A Guide to Sydney’s Best Film Festivals

From Indie Shorts to Global Premieres, Here’s Where to Catch Sydney’s Top Cinema Events This Year.

Sydney’s film festival scene is a treasure trove for cinema lovers of all kinds. Whatever you’re into, from ripping international stories to underground indie gems, the city offers a rich lineup that celebrates creativity and storytelling on every scale. From big screens to tiny devices, these festivals showcase fresh voices and daring visions, making Sydney a vibrant hub for film enthusiasts eager to explore the many faces of cinema throughout the year.

Sydney Film Festival Closing Night 2024

Flickerfest

📅 Annually in January

📍 Bondi Pavilion, Bondi Beach

🎥 Short films

Showcasing the best in contemporary storytelling from Australia and around the world. Audiences can enjoy a diverse range of genres, from drama and comedy to animation and documentary, all set against the iconic backdrop of Bondi Beach. The 2025 Festival saw more than 3,500 entrants, resulting in a showcase of more than 200 short films. 

Antenna Film Festival

📅 5-15 February, 2026

📍 Bondi Pavilion, Bondi Beach

🎥 Documentaries

Australia’s premier international documentary event, presenting around 50 compelling documentaries each year. The program covers a wide range of topics—from personal narratives and social justice to environmental and political issues. Featuring a blend of Australian and international films, Antenna offers an engaging platform for audiences interested in powerful non-fiction storytelling.

Queer Screen

📅 Annually in February

📍 Various venues across Sydney

🎥 LGBTQIA Cinema

Queer Screen’s Mardi Gras Film Festival is an annual celebration of LGBTQIA+ cinema, showcasing nearly 150 films including dramas, documentaries, comedies, and shorts that explore diverse queer experiences. The festival highlights past performances from stars like Alan Cumming, Bette Midler, and Whoopi Goldberg. It also offers a mix of in-person screenings and on-demand viewing, making queer stories accessible to audiences across Australia.

Short+Sweet Film Festival

📅 Annually in March

📍 Turner Hall, TAFE Ultimo

🎥 Short films

A vibrant celebration of concise storytelling, showcasing a diverse range of short films from local and international filmmakers. Audiences can expect a dynamic program featuring genres from drama and comedy to animation and experimental works — all under 10 minutes long. The festival typically includes multiple heats leading up to an exciting gala final, making it a lively and engaging experience for lovers of sharp, creative cinema.

Sydney Film Festival

📅 June 4-15, 2025

📍 Various venues across Sydney

🎥 International features, documentaries, shorts

Celebrating its 72nd edition, the Sydney Film Festival is one of the world's longest-running and most prestigious film festivals. From June 4 to 15, 2025, the festival will showcase the very best in contemporary cinema, offering audiences the chance to experience premieres, red carpet events, and exciting special programs across Sydney.

Details and full program HERE.

SmartFone Flick Fest

Sydney Underground Film Festival

📅 September 11–14, 2025

📍 Dendy Cinemas, Newtown

🎥 Independent and experimental films

SUFF showcases a bold selection of independent and experimental films that push the boundaries of conventional cinema. The 19th edition features a lineup of provocative narratives, avant-garde documentaries, cult classics and genre-defying shorts from around the world. The festival also includes special events, networking opportunities, and a 48-hour film challenge, fostering a vibrant community of filmmakers and cinephiles. Details and full program HERE

Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival

📅 October 3–5, 2025

📍 Event Cinemas George Street, Sydney

🎥Speculative storytelling

Presenting a curated selection of science fiction and fantasy films from independent filmmakers worldwide. 

Jewish International Film Festival

📅 October 2025

📍 The Factory Theatre, Marrickville

🎥 Jewish and Israeli-themed cinema

Australia's most comprehensive showcase of Jewish-themed cinema, JIFF presents a diverse lineup of feature films, documentaries, and short films from around the world. In addition to film screenings, JIFF hosts special events and discussions, providing audiences with deeper insights into the stories and themes presented. Details HERE.

Japanese Film Festival

📅 November-December, 2025

📍 Sydney, Australia

🎥 Japanese cinema

Showcasing a diverse selection of films ranging from contemporary dramas and comedies to classic period pieces and anime. The 2025 program includes titles like "Mom, Is That You?!" and "Let’s Go Karaoke!", offering insights into Japanese culture and storytelling. The festival provides a unique opportunity for audiences to experience the depth and diversity of Japan's film industry.

SmartFone Flick Fest (SF3)

📅 November 7–9, 2025

📍 Sydney, Australia

🎥 Films shot entirely on smartphones and tablets

Lights, camera… phone! The SmartFone Flick Fest (SF3) is Australia’s original and biggest international film festival dedicated entirely to movies made on smartphones and tablets. Now in its 11th year, SF3 proves you don’t need blockbuster budgets or fancy gear — just your phone, a great idea, and a spark of creativity.

Entries for the 2025 festival are open until September 1, welcoming filmmakers of all ages and skill levels. Categories include feature-length films, 3-minute shorts, the themed SF3 Mini (‘Breath’ this year), an exciting new AI film section, and SF3 Kids for young creators.

With over $50,000 in prizes and a chance to premiere on Sydney’s big screen, the festival offers three thrilling days packed with red-carpet screenings, Q&As, parties, and free masterclasses on everything from screenwriting to film sound. Whether you’re a filmmaker or a film fan, SF3 is the pocket-sized festival with a big-screen heart. Get filming!