From the shadows of the unconventional to the spotlight of Melbourne and Sydney cinema screens, Fantastic Film Festival Australia (FFFA) promises a spectacle of the weird, wonderful, and wholly unexpected. FFFA is set to captivate curious audiences with its panoramic celebration of new and provocative films that dare to venture beyond the cinematic norm.

If you have a questioning eye, creative flair and a bold cinematic sensibility, we want to hear from you!

Awards & Prizes

Fantastic Film Festival Australia and Umbrella Entertainment are proud to present the inaugural Fantastic Film Prize. A landmark initiative celebrating the boldest voices in Australian genre cinema.

With a $10,000 cash prize awarded to the winning feature-length film, this new competition is set to spotlight visionary filmmakers pushing the boundaries of horror, sci-fi, fantasy, action, cult, and the downright unclassifiable.

We’re seeking original, completed Australian feature films that dare to thrill, provoke, mesmerise or completely defy expectations.

A curated selection of entries will screen in competition at FFFA 2026, with the Fantastic Film Prize winner chosen by a jury of esteemed industry leaders during the festival.

👉 For full eligibility and entry details, visit: https://www.fantasticfilmfestival.com.au/fantastic-film-prize-terms-conditions

Rules & Terms

For standard submissions:
• Secure online screeners are the only method of submission.
• FFFA requires VIC and NSW premieres for all feature submissions. If the film is already available online and you would like special consideration, reach out to festival management.
• Films do not have to be subtitled or dubbed if not essential to the comprehension of film.
• All shipping and handling costs to and from the festival office will be covered by the entrant.
• It's the participant's responsibility to make sure the rights to their films are cleared for the festival. The festival will not be held liable for any issues or lawsuits regarding any films that are entered into the festival.
• Fees will not be reimbursed if not selected for the festival.
• By entering this festival, you agree to have a 1-30 second excerpt of your film used for festival promotional purposes only - unless you advise otherwise.
• Fantastic Film Festival Australia reserves the right to use any stills from selected films for promotional purposes related to the festival.

For entries to the Fantastic Film Prize visit: https://www.fantasticfilmfestival.com.au/fantastic-film-prize-terms-conditions

4 Reviews
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Value
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  • Matthew Keisoglu

    Absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Hudson and the entire FFFA team are the best. This festival is driven by wonderful communication, a strong sense of community, and genuine passion.

    If you like weird stuff, this is for you. We were honoured to be part of the 2026 programme in Melbourne Shorts with ‘When Dogs Bark’. So much fun.

    May 2026
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  • Eric Zac Perry

    Thanks for having BLUEBIRD be apart of the Sydney Shorts. Thrilled to be apart of it in such a great festival. Special thanks to Alexei, Hudson and the whole team for championing genre-filmmaking in Australia.

    May 2025
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  • Lachlan Plain

    I love this festival. I went last year when I didn't have a film in it and saw some awesome films. I have seen another couple of films this year. They have all been of a high quality. And it was so good to see my film among some other great Melbourne and Sydney shorts too. Thank you so much.

    May 2025
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  • Edvard Christie

    Great to be a part of this festival! Excellent venue and communication

    May 2024
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