Welcome to Films That Inspire, Melbourne’s most uplifting global film festival, where we celebrate the visionaries behind films that truly make a difference.

If your film moves, touches, inspires, educates or leaves any kind of meaningful impact on the viewer, we want to see it, celebrate it and promote it. That includes comedy or any feel good film!

This year, we especially want to see more narrative feature and short films!

We’re not just a festival; we’re a hybrid hub and online platform dedicated to recognising the power of storytelling in shaping minds and transforming the world.

Our aim is to support filmmakers who are making a difference by creating a global hub that celebrates inspiring directors, unites their films, and helps them gain financial rewards through distribution and streaming opportunities.

Each year we receive hundreds of submissions, and if your film is selected it’s a real achievement. Every selected filmmaker receives an official certificate of acceptance and laurel, honouring your success and giving you a valuable tool to promote your film. In addition, all category winners receive a trophy award, ensuring your achievement is recognised and celebrated in a lasting way.

Here, your film is more than just a reel, it’s a catalyst for change. Films That Inspire provides a stage for your work to shine, offering a unique opportunity to showcase your creativity, educate diverse audiences, and leave an indelible mark on the world.
We welcome a broad spectrum of cinematic creations, short films, animations, music videos, and documentaries that embody the values of education, empowerment, inspiration, truth, and uniqueness. Your story matters, and we want to amplify it.

🌍 Exposure & Reach
Selected works are featured in our festival program, and some are then included in our optional promotional online library and growing industry showcase. This ensures your work continues to shine long after the festival itself, reaching global audiences, industry leaders, distributors, and fellow filmmakers who recognise the impact of powerful storytelling, while also opening the door to future financial rewards through subscription revenue as our platform grows. Participation in the showcase library and future revenue program is completely optional.

🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognition at Films That Inspire is truly global. Every winning film receives a trophy and certificate, with a dedicated award for each category — because we believe in honouring art that uplifts, inspires, and sparks positive change.

💡 A Movement, Not Just a Festival
Films That Inspire isn’t just an event, it’s a movement with a global impact. Through the lens of visual media, we aim to uplift humanity, challenge perspectives, and spark transformation. Your film becomes a beacon of inspiration, influencing the next generation of creators, changemakers, and dreamers.

✨ You’re not just part of a festival; you’re in the spotlight as one of the top inspirational films of the year. Join our global community now!

Submit your film, inspire the world, and be part of something extraordinary.

Awards & Prizes

Most Inspiring Film Award - Trophy (All films included)

Most Moving Award - Trophy (All films included)

Most Magic Film - Trophy (All films included)

Best Feature Film - Trophy

Best Feature Documentary - Trophy

Best Docudrama - Trophy

Best Short Film - Trophy

Best Animation - Trophy

Best Music Video - Trophy

Best Student Film - Trophy

Rules & Terms

Films That Inspire – Rules & Terms

Submitting your film to Films That Inspire is an exciting step towards sharing your creative vision with the world. Our goal is to celebrate your work and extend its reach to inspire audiences worldwide. Please review the following terms to ensure everything is clear.

1. Permissions & Copyright

By submitting your film, you confirm that you hold the full permissions, copyright, or ownership of the material you are sharing. You also agree to indemnify and hold harmless Films That Inspire from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from a breach of this confirmation.

2. Festival Showcase

Selected films will be featured as part of our quarterly Films That Inspire program, presented online through secure third-party platforms and, on occasion, at live events.

3. Delivery

For selected films, we require a 1920 × 1080 H.264 or MP4 version within 14 days of notification. Being accepted into Films That Inspire is an acknowledgment of your achievement, and all filmmakers will receive a certificate of acceptance.

4. Awards

Trophies and, at times, cash prizes may be awarded to winners in specific categories. Award winners will be notified during the event. Prizes must be claimed within 30 days and may incur a delivery cost.

5. Ongoing Online Library

* After the initial 3-month festival period, your film will remain in our Films That Inspire online library, where new films are added quarterly.

* You may request removal of your film any time after the first 60 days; removals will be processed within 14 days.

* Films are included on a non-exclusive basis — you remain free to distribute elsewhere.

*Films That Inspire reserves the right to remove a film at any time without prior notice.

6. Subscriptions & Revenue Sharing

* Films That Inspire may charge ticket, membership, or subscription fees for access to the online library.

*At present, subscription income is reinvested into running costs and growth.

* Once we reach 800 subscribers (the point at which basic festival running costs are covered), we will begin a filmmaker revenue-share program for all films included on our promotional platform. This share for our listed partners will then increase step by step as the community grows, reaching up to 50% of subscription revenue at 3,500 subscribers. Full program details will be provided once revenue sharing becomes active.

* Until this threshold is reached, there is no financial compensation for inclusion in the festival or online library.

7. Rights & Security

Films That Inspire holds the rights to use and showcase the event and all selected films as described above. While we take every measure to keep your films secure during screenings, we cannot be responsible for piracy or copying on third-party websites beyond our control.

8. Future Ownership

In the unlikely event that Films That Inspire is transferred to new ownership, filmmakers will be notified and may request removal of their work if they wish.

9. Liability

Films That Inspire accepts no liability for filmmakers not reviewing or understanding this agreement. By submitting, you agree that your film may be hosted as part of the festival and library, and you waive any claims against Films That Inspire for its inclusion under these terms.

10. Disputes

If you have any concerns, disputes, or requests, you agree to contact us directly before posting negative feedback, publishing online commentary, or pursuing any formal action. Films That Inspire is committed to resolving issues in good faith and doing our best to ensure our filmmakers are satisfied wherever possible.

So, submit your film, let the magic begin, and together, let's inspire the world one frame at a time.
14 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Alex Oliver

    We are delighted to have been selected as the 2025 Best Documentary! The festival organizers were quick to answer any questions and we had nothing but positive feedback from the virtual screenings.

    - Producer of "A Man Called Hurt: The Life and Music of Mississippi John Hurt"

    January 2026
    Helpful
  • Ken Allen

    Awesome people dedicated to great and worthwhile films.. 👍

    November 2023
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  • Luke Thomson

    Brilliant festival, it was great to be part of it! I love their commitment to sharing and acknowledging inspiring films. I wish there was more festivals like this! Great communication and good exposure, I will certainly be submitting more films in the future. Thank you.

    November 2023
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  • Jemma Craig

    My short films "Breathe In" and "Quetta Brown" were a part of Films That Inspire, Breathe In winning best documentary! even though I could not attend the event, the hosts made me feel very welcome and we were in touch digitally. Was great to receive a trophy in the mail, my first of its kind! Thank You!

    November 2023
    Helpful
  • Sandra Belts

    It was fantastic to be part of Films That Inspire. What a wonderful team! Thank you for accepting my film Visions.

    November 2023
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