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 Dec, 2023 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 2021.

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 November 2023

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.
7 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Peter Hartwig

    As an emerging film-maker, this was the first festival I attended where my work was publicly screened. I had such a positive experience being a part of the Sydfest independent film festival.
    Everyone was so warm and friendly and it was a great event to network, make friends and become inspired from other film-makers.
    I would definitely attend again in the future.

    August 2023
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  • Serkan Aktaş

    I was honored to participate in this year's SydFest Independent Film Festival! - πŸ˜ƒπŸ˜ƒπŸ˜ƒπŸ™πŸ™πŸ™

    March 2023
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  • Full Mumsies Films

    A very friendly, well-organised festival with first rate communication throughout. Highly recommended.

    January 2023
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  • Alessia Francischiello

    Thank you for including our short film "Deep Pockets, Empty Hearts" in your festival and for the nomination for best romance. We enjoyed being there and it was lovely to meet everyone.

    December 2022
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  • Greg Moran

    Fantastic Festival. Great communication and very supportive. Very generous, sponsors and great prizes. Great location. We were thrilled.to win the 2022 Grand Jury Prize for our film Culicidae and look forward to next year’s event.

    December 2022
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