S-Burst Film Festival

In 2023 the StarBurst Film Festival and Filmmaking Symposium Festival was opened by The Australian Prime Minister’s Envoy for the Arts, the Honourable Susan Templeman MP at a VIP event also attended by Penrith MP the Honourable Karen McKeown and Deputy Mayor now Mayor of Penrith Councilor Todd Carney and receives ongoing support in kind

In 2024 the S-BFF&FS found a new home at Panthers and we are thrilled to announce that the festival has received substantial venue support via Club Grants Funding again in 2025

In 2026 we are launching our Feature Film Category (All Genres)

Located in Western Sydney, on the banks of the picturesque Nepean River and at the base of The Blue Mountains, Penrith is the home to countless filmmakers keen to perfect their craft and network amongst likeminded people across the region and beyond. The festival will not only provide them with a unique opportunity to learn from some of Australia’s leading film practitioners but also to network with film professionals.

The festival offers an opportunity to utilise our local assets to grow capacity and opportunity in our region for early career filmmakers, and to connect to an industry with no existing natural home in this important creative and vibrant region.

In 2025 the accessible and multifaceted festival will continue to encourage the development of local filmmakers in Penrith and western Sydney, whilst also developing audiences, bringing quality Australian screen content to the region and providing an opportunity for local businesses to provide food options for everyone to enjoy

The community engagement and industry development section of the project will see the festival develop connections with local, emerging film talent. In partnership with the local multicultural agencies, we will reach out to underrepresented and marginalized groups, encouraging filmmakers to enter the festival competition.

“Thank you for creating this festival, it needs to happen out here.”
[2023 festival goers]