Expresso 90 is a 90 second film festival that calls upon both new and experienced film-makers to create compelling and engaging super short films. Our panel of industry judges will be looking for films that entertain, inspire and demonstrate an understanding of the complex techniques needed to create fully formed films in a limited time frame.

With just 90 seconds to make your mark, what will you create?

Awards & Prizes

Between 10-20 shortlisted films will be screened at The Mockingbird Cinema to a packed-out audience of film fans and receive a selection laurel.
​
Our panel of judges will anonymously score each film based on the Cinematography, Editing, Story and Overall Impression. Winners will receive the coveted Expresso 90 trophy, certificate and IMA merch bag.

Please be aware that entries will be credited as the person who submitted the film. This also applies to winners certificates & prizes.

Rules & Terms

Films must be no longer than 90 seconds (not including credits).

All submitted films will be judged by our panel and shortlisted ahead of the festival. Only shortlisted films will be screened at the festival event. If your film is not screened, your submission fee is non-refundable.

We require all films submitted to have all necessary rights and releases secured before submission, including any music used. We, the festival promoters, are not liable for any copyright infringements or unauthorized usage and any conflict should be settled by the parties involved thereof. You, the filmmaker, are responsible for any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, and publicity.

You may submit multiple films for consideration.
You cannot submit the same film for consideration in more than one category.

We are unable to refund submission fees once your film has been submitted. Please ensure that your film is ready to submit before doing so.

Please enable 'Festival Downloads' in your film’s privacy settings. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

We cannot issue any fee waivers.

If your film is shortlisted, we may request a poster and a brief synopsis to include in the festival marketing.

All decisions made by the judges are final, and cannot be contested.

No premiere status required.

All films submitted must be free of charge for audiences to view.

Please be aware that entries will be credited as the person who submitted the film. This also applies to winners certificates & prizes.
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Theo Jones

    I've submitted films for a number of years and I'm always amazed by the incredible venue and hosts.
    The challenge of creating films with the unique limitations of a 90 second format is always a great opportunity for local and up and coming creatives!

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your continued support and your kind words Theo. We look forward to seeing what you create in the future!

  • Matt Prentice

    Expresso is fun, well organised and has a great selection of films. Really recommend.

    March 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your kind words and support. It really means a lot. We plan to continue running a varied and accessible festival year upon year.

  • Lori Hopkins

    This is a fanatstic festival - really accessible and a brilliant way to enter into the film industry. I'm so thrilled go have been part of it and will definitely be submitting again.

    March 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for supporting the festival! We loved your film and we're glad to hear you enjoyed it!

  • Ishmael Ali

    Absolutely incredible! 10/10 would submit a film again!

    March 2023
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks for your kind words Ishmael, glad you enjoyed the event!