submitted.
You must pay the entry fee when you submit and upload your film via this submission site in the correct format to be in the running for any monetary prizes and trophies. Submissions must be received no later than the entry deadline with all required paperwork and releases provided.
Accepted films will be required to sign a finalist agreement.
Accepted films can be removed if it is believed that there are legal issues about producer rights.
Accepted films can only be removed at festivals discretion.
Submitters will be added to organisation digital newsletters and other opportunities.
28 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Soren Jocumsen

    I not only had the privilege of my film being selected in the 2025 Capricorn Film Festival but also being able to attend the event in person. A huge thank you to all those involved as this was my first serious go at a film, and first ever film festival and I felt like a star! Being able to talk to industry professionals casually and gain their knowledge on all things film and life was an experience I will carry with me forever. Thank you again and I will definitely be entering future projects to this festival!

    February 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Soren, we look forward to seeing you next January!

  • Freeman Lau

    Thank you for including my film. I never take it for granted.
    Since I am far away from Australia, I asked about arranging a pass for my team representative who was in Australia, but received no reply.

    January 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Hi Freeman, thank you for the review and great to have your short in the festival, congrats again! You are always welcome at the festival.

  • Lliane Clarke

    We really enjoyed and were honoured to be included in this festival. We were kept informed at all times about what was happening and the program looks stunning. We would definately submit to this festival again.

    February 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you very much

  • Kieran Deeth

    I recently had the pleasure of having one of my films screened at the Capricorn Film Festival and it was an absolutely fantastic experience. The festival organizers were highly professional and provided clear and timely communication throughout the entire process. Furthermore, there was a wide range of stories and filmmaking styles showcased at the festival that were all consistently compelling to watch. I highly recommend this festival to any filmmaker looking for an opportunity to showcase their work and connect with a dedicated and enthusiastic audience. It was a great privilege to be a part of it!

    January 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Kieran.

  • Joseph Betros

    Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make the event but the communications from staff was great and the continual updates on social media kept us posted on how the festival was going. Hope to get the chance to attend in the future and congratulations to the team and winning filmmakers.

    January 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Joseph.