A frame from the AFIN 2026 Official Trailer.

Since 2018 · Brisbane, Australia

AFIN
International
Film Festival

Awards Night · SunPAC, Brisbane · 19 September 2026

Awards Night tickets Screening tickets Play the 2026 trailer Top 100 Best Reviewed Festival

On the night

Awards Night at SunPAC

AFIN 2026

The festival opens in 4 days

Screening 1 at Dendy Cinemas Portside, Brisbane

Screening tickets Read the guide

35 films across 3 nights
12 countries
15 premieres

On sale now

Awards Night 2026

19 September 2026 · SunPAC · Sunnybank Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane

Red carpet from 5pm, a seated dinner, live performance, and the 2026 winners announced on stage. Tables are chosen as you book.

Book Awards Night tickets What the ticket includes →

See the festival

The 2026 Official Trailer

Screening tickets on sale now

The 2026 screening nights

Every film screening is a 2026 AFIN nominee. 35 films from 12 countries , at Dendy Cinemas Portside, before the winners are announced on Awards Night.

Night 01

Tue 15 September

6:30pm to 9:30pm · Dendy Cinemas Portside

14 films
30 nominations
8 countries

Sold out Limited seats remain on nights 2 and 3. See the line-up

Night 02

Wed 16 September

6:30pm to 9:30pm · Dendy Cinemas Portside

10 films
29 nominations
4 countries

Screening tickets$21 per night Limited seats remain Plus booking fee at checkout See the line-up

Night 03

Thu 17 September

6:30pm to 9:30pm · Dendy Cinemas Portside

11 films
19 nominations
6 countries

Screening tickets$21 per night Limited seats remain Plus booking fee at checkout See the line-up

See the full programme →

Read it cover to cover

The 2026 Festival Guide

Every film in the programme has a page of its own: the poster, the running time, who made it, what it is nominated for, and the filmmaker's own words about it. Read it before you book, or on the night with the programme in your hand.

47pages
35films
3nights

Open the 2026 guide Or see the running order →

AFIN International Film Festival2026The Festival Guide

Still from THE BORDER

From the AFIN vault

Today from the archive

One winner from 40 across the years, chosen fresh each day.

Reviews

What filmmakers say

Between them, the 15 people quoted here hold 12 AFIN wins and 5 nominations, across 6 countries and 2020 to 2025.

Evangeline Lilly, AFIN testimonial portrait.

“The AFIN Festival just honoured me with a best actress award for playing Annie in South of Heaven…probably the most wonderful experience I’ve ever had making a character come to life. Thank you AFIN, I guess it just goes to show that joy in what you do shines through.”

Evangeline Lilly Actress - South Of Heaven, Lost, Ant-Man, Avengers: Endgame AFIN Winner 2021 South of Heaven Winner, Best Actress, 2021

Neil Marshall, AFIN testimonial portrait.

"Such a great festival! Given the unusual circumstances, the entire process was simple and smooth and Peter Koevari, the point man, was gracious and generous and professional, though I'm sure he was pulling his hair out behind the scenes. Not an easy thing pulling of an awards festival in a pandemic, but AFIN did it with true Oz style! Thanks for accepting our movie and thanks for our lovely prizes!"

Neil Marshall Director - Game of Thrones, The Reckoning, The Descent, Hellboy AFIN Winner 2020 The Reckoning Winner, Best Director, 2020 4 AFIN wins · 1 nomination · 2020 to 2026

Natalia Cricri, AFIN testimonial portrait.

"Outstanding communication, commitment to the arts and an all round professional team. The quality of films and the manner in which they are presented and judged is outstanding. The festival's awards night offers a top-notch experience for both indie and professional film makers. This is a highly recommended festival."

Natalia Cricri Director - Two Dollars, Actress - Streets of Colour Two Dollars Nominee, Best Australian Film, 2023 2 nominations

Jesse Richardson, AFIN testimonial portrait.

"Incredible AFIN!! We loved this festival! This is a festival that is meticulously run and perfectly executed. It is a festival that takes enormous pride in delivering a world class experience for all filmmakers - featuring an incredible array of international films, amazing winners trophies and gifts and a lavish red carpet awards ceremony. Festival Director Peter Koevari is a man of film himself and with this AFIN he's created something special for filmmakers across the world. AFIN is festival on the rise, which will in short order, take its rightful place among the premiere festivals of the world. If you have a film, SUBMIT IT. If you don't, make one immediately, so you can."

Jesse Richardson Actor, Writer, Producer - A Godless Country, Riot Girl, White Lines Winner AFIN 2021 A Godless Country Winner, Best Australian Film, 2021

Peter Feeney, AFIN testimonial portrait.

"In 2021 my series Blind Bitter Happiness was entered in the Web Series category at AFIN. Overall my involvement was an immensely positive experience. The standard of submission to the Festival was high, the communication was superb, and the organisation second to none. The networking opportunities are ongoing."

Peter Feeney Actor, Producer, Director Winner AFIN 2021 - New Zealand Blind Bitter Happiness Winner, Best Web Series, 2021

Sinéad Reynolds, AFIN testimonial portrait.

"It was fantastic having Croc Country nominated for Best Documentary Short Subject at AFIN International Film Festival, and while I could not attend the event in person, I was able to join online. Vicky and Peter have clearly worked so hard on putting this festival together and it is an honour to have been selected as part of it so early on in my career. Thanks again, AFIN!"

Sinéad Reynolds Director - Croc Country Nominee AFIN 2025 CROC COUNTRY Nominee, Best Documentary Short Subject, 2025

Kate Armon & Craig Smith, AFIN testimonial portrait.

"From the stunning venue to the seamless production, every detail made the night feel special. The warmth, professionalism and genuine sense of community made it so much more than just an awards ceremony. It was a true celebration of creativity and collaboration. We left feeling uplifted, grateful and so proud to be part of this amazing industry."

Kate Armon & Craig Smith Parkbench Films AFIN 2025 THE CELEBRANT Winner, Best Queensland Short Film, 2025 1 AFIN win · 1 nomination · 2025 to 2026

Collaborative Kiwi Studios, AFIN testimonial portrait.

"Myself and my DP attended this festival to represent the short film Dive and were both blown away with not only the networking opportunities but the presentation of the festival as well, including the live music and the two course dinner. Out of the four categories our film was nominated for, we ended up winning one. Well worth the trip from NZ, and I highly recommend this festival to upcoming as well as established filmmakers. An incredible night for all."

Collaborative Kiwi Studios Tyler Redmond, Director - Dive Winner AFIN 2024 - New Zealand DIVE Nominee, Best Live Action Short Film, 2024 1 AFIN win · 1 nomination

"Highly recommended festival. I could not attend this year in person, but ever since Garden was selected the festival has kept me updated with excellent communication, and honoured me with a beautiful Crystal Trophy. Thank you Peter, and your team, for creating such a wonderful platform. I hope my next project will be selected, and I will definitely be there!"

Ziyu Luo Garden Winner AFIN 2024 GARDEN Winner, Best Music Video, 2024

Ronald Lamont Canfield, AFIN testimonial portrait.

"Such an honour for my film A Fateful Weekend to be nominated for Best Art Direction, a testament to all who brought this period piece to life. From costume designer and hair and makeup, to friends, neighbours, and the local community who provided period-correct locations and props to bring my vision to life. Thank you AFIN International Film Festival!"

Ronald Lamont Canfield Director - A Fateful Weekend Nominee AFIN 2025 A FATEFUL WEEKEND Their film at AFIN 2025

Halle Sullivan, AFIN testimonial portrait.

"AFIN did an incredible job at bringing this festival together. One of my cast members was able to attend in person and he said that it was very well done. We enjoyed the communication from the very beginning, and Peter and Vicky were some of my favourite people to work with. I highly recommend this festival. They bring in high quality films, talent, and an atmosphere of filmmakers that are very supportive."

Halle Sullivan Devil's Playground Winner AFIN 2025 DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND Their film at AFIN 2025

115

Judged by working professionals

The Adjudicators

Game of Thrones · The Lord of the Rings · Poker Face · Pirates of the Caribbean

Neil Marshall

Director, Producer, Writer - UK

Bruce Hopkins

Actor - New Zealand

Steve Coates

Screenwriter, Producer - Australia

Jadey Duffield

Director, Producer, Writer - UK

Peter Koevari

Screenwriter, Director, Producer - Australia

Vicky Wanless

Actress, Producer, Director - Brisbane, Australia

Meet all 12 adjudicators

A truly international festival

Winners & nominees from around the world

162 awards and 519 nominations for 634 works from 51 countries across 8 years

See the festival by the numbers

Hover or tap a country for its tally

Awards Nominations

Australia 278
USA 145
UK 32
Canada 29
China 21
Russia 19
New Zealand 15
Ukraine 15
Italy 12
Iran 11
India 10
Hong Kong 9
Japan 9
Israel 7
Thailand 7
Belgium 6
France 6
Portugal 6
South Korea 6
Spain 6
Sweden 6
Bulgaria 5
Poland 5
South Africa 5
UAE 5
Eswatini 4
Mexico 4
Turkey 4
Finland 3
Germany 3
Austria 2
Brazil 2
Greece 2
Brunei 1
Colombia 1
Denmark 1
Iceland 1
Indonesia 1
Ireland 1
Netherlands 1
Norway 1
Papua New Guinea 1
Tunisia 1
Vietnam 1
Albania 0
Argentina 0
DR Congo 0
Paraguay 0
Peru 0
Romania 0
Saudi Arabia 0

The next festival

AFIN 2026

The ninth AFIN. Submissions for 2026 have closed and judging is under way. The festival culminates in the 2026 Awards Night at SunPAC, Brisbane.

Key Event Dates

Awards Night 19 Sep 2026 SunPAC, Brisbane

Submissions Closed Judging under way for 2026

Tickets On sale Booking through SunPAC

Book Awards Night tickets Dates & details

The 2025 Festival

Winners

71 works · 20 awards · 25 countries

Best Documentary Short Subject

A BITTERSWEET ENDING

James Stapledon · Australia · 7m 29s

Best Director

A GUEST IN MY COUNTRY

John Gray · USA · 15m 26s

Poster for A MESSAGE TO THE AUTHOR, directed by Andrey Goulter, AFIN 2025

Best Student Short Film

Best Visual Effects

A MESSAGE TO THE AUTHOR

Andrey Goulter · Australia · 16m 29s

Best Music Video

BEFORE THE DAWN

Alexander Denysenko · Canada, Eswatini, Poland, Portugal, Ukraine · 7m

Best Supporting Performance

DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND

Halle Sullivan, John Steele · USA · 11m 22s

Best Art Direction

DISCO DOLLS AND CHIKO ROLLS

Alexandros Kalas · Australia · 15m 57s

Best Film Editing

ELASTOPLASTIC

Jack Vernon · Australia · 25m

Poster for IF YOU SHOULD LEAVE BEFORE ME, directed by J. Markus Anderson, B. Robert Anderson, AFIN 2025

Best Cinematography

Best Feature Film

IF YOU SHOULD LEAVE BEFORE ME

J. Markus Anderson, B. Robert Anderson · USA · 1h 59m 58s

All 2025 results The seven-year archive

Start anywhere

8 seasons, one archive

There are 591 recognised works behind this page, from 49 countries. Nobody reads an archive front to back, so here are 7 ways in, each one sorted by what you actually came for.