The Melbourne Independent Film Festival connects global filmmakers with audiences in a diverse, culturally vibrant community by presenting films in its virtual competition and promoting the winners and honorable mentions of each edition in Australia and abroad.

The committee seeks films that engage, entertain, experiment and educate through the power of visual storytelling. Independent film projects of all genres from international talents go through our programming team and the official selections compete in various sections of the competition.

As an emerging international festival, the Melbourne Independent Film Festival aims to be one of the leading film festivals for international film-makers, screenwriters and talents who are dedicated to the cinematic language. It is a unique and innovative online platform for new talent and a celebration of cinematic creativity and innovation.

Awards & Prizes

Categories

Short Fiction
Short Animation
Short Documentary
Best Feature Film
Best Student Film
Best Director
Best Woman Filmmaker
Best Man Filmmaker
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Best Cinematography
Best Original Screenplay
Best Film Editing
Best Sound
Music Score
Best Film on Women’s issue
Best Virtual Reality / 360º Film
Best Trailer / Teaser

Rules & Terms

Regulations:

Short film entries must be under 40 minutes in length. Running time is calculated by timing the head frame to the last frame on the end credits.

The appropriate entry fee must accompany each entry. This nonrefundable fee covers screening and handling costs and will not be returned.

The film or video must have been completed after January 1, 2020.

Films or videos using uncredited, non-licensed, copyrighted musical or literary properties without legal permission and appropriate attribution credits are not eligible.

The competition is open to professional and nonprofessional filmmakers.

This is an online film Festival, and there will be no physical screening

Entries must be submitted in the completed form in which they will be judged.

The festival reserves the right to change the date of the event without having the approval of the submitters

The decisions of the Jury are final. The Jury reserves the right not to select a winner in any given category. The Jury reserves the right to change a category to the benefit of the film.
82 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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  • Dianne Lang

    I’m so thrilled for my music video “Bye Bye Baby” to be selected in this festival. Thank you so much. I am very honoured to be part of this festival and will enter the competition again.

    July 2026
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  • Bolero Patrizia Masi

    Good morning! Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to participate in your Melbourne Independent Film Festival! I am delighted that my film, *Rosso Improvviso* (Suddenly Red), was selected as a semi-finalist for Best Female Director. Reaching the semi-finals—or even the finals—among hundreds of feature, medium-length, and short films is truly a miracle. This recognition honors the talent, dedication, and sacrifices of an extraordinary team that believed in this film from the very first take 🎬.
    A special thank you goes to the Festival Organizers and to every single professional who played a part in this ongoing journey. Now, we await the next verdict with the same enthusiasm we felt on the first day of filming 🚀.
    I am so proud of this incredible team. The journey continues! 🏆 Thank you again for the amazing thrill you’ve given me ❤️ Patrizia Masi

    July 2026
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  • ilmar karuso

    It was an honour to be a part of this outstanding festival. ilmar karuso

    July 2026
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  • MASOOD ALI

    "I was thrilled to see 'The Quran' receive an award at the
    Melbourne Independent Film Festival!
    I must commend the festival for its sincere and genuine approach to recognizing outstanding films. The exceptional judging panel's unbiased selection truly reflects the festival's commitment to excellence. May Almighty bless this festival and its future endeavors. Kudos to the team for maintaining such high standards!

    Masood Ali Hollywood 2 Bollywood Pictures"

    July 2026
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  • Sunil Datar

    Melbourne in Australia sounds so far from Canada. However, the feeling of Pride & Joy keeps us together. I am glad that my movie, MAYA, received recognition in Australia. Wonderful and Excellent.

    July 2026
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