SydFest Independent Film Festival is an annual festival which celebrates Independent Australia and international films of all genres.

All the selected films will be screening in a theatre during our annual event in Jun, 2025 in Sydney Australia.

The festival is dedicated to supporting and recognizing indie filmmakers from all over the world.
We showcase Their best new short films that excellence in storytelling, promise informative, fascinating and riveting entertainment.

All entries are screened privately to jury members who are award winning filmmakers of the past editions in various categories. All entries will be played in their entirety and We do not promote favouritism. All the selected films are then nominated for the annual screening and the competition of the festival.

We screen all finalist films and not just films from attending filmmakers.
Before and after screening sessions festival goers will be encouraged to network and socialize at the theatre.
Additional networking venue will be selected and announced during the screening sessions.

- Indoor screenings
- Industry workshops and seminars
- Networking events
- Opportunity to pitch to investors

we open to any suggestion that can help us to continuously improve in supporting and recognizing indie filmmakers from all over the world.

Awards & Prizes

GRAND JURY PRIZE

SPECIAL JURY AWARD

AWARENESS AWARD

INDIE SPIRIT AWARD

AUDIENCE AWARD

BEST STUDENT FILM

Genre Categories

BEST DRAMA

BEST COMEDY

BEST ANIMATION

BEST DOCUMENTARY

BEST HORROR/THRILLER

BEST SCIENCE FICTION

Rules & Terms

Submissions are open to all local, national and international independent filmmakers.

We accept all genres, and screen a variety of films from documentary to narrative. However we do not screen experimental, non-narrative films.

No premiere status is required.

Films submitted should be 25 minutes or less in length, inclusive of credits.

Films must have been made after January 2022.

Non-English language produced films must have English subtitles.

The payment of an entrance fee is required. Entry fees are non-refundable.

If selected to be showcased during the event, all screening copies must be received by May 2025

Filmmaker is responsible for securing all copyright clearances and music rights.

By submitting your film you acknowledge that SydFest reserves the right to promote your film and other social media links on our website and social media.
14 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Erica Long

    SydFest is a wonderful festival! The festival director, Tony, makes you feel so welcome! It was great to meet fellow filmmakers at the screenings and at the festival gala dinner. :)

    August 2024
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  • Mel Baker

    Excellent Sydney indie festival. Thank you to Tony and all the judges and performers as part of the festival. It was a fantastic networking opportunity. Thank you for awarding Say My Name for the Awareness Award - certainly is the reason why I created this film. This is definitely a festival to watch out for in Sydney as it will only improve from here.

    July 2024
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  • Simone Atallah

    Thank you to Tony, Henry, and the festival judges for selecting my short documentary film Return Chute: The Survival of a Small Town Video Store and giving it the Special Jury Award for 2024.
    My film screened at one of the sessions throughout the week, but I was able to attend the closing session, awards, and gala dinner, which was a blast! I loved seeing a diverse selection of independent short films, meeting other filmmakers, thanking the sponsors, and chatting with all the guests.
    The festival organisers, Tony and Henry, their team, the event staff, and everyone who attended the night were friendly, passionate, and supportive in celebrating indie films and filmmakers.

    June 2024
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  • Charlie Baz

    It was such a privilege attending and having an official selection in this festival. With a welcoming atmosphere and an excellent calibre of work on display, it'd be a pleasure to be apart of it again.

    June 2024
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  • Ryan Neil Butler

    I had 2 of my films feature in Sydfest 2024. Bin Day and The Gorge, and although The Gorge won an award I had zero communication from the festival leading up to the event. I even reached out regarding attending and participating in the Q&As but heard nothing back.

    The poor communication has continued long after the festival has concluded. While they spoke with producers regarding one of my films, The Gorge, they didn't speak with me regarding my second one, Bin Day.

    I have also made several enquires to have a replica trophy made after The Gorge won Best Horror Short. As I was hoping that several key members of the crew could have one.
    Both my emails, one sent in January and the other several days ago have gone unanswered.

    June 2024
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    Logo
    Response from festival:

    We have been communicating with the Producer of your film. He and the Executive Producer represented the film in Screening, Award Ceremony and Gala Dinner. Sorry to know that you couldn't make the events yourself, hope we can see you next year at festival.