Best Aussie short movies

Fresh from its National Premiere Weekend in Hobart, the festival’s 2026 official selection and award-winning films are touring the country, giving Queensland audiences an early opportunity to see this year’s standout Australian short films on the big screen.

The touring program features films from filmmakers across Australia, exploring a range of stories, perspectives and themes.

Created specifically for VSFF, each film responds to this year’s festival signature, ‘Thread’, with every entry running under five minutes.

VSFF ambassador Marta Dusseldorp said the festival continued to provide an important platform for Australian storytellers. “The Very Short Film Festival offers an excellent platform for storytelling voices,” she said.

“The films are always unique, full of heart and often have a great twist.

“Celebrating them with an audience, in a cinema, is incredibly special and so important for our filmmakers to see themselves on the big screen.

“This festival reminds us how our stories connect us while also unearthing new Australian talent.”

Festival director Tamara Svirskis said the national tour allowed the films to reach audiences well beyond the festival’s opening weekend.

“Stories have an incredible way of connecting people,” she said.

“What excites us about the national tour is taking these films beyond one weekend and giving audiences across Australia the chance to experience them together.

“These stories have the power to resonate in unexpected ways and spark conversations long after the credits roll.”

The festival is open to filmmakers of all ages and backgrounds and celebrates short-form storytelling, with every film delivering its story in under five minutes.

The Cairns screening will be held at BCC Cinemas Cairns Central on 15 July as part of the festival’s national cinema tour.

Tickets and the full program are available through the festival, which connects local audiences with emerging Australian filmmakers and their work.