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

There's really only one catch....your film has to have heart. We are looking for real and raw stories that will challenge our view of humanity. These can be any genre you like - but please be unapologetic in your exploration of what encapsulates the human spirit.

We invite you to send in your latest project, to be adjudicated by some of Brisbane's influential filmmaking professionals, with some special international guests! If officially selected, you will be screened at our live event, alongside other inspirational filmmakers....this is set to be 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 for the human spirit.

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
Young Filmmakers Award
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 30 minutes and under. 

Films must have been completed after 1 January 2020.

Non-English dialogue must be subtitled.

Official Selections receive a laurel and live screening.

Honourable Mentions receive a laurel.

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 will 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.

26 Reviews
Overall Rating
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Networking
  • Ryan White

    2nd time in a row going to Sparrowland Short Film Festival and I have thoroughly enjoyed the talent on display. It is an excellent place for networking, talking goss about the industry and enjoying amazing short films by some very talented artists! The organisers work so hard putting together the program and you can feel the love and attention bleed through the festival. I wholeheartedly recommend the Sparrowland film festival to any film lover in Brisbane!

    July 2023
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    Response from festival:

    It was SOOO good to have you back again, Ryan, and this year with your own project in the lineup! Sending you guys a heap of LOVE and can't wait to see you at the next one! <3

  • Lark Lee

    It was a brilliant festival that brought Brisbane indie film community together. It wasn't just a film festival; there were stage acting, musical singer and other artists. I loved being part of it!!!

    March 2023
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    Response from festival:

    We're so glad you enjoyed the festival Lark, we loved having you! Congratulations on your win for Best Horror! It certainly is an exceptional and nail-biting film! Hope to see you at future festivals! All the best, Sparrowland <3

  • Katrina Channells

    Our film 'Not To Be' won Best Australian Short + The People's Choice Award! Couldn't have asked for a better outcome. The night was so inspiring and well curated. Sparrowland is a great festival for new and established artists. Thanks for including us in the festival!

    March 2023
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    Response from festival:

    It was such a pleasure having you Katrina! 'Not To Be' was loved by all, such an outstanding film. Looking forward to seeing your future work. Thanks again for being part of our little festival! <3

  • Jean-Baptiste Canac

    What an extraordinary festival! An all afternoon experience amazingly well organised by a Team of wonderful creatives. Such a fun and vibrant experience, a true festival in all its depth/meaning/fun. Thank you programmers and judges for awarding our Short film Wendy & Vee, much appreciated by all our beautiful cast an crew who worked hard on this project.
    I can't wait for next year to attend again!

    March 2023
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    Response from festival:

    This means so much to us! We were so honoured to have you attend and so pleased you felt the community spirit of which we are so proud! We are very much looking forward to following your exciting career and seeing you next year!

  • Brad Tereszkun

    We entered our short film 'Pass It On' which received the Human Spirit Award. The cast and crew worked very hard to bring the best of an amazing script. A big thank you to Sparrowland for the recognition of our hard work and also the recognition that the message in this film deserves. Unfortunately couldn't make it to the festival but from what I have seen it looks absolutely amazing.

    March 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Pass It On was such a stunning and impactful film, Brad. We're so proud of the cast & crew for bringing this important message to the screen. It really is so deserving of the Human Spirit Award. Congratulations again for the win. <3