- Live screening | IMDB qualifying | Film & Screenplay Competition -
* AIFF25 ENTRY opens January 2025 *
Here at AIFF we like to keep things simple. All official selection films screen in a real theatre amongst real filmmakers and film lovers from Brisbane and beyond. We have a real award's show and give out real industry relevant prizes.
Located in Brisbane Australia at one of Australia’s coolest venues within one of Brisbane’s coolest art precincts is the internationally acclaimed Australia Independent Film Festival.
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.
"We strive to be transparent at every stage and take great pride in screening every official selection film in a real theatre in front of real film lovers and filmmakers from across Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, and beyond." Jeremy Rigby & Richard Lawton AIFF Co-Founders.
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 | Audio-Technica | Black Magic | Panavision | Write Brothers | Black List | iPitch.tv | Toon Boom | Boundless Entertainment | Super Nice Tax | Dragon Image.
AWARD CATEGORIES - MAIN
Best International Short Film
Best Australian Short Film
Best Queensland Short Film
Best Documentary
Best Animation
Best Experimental including music
Best Student
People's Choice
Best Short Screenplay
AWARD CATEGORIES - SEQ FUTURE STARS
(Southeast 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 SEQ Future Stars screening session.
Best Short Film
Best Film Poster
Best Short Film -RUNNER-UP
People's Choice
AIFF24 AWARD PRIZES
- SEMI-FINALISTS
• All semi-finalists receive AIFF semi-finalist laurels.
FINALIST (OFFICIAL SELECTION) PRIZE
• AIFF24 - Digital print quality certificate.
• Finalist laurel + Official Selection laurel.
• Complementary 3 month subscription to iPitch.tv
| WINNERS |
BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM
• AIFF24 - Award Trophy.
• AIFF24 - Digital print quality certificate.
• Audio Technica - ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones.
• The Black List - Feature screenplay listing subscription (2 months) & 2 coverage reports.
• Write Brothers - Movie Magic Screenwriter full version digital download.
• Boundless Entertainment - Unreal Engine 5.3 online filmmaker's course.
BEST AUSTRALIAN SHORT FILM
• AIFF24 - Award Trophy.
• AIFF24 - Digital print quality certificate.
• Panavision A$ 3,500 gear rental towards your next production.
• Audio Technica - Creator Pack Pro.
• Blackmagic Design - DaVinci Resolve Studio full program.
• The Black List - Feature screenplay listing subscription (2 months) & 2 coverage reports.
• Write Brothers - Movie Magic Screenwriter full version digital download.
• Boundless Entertainment - Unreal Engine 5.3 online filmmaker's course.
BEST QUEENSLAND SHORT FILM
• AIFF24 - Award Trophy.
• AIFF24 - Digital print quality certificate.
• The Black List - Feature screenplay listing subscription (2 months) & 2 coverage reports.
• Write Brothers - Movie Magic Screenwriter full version digital download.
- Consideration for Best Australian short film -
BEST ANIMATION
• AIFF24 - Crystal Award Trophy.
• AIFF24 - Digital print quality certificate.
• Harmony 22 Advanced one-year license
- 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 (will each win)
• AIFF24 - Crystal Award Trophy.
• AIFF24 - 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
PEOPLE'S CHOICE
• AIFF24 - Award Trophy.
• AIFF24 - Digital print quality certificate.
• Dragon Image Australia - One full day studio hire.
BEST STUDENT FILM
• AIFF24 - Award Trophy.
• AIFF24 - Digital print quality certificate.
• The Black List - Feature screenplay listing subscription (2 months) & 2 coverage reports.
BEST SHORT SCREENPLAY
•AIFF24 - Award Trophy.
•Digital print quality certificate.
• The Black List - Feature screenplay listing subscription (2 months) & 2 coverage reports.
• Write Brothers - Movie Magic Screenwriter full version digital download.
• Boundless Entertainment - Unreal Engine 5.3 online filmmaker's course.
AWARD PRIZES - SEQ HIGHSCHOOL COMPETITION
- SEMI-FINALISTS
• All semi-finalists receive AIFF semi-finalist laurels.
FINALIST (OFFICIAL SELECTION) PRIZE
• AIFF24 - Digital print quality certificate.
• Finalist laurel + Official Selection laurel.
• Complementary 3 month subscription to iPitch.tv
Each category winner will receive:
•AIFF24 - Award Trophy x 1.
•Digital print quality certificate.
Best High School Short Film
• Blackmagic Design - DaVinci Resolve Studio full program.
• Audio Technica - ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones.
• Write Brothers - Movie Magic Screenwriter full version digital download.
• Boundless Entertainment - Unreal Engine 5.3 online filmmaker's course.
• Gorrila Pod Creator Kit courtesy of Officeworks Woolloongabba.
* Prizes by companies are dependent on partnership agreements being renewed in 2024. Sponsor names and prizes will be updated as the season progresses.