Best Of International Shorts 1 – 2026
The 1st of five programmes featuring the Best of International short films in competition.
Be uplifted, inspired and moved by the next generation of the world’s most talented filmmakers in competition for two Academy® qualifying awards; Best Short Live Action & Best Short Animation.
Screening: Sat 24 Jan, 1.30pm | Runtime: 114 mins | Classification: under 15 to be w/adult
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My Gut Friend
Jim, a lonely man who lives stuck in a rut, remembers when he was a child and his gut was alive. Despite his parents and doctor’s efforts, Jim decided to listen to his gut, which awakened enormous curiosity in him with a simple word: climb. After days of climbing everything, Jim discovered something that fascinated him… a mountain beyond the horizon.
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE- Runtime: 8min
- Year: 2025
- Country: Argentina, Mexico
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Agapito
It’s the last day of the month. Bowlers flock to the lanes of a bowling alley that has seen better days. Mira, the manager, decides to close early.
She’s awaiting the arrival of a special visitor.
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE- Runtime: 15min
- Year: 2025
- Country: Philippines
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Exam
A pair of sensitive thirty-somethings are asked to be a model couple during their therapist’s exam session. A therapist, an international committee, the worst interpreter and the hidden frustrations of the spouses. What could possibly go wrong?
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE- Runtime: 17min
- Year: 2025
- Country: France, Poland
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Three
When a young man is invited into the home of an older couple late at night, a tantalising game of control and chemistry begins. As drinks are poured and tension reaches fever pitch, the desires and deception of this unlikely trio are revealed. Three is a provocative and darkly funny short exploring themes of sex, power and privilege.
WORLD PREMIERE- Runtime: 23min
- Year: 2025
- Country: UK
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At Night
In the midst of war, a man watches his beloved one by lighting the three matches he has left. Then, in the pitch darkness, a forest grows from their lovemaking and protects them from the war.
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE- Runtime: 5min
- Year: 2025
- Country: Iran
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Hyena
In an isolated castle, students prepare for a life-changing examination. As anticipation builds to a fever pitch, a storm strikes. Trapped within crumbling walls, their academic sanctuary becomes a prison, and minds begin to break.
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE- Runtime: 21min
- Year: 2025
- Country: China, USA
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Leaving Ikorodu In 1999
In Ikorodu, 10-year-old Momo lives with her aunt Fade and uncle Mahmoud but she has been sent for by her mother who migrated to London ahead of her. During the road-trip to the airport, Fade becomes increasingly unsure of whether Momo’s departure from Nigeria is truly for the best.
NSW PREMIERE- Runtime: 17min
- Year: 2024
- Country: UK
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I Walked Through The Wall
A wife and mother who feels trapped in a life of service to her family, accidentally discovers the power to walk through walls.
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE- Runtime: 8min
- Year: 2025
- Country: Spain