Zig-Zagging Across Australia This May – Flickerfest in Alice Springs, Canberra, Huskisson & More
May, Here we come!
Image:National Tour Guests
What an incredible April we’ve just had, packed-out screenings, buzzing cinemas and the kind of energy that only happens when great short films meet great audiences. We were so lucky to have so many filmmakers joining us in person to introduce their work, share stories, and connect with audiences in those post-screening chats that always end up being just as memorable as the films themselves.And we’re not slowing down anytime soon… May is shaping up to be a big one as the tour keeps rolling and we zigzag across the country, heading to Alice Springs, Adelaide, Canberra, Huskisson, Narrogin, Toowoomba and Wollondilly. It’s going to be full of road trips, regional gems, and plenty more unforgettable Flickerfest screenings ahead and we can’t wait to see you there!
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Two Nights Of Incredible Shorts Under the Stars in Alice Springs
Image: ‘The Fling’ film still
Join us in Alice Springs at the Araluen Arts Centre, Circus Lawns on Friday 8 May and Saturday 9 May for two special nights of outdoor cinema under the stars, as Flickerfest returns with a curated selection of the best Australian and international short films.
Friday 8 May, 7pm – Best of Australian Shorts
Highlights include The Fling, a striking hybrid LGBTQI animation by Darwin-born filmmaker Jemma Cotter, and The Suit, a sharp and witty comedy from Jesse Vogelaar, starring transmasculine actor Harvey Zielinski alongside Kat Stewart and Colin Lane.
The program also features a strong lineup of Australian talent, including Tuesday Tuesday, starring Peter Phelps, Packed Away from Michala Banas, and Baby Shower, directed by Matt Day and starring Hugo Weaving.
Saturday 9 May, 7pm – Short Laughs Comedy
A lively mix of Australian and international comedy shorts, delivering big laughs, unexpected moments and plenty of surprises, including the Oscar winning gem The Singers.
Bring a picnic rug, blankets and warm layers, and settle in for a memorable night on the Circus Lawns, with drinks from the pop-up bar and food available on site.
Two nights. Brilliant stories. Under the desert sky.
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Local Talent Shines in Adelaide!
Image: Director Alies Sluiter
We are thrilled to return to The Mercury Cinema on Saturday 9 May for a special one-night-only, featuring two unmissable screenings showcasing the very best in Australian and international short films.
6pm – Best of Australian Shorts
This is a true celebration of South Australian talent, with five locally connected films lighting up the screen and filmmakers in attendance on the night. Highlights include Boy on Fire from Adelaide Hills filmmaker Alies Sluiter, winner of the Lumix Best Australian Short Film Award, alongside Stephen Packer’s gripping Alpha Test, winner of the AFTRS Award for Best Original Screenplay. Also screening is The Secret by Lilla Berry, The Way of the Wind by Nicholas Burt, and Boyish from Scarlett Scherer, showcasing a powerful mix of emerging voices and bold storytelling and more!
9pm – Best of International Shorts
Travel the globe with a dynamic selection of international highlights, including Oscar winner The Singers and Oscar nominee A Friend of Dorothy, alongside award-winning films from Indonesia, the UK, India and Germany. The program features standout performances from Miriam Margolyes and Stephen Fry, plus a directorial debut from Renée Zellweger.
One night. Two screenings. A world of storytelling not to be missed.
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A Special Night of Australian Shorts in Canberra
Image: ‘Nothing And The Sun’ film still
Hello Canberra! Flickerfest is rolling into town and we can’t wait to see you. Join us at Palace Electric Cinema on Thursday 14 May, we’re bringing the Best of Australian Shorts to Canberra for a warm and exciting night of standout Australian storytelling.
This year’s program is especially close to home, with two Canberra connected films on the big screen. Don’t miss Nothing And The Sun, featuring Canberra’s own emerging talent Reuben Reynolds in his first lead role, and Songbird, written and directed by Canberra-born filmmaker Kevin Lim.
Alongside these local gems, the program brings together award winners and festival favourites from across the country!
A relaxed, feel good night celebrating Australian shorts, local talent and powerful storytelling on the big screen. We can’t wait to see you there!
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A Weekend of Short Films in Huskisson
Image: ‘Alfredo’ film still
Huskisson film friends, join us at Huskisson Pictures on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 May for two special nights of Flickerfest as we bring the best short films from Australia and around the world to your local screen.
Friday 15 May, 7pm – Best of International Shorts
A feel-good night of storytelling from across the globe, featuring Oscar-winning and Oscar-nominated films, along with festival award winners and audience favourites. A rich, entertaining mix of shorts full of heart, humour and surprise from some of the most exciting voices in international cinema right now.
Saturday 16 May, 7pm – Best of Australian Shorts
Highlights include the warm and relatable family dramedy Alfredo, directed and produced by Illawarra filmmaker Michael Chrisoulakis and starring Fiona Press (Packed to the Rafters) and Francis Greenslade (Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell). The program also features award winners and festival favourites, bringing together a beautifully curated selection of Australian shorts that showcase the humour, heart and humanity of Aussie storytelling.
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Short Films, Big Stories – Flickerfest in Narrogin
Image: ‘Trading Cards’ film still
Hello Narrogin! We’re back in town and would love you to join us at the Narrogin Reception Centre on 15 & 16 May, sharing some of our favourite short films from Australia and around the world.
Friday 15 May, 7:30pm – Best of International Shorts
We’ll take you on a trip around the world with Oscar-winning The Singers and Oscar-nominated A Friend of Dorothy along with festival favourites and award winners. A mix of stories that are funny, moving and full of heart.
Saturday 16 May, 7:30pm – Best of Australian Shorts
We’re especially excited to share the very tender and personal Trading Cards, the beautiful animated film by Flickerfest alumni director/writer/producer Radheya Jegatheva, made with his father Jay Jay Jegathesan and winner of the Yoram Gross Best Australian Animation Award. After the screening, we’ll be joined by Jay Jay Jegatheesan, producer and narrator of ‘Trading Cards’, for a Q&A, a lovely chance to hear more about how the film was made and the story behind it. You’ll also see a great mix of Australian award winners and festival favourites!
A weekend not to be missed, hope to see you there!
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Flickerfest Returns to The Empire – One Night Only
Image: ‘Return Of The Champ’ film still
Hey Toowoomba film friends, we’re so happy to be coming back your way for one big night, two wonderful programmes of Flickerfest at The Empire, Armitage Theatre on 16 May.
5:30pm – Best of International Shorts
We’re taking you on a trip around the world with a curated selection of international short films, including Oscar winners, Oscar nominees, award winners and audience favourites. A vibrant mix of bold, touching and unexpected stories, fresh from Flickerfest Bondi.
8:00pm – Best of Australian Shorts
Fresh from its Flickerfest world premiere we are delighted to be screening Return of the Champ by Toowoomba-born comedian Damien Power, who also shot the film locally. It’s an intimate docudrama following him and his world-famous racing car driver brother Will Power as they confront a long buried rivalry and the aftermath of a traumatic crash. It’s a deeply personal story with real local resonance. Joining ‘Return Of The Champ’ is our much loved Best Of Australian Shorts, a brilliant mix of Australian Shorts straight from our Bondi festival.
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Flickerfest Returns to The Empire – One Night Only
Image: ‘Baby Shower’ film still
We’re thrilled to be heading back to Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre on Sunday 17 May at 4pm with our Best of Australian Shorts programme, a lively, heartfelt and wonderfully eclectic mix of nine stories, full of charm, wit and genuine moments that stay with you, including the warm and relatable family dramedy Alfredo from Illawarra filmmaker Michael Chrisoulakis, starring Fiona Press (Packed to the Rafters) and Francis Greenslade (Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell) and Matts Days black comedy Baby Shower
A perfect Sunday session at the cinema — we’d love to have you there.
Looking Ahead As The Tour Rolls On
Flickerfest is on the move, with the festival continuing its national tour right through to October 2026.
From vibrant regional hubs to major city screens, we’re bringing a handpicked selection of the finest Australian and international short films to audiences across the country. Expect standout programmes including Best of Australian Shorts, Best of International, and the ever-popular Short Laughs Comedy — along with special events and local highlights at selected venues.
Here’s where we’re heading next:
5 June, Kununurra
6 June, Newcastle
19 June – 20 Jun, Hobart
7 July, Byron NAIDOC
10 July – 11 July, Merimbula
18 July, Darwin
23 July, Katherine
…with many more stops across NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, NT & ACT still to come.
From sharp comedies and powerful dramas to inventive documentaries and bold animation, Flickerfest 2026 continues to showcase the very best in short filmmaking — right across Australia.
Find your nearest session and join us on the road.
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Categories: News Tags: Flickerfest 2025, Flickerfest 2026 Entries