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 in mid January, where a crowds of thousands from all over Central Queensland enjoy five 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 2nd November 2023
Only films completed after 1st January 2021 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.
26 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Voices of Women

    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.

  • Palindrome Productions

    This festival was not only very communicative right from when we entered, they ensured we were able to enjoy and promote our film even from a afar (the only reason we did not rate 5 stars for networking as we weren’t able to attend physically). Such a great QLD festival, worth the entry. Thank you for having us, we look forward to submitting again in future!

    January 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Karina, Raechelle and team. All the best for a successful 2023.

  • Sam Rogers

    It was such a privilege to play among other great short films! Great communication from the festival and Luke and I very much appreciated the offer to attend the festival and to be accommodated. I hope to be able to come next time in person, what an amazing part of the world for a festival!

    January 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Sam, appreciate it.