Set on Australia's picturesque Central Coast, this boutique short film festival is now in its sophomore year. Supported by Creative Art Central and as part of The Lakes Festival, Coastal Surge International Film Festival seeks to engage the creativity of the local region as well as inviting the best short films from around the world.

Created by - and curated by - award-winning storytellers, the festival directors understand what's important to filmmakers: seeing their works exposed on the big screen, tangible awards and recognition, an appreciative and curious audience, and situated in a perfectly sublime part of the world.

Awards & Prizes

Best Narrative Film (Trophy)

Best Documentary (Trophy)

Best Regional Film (doco or drama) (Central Coast, Hunter and Newcastle Regions) (Trophy)

Best Cinematography (Trophy)

Best Music (Trophy)

Best Actress (Trophy)

Best Actor (Trophy)

Best Music Video (Trophy plus cash prize)

Imagineer Award for Visual Design (Trophy plus cash prize)

Best Showmanship (Trophy plus cash prize)

Rules & Terms

Music video clips made after 2020 are eligible.

Local and international documentary and narrative works under 15 minutes.

Open to both regional entries and international work.
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Thomas Pickering

    It was such a pleasure to have my short horror film play at Coastal Surge International Film Festival. It was incredibly well organised, the communication throughout the whole experience was fantastic, and it was packed with a whole range of great films and talented individuals. This is definitely a festival to return to each year - thank you to the team for doing such a wonderful job and not being afraid to champion genre cinema!

    December 2024
    Helpful
  • Jake Frazer

    Fantastic, loved it and can't wait for next year so much fun and an amazing films to see.

    December 2024
    Helpful
  • Lily Dyson

    An amazingly well-run, fun and welcoming event. Really enjoyed the whole process. The organisers were really hands-on and supportive. Cannot recommend highly enough.

    November 2024
    Helpful
  • Michaele Archer

    Well organised and great communication! Had a ball on the night with lots of amazing films, talented folks and friendly people!

    November 2024
    Helpful
  • Paul Rye

    What a grand festival! The event was put together so well, with numerous great films and awards given out. I highly recommend Coastal Surge to any filmmaker wanting to showcase their film at a wonderful festival.

    November 2024
    Helpful