​ABOUT ORION IFF
​
Orion International Film Festival (ORION IFF) is an independent, live-screening film festival dedicated to thoughtfully curated cinema and the shared experience of film in a public setting.

Founded in Australia over a decade ago, ORION IFF presents a selective programme of international narrative and documentary films to engaged audiences. The festival focuses on original, human-centred stories that demonstrate strong cinematic language, clear creative intent, and emotional resonance.

Programming is deliberate and considered, prioritising films that explore the human condition through character, observation, and place. Selection favours works that balance storytelling and visual craft with overall cinematic cohesion, and that are suited to attentive cinema exhibition.
​
Films are reviewed through a curated judging process informed by industry experience and practical programming considerations. ORION IFF maintains a selective acceptance rate of approximately 10–12%, and not all categories are awarded each year. Assessment places primary emphasis on creative merit, alongside key areas of craft including cinematography, performance, editing, and sound design.

First Screening Event for 2026 – Creatively Fearless Short Films
Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery, Queensland, Australia
Event details:
https://www.srag.org.au/events/orionfilm2026

Awards & Prizes

ORION IFF presents a jury-assessed awards program recognising excellence in cinematic storytelling, artistic vision, and film craft. Jury distinctions include Semi-Finalist, Finalist, Nominee, Highly Commended, and Winner. Awards reflect the outcome of jury review and deliberation.

OFFICIAL SELECTION
Films designated as Official Selections are selected for public screening and presentation within ORION IFF screening programmes and curated exhibition events.

FILM AWARDS
Best Feature Documentary
Best Short Documentary
Best Human Rights Film
Best Ethnographic Film
Best Environmental Film
Best Feature Narrative
Best Short Narrative
Best Comedy
Best Animation
Best Experimental Film
Best Virtual Reality Film
Best AI (Artificial Intelligence) Film

AUDIENCE AWARD
Selected through audience voting and viewer comments gathered during ORION IFF screening events, the Audience Award recognises films that create a lasting emotional connection through cinematic storytelling and audience response.

FILM CRAFT AWARDS
All entered films may be considered for Film Craft Awards across eligible categories.
Best Actor
Best Editing
Best Sound Design
Best Cinematography
Best Short Screenplay
Best Feature Screenplay

Rules & Terms

RULES & TERMS
Films must have been completed between 2024 and 2026.
All non-English language films must include English language subtitles.
Submissions must be uploaded and completed by the applicable deadline in order to qualify for the corresponding entry fees.

Films must be available for download via platforms such as FilmFreeway, Vimeo Screener, MyAirBridge, or Dropbox. Submitters are required to provide a download link and grant permission for their film to be screened at ORION IFF live screening events.
Short excerpts or trailers from submitted films may be used for promotional purposes on the ORION IFF website and associated platforms. Only partial excerpts will be used.
Films are selected by festival programmers for the ORION International Film Festival. Officially selected filmmakers will be notified via email. Jury deliberations are confidential, and all decisions are final.

DIGITAL PRESS KIT REQUIREMENTS
If selected, filmmakers are asked to provide the following materials:
Three publicity stills
Film poster (1400 × 2100 pixels, 72 dpi)
Full production credits
Director biography
Film synopsis (maximum 130 words)
Film trailer (up to 30 seconds, if available)
91 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jaime Cobo

    It has been an experience to be among those selected for this important festival.

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • David Matchett

    We were honoured to have TYCHO! Beyond the Baton selected as a finalist in the Orion Film Festival. It was amazing to work with a professional and supportive team, promoting Australian quality productions, telling inspirational stories.

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Salaheddin Noori

    A festival with a professional team and regular planning You are also sure that your film will be carefully reviewed and you will get what you deserve I am happy that I was a part of the festival in 2026

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Carling Ernstzen

    The Orion Film Festival has been one of the highlights of my festival journey. Although I was unable to attend in person, the team were exceptional in their communication and support throughout. Winning the Audience Choice Award was incredibly special for our team, and I was so grateful to receive beautiful photographs from the festival and to contribute an introduction video for the screening.

    The work they curate is outstanding, and the care they show filmmakers is truly remarkable. To have this honour bestowed on our film genuinely blew my mind. I cannot say enough positive things about this exceptional festival and would wholeheartedly recommend filmmakers consider submitting as part of their Australian festival strategy.

    March 2026
    Helpful
  • Katya Mokolo

    Thank you for including Bartogay Lake in the gallery event. So humble to be screened on other part of the world and have your work discovered by different audiance. Communication was top notch and can't wait to submit again with a new project

    March 2026
    Helpful