- Live screening | IMDB qualifying | Film & Screenplay Competition -
Located in Brisbane Australia within one of Australia’s best cinemas within one of Brisbane’s coolest precincts is the internationally acclaimed Australia Independent Film Festival. The festival screens at Palace | James Street which is a world-class cinema that boasts cutting-edge sound, state-of-the-art digital projection, and unparalleled comfort.
Known passionately as “the filmmaker’s festival,” AIFF is on track to become Australia's premiere short film and screenplay festival. Founded in 2017 AIFF has grown from strength to strength and is now a prominent event on the domestic and international film festival circuit.
FIVE STARS - "We wish this great festival all the success", Ali Mohammed Saeed director OF 2019 Oscar nominated MOSUL 980 - Iraq.
FIVE STARS - "Thank you for a well-organized festival", Dekel Berenson, director of 2020 academy nominated short film ANNA - Israel.
FIVE STARS - "I really can’t overstate how great an experience we had with the organizers and programmers at AIFF. They really foster a truly positive and supportive community for filmmakers to take part in with their fantastic festival”, Nathan Fagan & Luke Daly directors of 2021 Oscar long list qualifying short film FLICKER – Ireland.
FIVE STARS - “Put this festival in your top 10 list to submit. You’ll be glad you did." Jhett Tolentino, Grammy & Tony Award Winning Broadway Producer – America.
Whether you're a student filmmaker, a first-time filmmaker or a seasoned professional your entry will be treated with the utmost respect and professionalism it deserves. We are open, transparent, and actively keep entrants updated throughout the season.
The Australia Independent Film Festival is proudly sponsored* by Proudly sponsored by the Brisbane City Council | Screen Queensland | KODAK | Panavision |Audio-Technica | Black Magic | Write Brothers | Black List | iPitch.tv | Toon Boom | Boundless Entertainment | Super Nice Tax | Dragon Image.
AWARD CATEGORIES - MAIN
Best Short Film
Best International Short Film
Best Australian Short Film
Best Queensland Short Film
Best Documentary
Best Animation
Best Motion Picture Short Film
Best Experimental including music
Best Episodic
Best Student
People's Choice
Best Short Screenplay
AWARD CATEGORIES - QLD FUTURE STARS
(Queensland Highschool competition)
Please note entry in this category does not qualify for consideration and or inclusion in the main award categories and or screening sessions. An exclusive awards ceremony will be held immediately following the QLD Future Stars screening session. Please submit films in the region specific category. Films will then automatically qualify for all relevant categories.
Best QLD School Short Film
- Best SEQ School Short Film
- QLD Regional School Short Film
- Best FNQ School Short Film
- Best QLD School Animation
- Best QLD School Documentary
- Best QLD School People's Choice
AIFF25 PRIZES WILL BE LISTED AS SPONSORS ARE RECONFIRMED
- SEMI-FINALISTS
• All semi-finalists receive AIFF semi-finalist laurels.
FINALIST (OFFICIAL SELECTION) PRIZE
• AIFF25 - Digital print quality certificate.
• Finalist laurel + Official Selection laurel.
| WINNERS |
2025 BEST SHORT FILM
• AIFF25 - Award Trophy.
• AIFF25 - Digital print quality certificate.
- The Best Short Film is selected from The Best Australian Short Film & The Best International Short Film winner.
BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM
• AIFF25 - Award Trophy.
• AIFF25 - Digital print quality certificate.
• DaVinci Resolve Studio software suite.
• Write Brothers - Movie Magic Screenwriter full version digital download.
• The Black List - A two-month screenplay listing subscription and two coverage reports.
BEST AUSTRALIAN SHORT FILM
• AIFF25 - Award Trophy.
• AIFF25 - Digital print quality certificate.
• Panavision A$ 3,500.00 gear rental towards your next production.
• Dragon Image - A$1,000 Full day studio hire (Bris / Syd or Mel)
• Blackmagic Design - $499 DaVinci Resolve Studio software suite.
• Audio Technica - $329.00 Wireless Earbuds | ATH-CKS50TW2 |
• Write Brothers - Movie Magic Screenwriter full version digital download.
• The Black List - A two-month screenplay listing subscription and two coverage reports.
BEST QUEENSLAND SHORT FILM
• AIFF25 - Award Trophy.
• AIFF25 - Digital print quality certificate.
• Write Brothers - Movie Magic Screenwriter full version digital download.
• The Black List - A two-month screenplay listing subscription and two coverage reports.
- Consideration for Best Australian short film -
BEST ANIMATION
• AIFF25 - Crystal Award Trophy.
• AIFF25 - Digital print quality certificate.
- Considered in the relevant Best Short Film category / categories.
IE: If your film is German it will automatically be considered for best International Film as well.
BEST EXPEREMENTAL - BEST DOCUMENTARY - BEST EPISODIC (will each win)
• AIFF25 - Crystal Award Trophy.
• AIFF25 - Digital print quality certificate.
- Considered in the relevant Best Short Film category / categories.
IE: If your film is German it will automatically be considered for best International Film as well.
Special Award Categories
BEST MOTION PICTURE SHORT FILM (Open to all categories)
• AIFF25 - Crystal Award Trophy.
• AIFF25 - Digital print quality certificate.
• 5 X 400ft rolls of KODAK 16mm film valued at approximately A$2,000.
PEOPLE'S CHOICE
• AIFF25 - Award Trophy.
• AIFF25 - Digital print quality certificate.
BEST STUDENT FILM
• AIFF25 - Award Trophy.
• AIFF25 - Digital print quality certificate.
• The Black List - A two-month screenplay listing subscription and two coverage reports.
BEST SHORT SCREENPLAY
•AIFF25 - Award Trophy.
•Digital print quality certificate.
• Write Brothers - Movie Magic Screenwriter full version digital download.
• The Black List - A two-month screenplay listing subscription and two coverage reports.
AWARD PRIZES - SEQ HIGHSCHOOL COMPETITION
- SEMI-FINALISTS
• All semi-finalists receive AIFF semi-finalist laurels.
FINALIST (OFFICIAL SELECTION) PRIZE
• AIFF25 - Digital print quality certificate.
• Finalist laurel + Official Selection laurel.
Each category winner will receive:
•AIFF25 - Award Trophy x 1.
•Digital print quality certificate.
Best High School Short Film
• DaVinci Resolve Studio software suite.
• Write Brothers - Movie Magic Screenwriter full version digital download.
Sponsor names and prizes will be updated as the season progresses. Prize values are approximate.