These screen awards are part of the Rangebow Festival in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, an annual arts and culture festival celebrating the creative life and spirit of the Blackall Range.

Are you an aspiring or seasoned filmmaker, or game developer, based in Queensland, Australia? Or someone who loves new films, games, art, and storytelling? This event showcases Queensland creatives and introduces everyone to screen media professionals in the Sunshine Coast community. Find specially curated and competition programs, workshops, and talks from exciting industry speakers.

The Rangebow MicroFilm shortish film and game fest invites entries in animation, documentary, narrative, experimental short films, and short games.

It's time to script and film your 3-8 minute gem now – or, save the date for exciting viewing and discussion!

Our screen awards also feature a micro game category. So, developers and aspiring game developers, start working on your small games with an estimated play time of 5 to 10 minutes.

Awards & Prizes

Films screened at the Rangebow Festival MicroFilm event will be the official selection, including shortlisted entries chosen by our panel of expert judges.

Awards in 2026 include laurel recognition for official selection, and:
Best in Fest - $1,000
Best in Region (Sunshine Coast) - $1,000
Maleny Film Society Prize - $300 for a student who is a resident of the Sunshine Coast hinterland & 1 year membership of the Sunshine Coast Screen Collective
Best Actor - 1 year contract & mentorship with RubyBlue Artists
Best Micro Game - $300.

Rules & Terms

Terms and Conditions

1. Filmmakers and game developers own all of the rights to their film.
2. Filmmakers and game developers must reside in Queensland, Australia.
3. Film Entries must be submitted as high-resolution MP4 digital files. The length of the film must be no shorter than 3 minutes, and no longer than 8 minutes. Game Entries must be submitted as high-resolution MP4 game-play walk through video that must be no shorter than 3 minutes, and no longer than 8 minutes, and must provide a link to an executable build of the game that can be downloaded, installed and played.
4. Entries must have been created in 2025 or 2026, and ideally respond to the festival themes of diversity, reconciliation, inclusion, or sustainability.
5. Multiple submissions are allowed, however a separate entry is required for each.
6. Submissions will only be accepted through FilmFreeway.
7. Filmmakers and game developers grant The Rangebow Festival the rights to exhibit the film and game at the Rangebow MicroFilm event.
8. Filmmakers and game developers warrant that they have obtained all necessary permissions to enter this film or game, and that it does not infringe the rights of a third party in any way. Filmmakers and game developers indemnify and hold harmless The Rangebow Festival and its directors, producers, and sponsors against any claims caused by filmmakers' or game developers' failure to obtain necessary consents.
9. Submitting a short film or game does not guarantee screening or acceptance. If a film or game is selected for screening, the filmmaker or developer will receive a confirmation email by 21 September 2026.
10. The festival may promote clips or stills from short listed entries on social media, with the filmmaker or game developers' prior written permission.
11. Films or games submitted in a language other than English must include English subtitles.
12. All films and games will be scored by a panel of judges. The decision of the festival is final.
13. The festival has the full right to select the films or games to be screened. No screening fees will be paid.
14. Screening is scheduled during The Rangebow Festival program. In the unlikely event that the date and venue of the Rangebow MicroFilm event must be changed, filmmakers and game developers will be notified by email.
15. The festival takes reasonable confidentiality precautions, and access to entries is limited to competition administrators and others requiring access for judging or screening of entries. Filmmakers and game developers release The Rangebow Festival from any and all liability in the event of unauthorized access or copying of their entry during the competition process.
16. The Rangebow MicroFilm entry fee is non-refundable.
17. Submitting an entry to Rangebow MicroFilm implies the acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
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Networking
  • Sherree Halliwell

    It was an honour to present a culinary of errors at Rangebow MicroFilm Festival in 2025. For anyone considering entering this wonderful celebration of colour and creativity, I would heartily encourage them to do so. The events surrounding the festival are all fabulous too. Why not make a holiday of the experience and fully embrace this vibrant region!

    March 2026
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  • Dan Tomlinson

    An inclusive celebration that provided the opportunity to showcase regional films and celebrate the diverse screen industry !

    December 2025
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  • Martin Doyle

    A big THANK YOU to Rangebow for screening my short film A Dog's Tale at their 2025 micro film festival! As an emerging Independant film maker it's difficult getting into film festivals and getting recognition. The event was well run in a great venue at a convenient location. The organisers were welcoming and pleasant. I was there at 9am and enjoyed the whole day and every session. There were many interesting and fun short films. THANK YOU again Rangebow, Maleny film society and your sponsers!

    October 2025
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  • Stephen Walker

    An amazing and inclusive festival promoting creatives in the region. It was a welcoming and fun event too, run by passionate people. Thank you

    December 2023
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  • Hing Ang

    A great festival for lovers of the craft. It is obvious a lot of heart goes into this event.

    August 2023
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