Now in its third year, HeARTflicks is a boutique charity film screening held as part of the Adelaide Fringe — one of Australia’s largest arts festivals.

We are not a high-volume festival.
We are a curated screening experience where selected films are:
- Seen by a live, engaged audience
- Celebrated, not lost in a catalogue
- Discussed in a post-screening Meet-the-Makers session

Our focus is simple: Great storytelling. Real impact. Meaningful connection.

AWARDS & PRIZES
- Best Film - People's Choice
- Best Film - Judges' Award
- Official Selection
- Best Actor in a leading role
- Best Actor in a supporting role
- Best Screenplay
- Impact Award (for films aligned with social issues / positive change)

Total Prize Pool: $1,500 AUD

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
- Official Adelaide Fringe event
- Curated selection (limited program)
- Live Meet-the-Makers session
- Charity-aligned (Zahra Foundation)
- Direct audience connection — not just passive viewing

This is a screening where filmmakers are present, visible, and valued.

WHO SHOULD SUBMIT
- Narrative short films
- Character-driven stories
- Social impact films
- Emerging and established filmmakers

We are especially interested in films that:
- explore human relationships
- tackle meaningful or challenging themes
- leave a lasting emotional impact

EVENT DETAILS
- Adelaide, South Australia
- Part of Adelaide Fringe Festival
- Live in-cinema screening
- Includes filmmaker Q&A / networking

CHARITY PARTNER

HeARTflicks proudly supports the Zahra Foundation Australia, helping women impacted by domestic violence rebuild their lives through support, education, and employment pathways. A portion of proceeds contributes directly to this work.

FINAL NOTE TO FILMMAKERS

If you’re looking for a large red carpet premiere with Industry buyers and that delivers massive exposure... we may not be the right fit.

But if you want your film to be part of something meaningful - We’d love to consider your work.

People's Choice Award - $1000
Judges Choice Award - $500
Official Selection - Certificate
Best Actor - Certificate
Best Screenplay - Certificate

1. Films must raise awareness of a social issue related to recovering from domestic violence.
2. Films must have an underlying theme about - new beginnings, starting over, light at the end of a tunnel, stronger now,
3. Films can be of any genre. Narrative or documentary or experimental etc
4. Films can be of any length and be either a short film or a Feature.
5. Judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
6. Film selected will be screened live at selected venues for the duration of the 2027 Adelaide Fringe.
7. Films selected are not screened online.
8. Film makers retain all rights and only provide permission for their submission, if selected, to appear in selected cinemas as part of the Adelaide Fringe.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Dzianis Ivanou

    Порадовала коммуникация - на протяжении всего времени организаторы держали с нами связь. Хоть я немного ошибся и наш фильм не совсем соответствовал теме конкурса, нас взяли на внеконкурсную программу и высоко оценили фильм!

    May 2026
  • Vittorio Caratozzolo

    We are very proud for the Honorable Mention given to our beloved and pluri-awarded school short film «Pestis Muliebris». Thank you very much for this recognition!

    April 2026
  • My first festival selection for Football Crazy! A great festival in a fantastic theatre space, we also got named as a Silver heart finalist. The communication was fantastic and I’m very grateful for the opportunity. Thank you so much!

    March 2026
    Response from festival:

    We were proud to show your film. Great acting, great writing and beautifully shot.

  • Only in its second year - attendances were low. But they treated it like a world class event. Great venue, well organised, prize money for best picture and glass trophys. Every submission also got a review!

    March 2026
  • A brilliant film festival! Incredibly well organised, clear communication and a great thrill to show our film several times in the Adelaide Fringe festival.
    Highly recommend!

    March 2026
    Response from festival:

    Hands down your film was a clear favorite with audiences. You have to be proud of what you produced.