SUBMISSIONS FOR SYDNEY 2026 NOW OPEN | EARLYBIRD DEADLINE - APRIL 24.
SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN: Filmmakers, submissions are open for the 2026 Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival. In 2026, the festival will continue to expand it's global reach, reinforcing our mission to bring the world of sci-fi film visions to Australian audiences.
In 2025, we received films from 37 countries, indicating just how strong the international sector is and how highly they regard exposure in Australia via our festival.
We also continue our long-established relationship with our venue partner, EVENT Cinemas, Australia's oldest and most prestigious exhibitor. Now in our fifth year, we are once again calling their flagship George Street multiplex our screening centre.
NOTE: Please take a moment to read all the T&Cs below ahead of submitting to ensure all your questions are answered.
STAY INFORMED BY FOLLOWING THE FESTIVAL SOCIALS:
Website: https://www.sydneysciencefictionfilmfestival.com.au/
Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/SydSciFiFF/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SydneyScienceFictionFilmFestival/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@sydscififest
X: https://twitter.com/SydSciFiFest
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8CjNbBJl6ymUJC-dsZBl4A
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydscififest/
The Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival patron and the organisation's Board Members will preside over the following award categories:
THE RON COBB BEST FEATURE FILM: The feature (over 40 mins) that best exemplifies the vision, values and ambitions of the Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival. Named in honour of the late Ron Cobb, an adopted son of Sydney and iconic conceptual artist on such films as Dark Star, Alien, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Conan the Barbarian and The Abyss.
THE ADAM LEE MEMORIAL AWARD: Awarded to a figure in the science fiction/fantasy community who has exhibited a dedication to their life’s work and served the genre and its fanbase with the enthusiasm and passion. Adam Lee was a Melbourne film archivist and genre fan who passed away in July 2021.
BEST LIVE SHORT FILM (INTERNATIONAL) and BEST LIVE SHORT FILM (AUSTRALIA)
BEST ACTOR (Feature Film) and BEST ACTOR (Short Film)
BEST ACTRESS (Feature Film) and BEST ACTRESS (Short Film)
BEST DIRECTOR (Feature Film) and BEST DIRECTOR (Short Film)
BEST ANIMATION SHORT
BEST STUDENT SHORT
BEST UNPRODUCED FEATURE FILM SCREENPLAY
BEST UNPRODUCED SHORT FILM SCREENPLAY
BEST TV/WEB SERIES or EPISODE
AUDIENCE AWARD: The most popular feature film as voted upon by Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival audiences.