Founded in 2022 by Griffith University student Cassie Sharp, Stud. Shots is a dynamic Brisbane (Meanjin)-based short film festival dedicated to celebrating and connecting the creative talents of high school, undergraduate, and postgraduate students, as well as alumni. Since its inception, the festival has grown into a vibrant hub for showcasing emerging filmmakers through screenings, awards, Q&A sessions, workshops, networking events, and more.

Connecting Students Across the Nation
Stud. Shots is passionate about fostering meaningful connections across generations of filmmakers and storytellers. By encouraging students to share their experiences, aspirations, and memories, the festival promotes dialogue and understanding between high school students and alumni. This initiative cultivates a supportive community united by storytelling, creativity, and shared journey.

Showcasing Emerging Talent & Achieving Growth
Each year, we screen 10-15 student films, providing a platform for fresh voices and innovative storytelling. Our festival consistently sells out at every edition, reflecting the strong community support and enthusiasm for student filmmaking in Queensland. We aim to continue expanding opportunities for young filmmakers to gain exposure and recognition.

Supporting Emerging Talent & Overcoming Challenges
While Queensland hosts renowned film festivals, many young filmmakers face barriers such as high submission fees, stiff competition, and limited guidance. Stud. Shots aims to break down these obstacles by providing accessible opportunities for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their work, develop their skills, and gain exposure in an inclusive environment.

Prioritising Diversity & Inclusion
Committed to celebrating diversity, Stud. Shots actively screens and supports multicultural films and stories from underrepresented voices. By showcasing a wide range of cultural narratives, the festival enriches the filmmaking community and promotes understanding, empathy, and connection among audiences.

Ready to share your story?
We invite emerging filmmakers from all backgrounds across Queensland to submit their films and be part of this inspiring community. Your story could be the next to shine on our big screen.

Awards & Prizes

Films selected for the 2026 program will be eligible for a number of awards which this year includes:
Best National Short Film
Best Queensland Short Film
Best Documentary
Best Music Video
Best Animation
Best Social Media Video
People's Choice Award
Festival Director's Pick
Best High School Short Film
Best University/Alumni Short Film

Rules & Terms

Submission Requirements:
- Submissions should range between 2 to 15 minutes, with two separate entry points for 2-5 minute films and 5-15 minute films.
- The Film can be either a Short Film, TV episode (i.e. Episode from an existing Web Series, Pilot for an upcoming Series), Documentary, Animation, TVC or User-generated Content (videos created for short-form media platforms).
- Submissions can be any genre/theme.
- For University Students: Your Film Crew must consist of at least 80% university students/graduates, with 100% of above the line roles filled by university students. A university student/graduate is someone who is attending or has attended a tertiary educational facility or been an alumni of a tertiary educational facility, within the last 5 years (i.e. Tafe or University).
- For High School Students: Your Film Crew must consist of enrolled high school students, either all from a singular school or a mixture between schools. Students must be from grade 9 and up.
- Actors can be non-student.
- Your Film Crew and Cast must consist of at least 70% Australian residents.
- Films made in Queensland will qualify for all award categories whereas films made in other states will only qualify for Best National Short Film.
- Films in languages other than English must be supplied with English subtitles.
- Stud. Shots Film Festival will ONLY screen Films finished as a high-resolution DCP digital file. Please also ensure your Films are supplied with a stereo mix only. To ensure your entry is screened correctly, you must also include ratio details (e.g. 1920 x 1080).

Terms & Conditions of Entry:
The Producer/Entrant grants the Event Organiser and, in turn, Stud. Shots Film Festival the rights to: (a) Exhibit the Film at the Stud. Shots Film Festival, 2026. (b) Distribute, exhibit and transmit the Film at any tour, screening or other event which is organised by or affiliated with Stud. Shots Film Festival in the twelve months prior to and the twenty-four months subsequent to the 2026 Festival. (c) Use extracts from the Film for promotional purposes.
The Producer/Entrant warrants to Stud. Shots Film Festival that they have obtained all the necessary permissions to enter this Film and that the Film does not infringe any rights, including copyright, of any third party. This includes the use of music, branding and literary material (i.e. if your film is based on a novel or poem).
The Producer/Entrant understands that materials submitted in the initial entry process will not be returned.
The Producer/Entrant understands that the Film Submission Fees are non-refundable and does not guarantee that your film will be screened at the Festival.
You agree that your entry is subject to the conditions all of which you agree and observe.