Sparrowland Short Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing independent films and providing film makers with a platform from which to have their voices heard...indie style!

We are looking for unique, heartfelt, mind bending or gut wrenching stories that challenge and express humanity- the ugly and the beautiful. These can be any genre you like - but be unapologetic and free in your exploration of what makes us human, and encapsulates the human spirit.

We invite you to send in your latest project, to be adjudicated by some of Australia's influential filmmaking professionals, with some special international guests! If officially selected, you will be screened at our live event, alongside other inspirational filmmakers....a massive celebration of all things indie!

We are so looking forward to receiving your submissions and sharing your stories, in this celebration of love for indie films and the human spirit. For little shorts...with BIG hearts.

Awards & Prizes

Best Australian Film
Best Queensland Film
Best International Film
Best Student Film
Best High School Film
Best Documentary
Best Music Video
Best Trailer
Best TV / Web-Series
Best Horror
Best Animation
Best Queer
Human Spirit Award
People's Choice Award

Rules & Terms

SLSFF is open to Australian and International short films, documentaries and videography projects. 

SLSFF will accept short films only - A duration of 20 minutes and under. 

Films must have been completed after 1 January 2025.

Non-English dialogue must be subtitled.

Official Selections receive a laurel and live screening.

Honourable Mentions receive a laurel.

Honourable Mentions may also be selected to screen at the organiser’s discretion. These will be decided after judging is finalised and programming is completed for the official selections.

We will contact all filmmakers on the notification date to inform you of your status.

If selected, your film will only be used for the purpose of this festival.

If selected to screen at the festival, you will be required to supply promotion material such as posters, social media graphics and trailers. A 10-second non-spoiler clip from your film may be used as promo for the festival.

By submitting your project, you agree that you own the rights to your project and/or have received permissions of use including any music used. The festival is not liable for any copyright infringements.

By submitting to the festival, you agree to waiver all legal action against the festival, its organisers, venue, associates, stakeholders, families and or affiliates.
35 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Georgie Smibert

    Sparrowland SFF is a wonderful festival that celebrates the heart of independent filmmaking. Caroline has created an incredibly supportive community who come together to share their expertise through industry panels and practical workshops. It was an honour to have Choice shown alongside so many wonderful films and fabulous to meet many fellow filmmakers throughout the weekend.

    February 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Georgie and it was an honour to share your beautiful film with our audiences! We hope to see you back again and can't wait to see what you create next!

  • Louis Dickins

    A brilliant film festival! So well organised and unique in it's drive to platform new, bold voices. A great thrill to screen our film Wise Words in such a great festival.
    Highly recommend.

    January 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Louis and congrats on a fabulous film! It was received with such delight by our live audience. Keep creating!

  • Jack Hinz

    Great festival! And love the support for high school and film school students as well!

    January 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    The highschool category is one of our favourites thanks Jack! Thanks for sharing your fabulous film with us. Best of luck for a creative and inspired future of filmmaking :)

  • Punch Buggy Pictures

    Sparrowland Film Festival rocks!!! Such an amazing team. Met lots of other filmmakers. Caz is a true champion of the independent film industry. And Brisbane has so much film work going on. thoroughly recommend.

    January 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Punch Buggy rocks!! What an awesome pleasure to have you join us and screen your hilarious film with our audiences! Congrats on the huge success of your short film and looking forward to seeing you at the next one!

  • Mythravarun Vepakomma

    Immense gratitude to the festival team for this incredible opportunity! It has been a fantastic experience being able to showcase my work in such a dynamic and creative setting. I'm especially thankful to the founders for their commitment to amplifying indie voices and creating a space where filmmakers can come together to learn, share, and celebrate. Thank you for making this journey so memorable!

    September 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your kind words! We were so happy to include your film in our festival and cannot wait to see what you create next!