** Deadline extended to September 8**

PORT SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL 2023
The Coolest Film Festival in the Heart of the Tropics.

$15,000 AUD in cash & prizes.
OPEN TO WORLDWIDE

* BEST OPEN FILM - $5000 AUD
* MUSIC VIDEO AWARD - $1000 AUD
* DRONE AWARD - $1000 AUD
* LOCAL AWARD - $500 AUD
* YOUNG FILMMAKERS AWARD - Pro equipment approx. $2,000 AUD
* JUNIOR AWARD - 13-15 years - TBA
* JUNIOR AWARD - up to 12 years - Pro equipment approx. $750 AUD

Additional Prizes awarded:
* AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD
* PSYFA SHOUTOUT AWARD
* PORT SHORTS JURY PRIZE
* ATOM EMERGING ARTIST AWARD

Get ready for an experience that will ignite your passion for filmmaking like never before! The Port Shorts Film Festival 2023 is the coolest film festival in the heart of the tropics, providing a platform for creatives to showcase their talent and connect with some of Australia's most accomplished film exponents.

This festival is not just about winning over $15,000 in cash and prizes, but about celebrating the art of short film and the creativity of filmmakers from around the world. The prize pool is just the icing on the cake, with the real reward being the opportunity to be inspired.

The festival is proud to have acclaimed Australian actor Stephen Curry, Wolf Creek and Rogue Executive Producer Matt Hearn, and Aboriginal Australian award-winning actress, Rurrawuy Hick as official ambassadors, mentors, and judges.

The Port Shorts Film Festival is more than just a competition - it's a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the power of storytelling.

Join us in Port Douglas in October 2023 for an experience like no other. Immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere, connect with other creatives, and celebrate the magic of short film. We can't wait to see you there!

Awards & Prizes

PORT SHORTS OPEN FILMMAKERS AWARD
With $5,000 AUD up for grabs, the only restriction on films entered for the Port Shorts Open Filmmakers Awards is a maximum film length of fifteen (15) minutes, including titles and credits.
Any genre
Open to worldwide
PRIZE: $5,000 AUD cash

PORT SHORTS MUSIC VIDEO AWARD
You must gain permission from all relevant parties involved with or responsible for the creation of the song and music video.
Open to worldwide
PRIZE: $1,000 AUD cash

PORT SHORTS DRONE AWARD
Maximum film length five (5) minutes, including titles and credits, and 50% of the film must feature drone footage.
Any genre
Open to worldwide
PRIZE: $1,000 AUD cash

PORT SHORTS YOUNG FILMMAKERS AWARD - up to 18 years
Maximum film length five (5) minutes, including titles and credits, and 18 and under at the time of screening,
Any genre
Open to worldwide
PRIZE: Professional equipment valued at approx. $2,000 AUD

PORT SHORTS JUNIOR AWARD - 13-15 years
Filmmakers are eligible if they are aged 13-15 years at the time of screening and are based in Australia.
Maximum length is two (2) minutes, including titles and credits.
Any genre
PRIZE: TBA

PORT SHORTS JUNIOR AWARD - up to 12 years
Filmmakers are eligible if they are aged up to 12 years at the time of screening and are based in Australia.
Maximum length is two (2) minutes, including titles and credits.
Any genre
PRIZE: professional equipment valued at approx. $750 AUD

PORT SHORTS LOCAL FILMMAKERS AWARD
Only residents of the Douglas Shire, Cairns Regional Shire, Mareeba Shire, Tablelands Shire, Wujal Wujal and Cook Shire are eligible to enter the Port Shorts Local Filmmakers Awards.
Maximum film length is four (4) minutes, including titles and credits.
Any genre
PRIZE: $500 AUD

ADDITIONAL PRIZES AWARDED:

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD
PSYFA SHOUT OUT AWARD (Audience Choice)
PORT SHORTS JURY PRIZE
EMERGING ARTIST AWARD

Rules & Terms

TERMS & CONDITIONS – PORT SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL, 2023

PORT SHORTS 2023 ENTRY GUIDELINES
• Port Shorts is open to everyone, from the first time filmmaker to the seasoned
professional
• Films must have been completed after Feb 1st, 2022
• Films must be eligible for one of the following categories:

Port Shorts Open Filmmakers Award
Port Shorts Music Video Award
Port Shorts Drone Award
Port Shorts Young Filmmakers Award
Port Shorts Local Award
Port Shorts Junior Award (13-15)
Port Shorts Junior Award (up to 12)

SUBMITTING YOUR ENTRY
* All entries must be submitted online at FilmFreeway (www.filmfreeway.com). We prefer submissions to be .MP4 or .MOV formats, but please contact us at info@portshorts.com if you have any questions.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
By entering the Port Shorts Film Festival, you agree that Port Shorts Inc. may use screen shots and up to 20 seconds of footage from your film for any marketing and publicity purposes.

If your film is selected for the Open Competition you will be sent a letter of confirmation by the 9th September 2023 and we ask that you submit a video introducing yourself to the Port Shorts audience - up to 15 seconds (be as creative as you wish).

If your film is selected for the competition, a high-resolution version needs to be available for download through FilmFreeway (e.g. through the interface or a Vimeo link).
You agree that Port Shorts Inc., a not-for-profit organisation, may exhibit the film in total at the 2023 Port Shorts Film Festival and festival events.

If your short film is selected as a finalist at the 2023 Port Shorts Film Festival: after two years, Port Shorts Inc., has the right to reproduce the film in part or in total for inclusion on the Port Shorts website, YouTube Channel, Vimeo Channel or for any other promotional purposes.

Filmmakers are allowed to submit more than one film for the Festival provided that each film is submitted separately and meets the Festival guidelines. Films entered into previous Port Shorts Film Festival events are not eligible.

Winning filmmakers give permission to Port Shorts Inc. to show their film privately to potential sponsors.

By entering the Port Shorts Film Festival you are confirming that you have obtained all the necessary permissions to enter the film and that the film does not infringe the rights, including the copyright of any third party. By entering, you release Port Shorts Inc. from any claim and all responsibilities relating to or arising from its use of the film.

ELIGIBILITY
Entries for the PSYFA Filmmaker Awards, and Local Filmmaker Awards must provide evidence of eligibility.

PSYFA filmmakers: all major roles (e.g.. the Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Editor) must all be 18 years or under at the time of screening.

Indemnity
The filmmaker and its agents agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Port Shorts Inc., the judges and sponsors – individually and collectively – from claims, losses, damages, demands, costs and any liabilities relating to films submitted to the festival.

Waiver Codes
Please note we do not issue waiver codes for any category of the Port Shorts Film Festival. This is to keep the competition fair for all.

The Festival
By entering Port Shorts Film Festival, you agree that Port Shorts Inc. have the final say to exhibit your film at the Port Shorts Film Festival or not. By submitting your film and entry fee, it does not guarantee acceptance of your film into the Port Shorts Film Festival. You also agree that you are aware that all films received will be judged and that some films may not be selected to be shown at the festival. You also understand that the entry fee for the festival is non-refundable and the judges’ decisions are final.

Ready to enter? Let’s go!
23 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Yamato H

    Thank you for grateful time!
    Someday I hope to attend the festival.

    October 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Yamato! We hope you can visit us too!

  • Chris Tangey

    I'm one for "telling it like it is" with festivals, but this one really was very good, great communication and very well planned.

    October 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Chris - Hope you can make it to Port Shorts sometime!

  • Luke Lowe

    What a wonderful organisation, just beautiful people who took the extra steps to chat and and make time for us. Could not recommend this festival more!!!

    October 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Luke :)

  • Stig Wemyss

    Bloody fantastic festival! The location, the people, the host, the standard of films. Everything about Port Shorts is wonderful. I cant wait for next year! Thank you.

    October 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Hope to see you in October Stig!

  • Lisa Bishop

    A wonderfully Australian outdoor film festival in a stunning location. Communication by organisers was brilliant and they were very welcoming. Grateful to have had our short Happy Anniversary selected.

    October 2022
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