A frame from the AFIN 2026 Official Trailer.

Since 2018 · Brisbane, Australia

AFIN
International
Film Festival

21 awards presented · SunPAC, Brisbane · 19 September 2026

Entries are open Enter 2027 22 awards, key dates Founding membership Join AFIN Register your interest

Play the 2026 trailer Top 100 Best Reviewed Festival

On the night

Awards Night at SunPAC

AFIN 2027

Entries for 2027 are open

On FilmFreeway since Sunday 1 November 2026. 22 awards, and every film can be up for several.

Enter on FilmFreeway The 2027 awards

The 2026 Festival

Winners

68 works · 21 awards · 17 countries

Best Student Narrative Short Form

Dear Moon

Aimee Dunn · Australia · 12m 6s

Best Australian Short Film

They Kill By Night

Grace Uther, Sam Uther · Australia · 16m 46s

Best Documentary Short Subject

The Comfort Dogs of Uganda

Richard Wainwright · Australia · 29m 55s

Poster for Red River Cowboy, directed by Grace Wriggles, AFIN 2026

Best Cinematography

Best Australian Supporting Performance

Red River Cowboy

Grace Wriggles · Australia · 17m 30s

Poster for Something Pointless, directed by Asa Bailey, AFIN 2026

Best International Short Film

Best Lead Performance

Something Pointless

Asa Bailey · UK · 14m 21s

Best Australian Lead Performance

Marbles

Simona Varga, Owen Smith · Australia · 8m 21s

Poster for Rotate, directed by Les Zig, AFIN 2026

Best Australian Micro Short Film

Best Film Editing

Rotate

Les Zig · Australia · 7m 0s

Best Documentary Feature

My Soul Is in a Hurry

Giuseppe Contarino · Italy · 1h 14m 0s

All 2026 results The eight-year archive

The full room at the AFIN 2026 Awards Night, guests at dinner tables under the venue's angled ceiling, lit purple and orange. — All year round
The festival is four nights. AFIN is the other three hundred and sixty one.

Membership

What a member can do today

9live nowWorking today. Use them the hour you join.
15on the wayEach one carries its state on the membership page.

Your AFIN account: create one at the sign-up page, free
Your personal festival watchlist
Your page on the festival site, yours to edit
20% off your AFIN submission fees for 2027: your code is on your Membership page, to use from Sunday 1 November 2026
The AFIN Directory: every member who chose to be listed, by role and place, and one short request to any of them through AFIN
The global creator network: find and reach the people you should be working with, on your terms
Rate films out of five and join the conversation on every film page
Manage your own projects: synopsis, statement, trailer, poster and stills, every change reviewed
30% off your AFIN submission fees for 2027: your code is on your Membership page, to use from Sunday 1 November 2026

Coming next: a projects board for funding, cast and crew, an online showcase members vote on, and AFIN workshops and masterclasses. Nothing here is sold before it exists.

Held 19 September 2026

Awards Night 2026

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

Red carpet, a seated dinner, live performance, and the 2026 winners announced on stage. The awards have been presented and every winner is in the results.

See the 2026 winners Photographs from the night →

See the festival

The 2026 Official Trailer

The 2026 screenings have finished

The 2026 screening nights

Every film screened was a 2026 AFIN nominee. 35 films from 12 countries , at Dendy Cinemas Portside , ahead of the Awards Night on 19 September 2026.

Night 01

Tue 15 September

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

14 films
23 nominations
8 countries

Screened See the line-up

Night 02

Wed 16 September

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

10 films
26 nominations
4 countries

Screened See the line-up

Night 03

Thu 17 September

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

11 films
12 nominations
6 countries

Screened 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. Every 2026 film, as it was programmed.

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 and screenwriters say

Between them, the 20 people quoted here hold 17 AFIN wins and 10 nominations, across 8 countries and 2019 to 2026.

Rated 4.9 out of 5 across 160 reviews on FilmFreeway, as of October 2026. Read what they say

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 HeavenWinner, 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 ReckoningWinner, Best Director, 20204 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 DollarsNominee, Best Australian Film, 20232 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 CountryWinner, 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 HappinessWinner, Best Web Series, 2021

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 CELEBRANTWinner, Best Queensland Short Film, 20251 AFIN win · 1 nomination · 2025 to 2026

Giuseppe Contarino, AFIN testimonial portrait.

"A huge thank you to Vicky, Peter and the entire AFIN team for the extraordinary work behind the festival. Communication throughout the process was excellent, with constant, clear and thoughtful updates, and the website is much more than a festival platform: it is a genuine space for connecting filmmakers, artists and industry professionals, creating opportunities and building a real community."

Giuseppe Contarino AFIN 2026
My Soul Is in a HurryWinner, Best Documentary Feature, 2026

Connor Smith, AFIN testimonial portrait.

"Couldn't be happier with my experience at AFIN. Peter and Vicky went above and beyond putting on a magnificent awards night and festival. I was lucky enough to be nominated and win Best Feature Screenplay and the communication leading up to the festival, the updates and reveals of nominees etc, felt second to none. It created such a great build up for the festival and it all payed off brilliantly"

Connor Smith AFIN 2026
A Boy And His PubWinner, Best Feature Screenplay, 2026

Alexander Denysenko, AFIN testimonial portrait.

"I had my film nominated for four awards at the AFIN and it received the Best Music Video award. Communication with the team, especially Vicky and Peter, was clear, kind and very professional. They stayed in touch, kept me updated on all important details. It feels like a people-focused festival: personal contact with filmmakers, warm attitude and nice visual materials around the event. I appreciated that Vicky also took the time to watch my previous work and call to congratulate and talk with me as a director."

Alexander Denysenko AFIN 2025
BEFORE THE DAWNWinner, Best Music Video, 2025

Thomas Fairchild, AFIN testimonial portrait.

"AFIN is a truly amazing film festival built with real passion and dedication that can be felt throughout. It’s one of very few festivals that walks the talk of accepting long duration short films, with my film Heel not only being screened and nominated for a number of awards, but also honoured with winning Best Australian Film."

Thomas Fairchild AFIN 2024
HEELWinner, Best Australian Film, 20242 AFIN wins · 3 nominations

Marisa Cohen, AFIN testimonial portrait.

"AFIN International Film Festival was an absolutely top-notch experience. The organizers put a ton of attention, care, and love into what they do, and it shows! We were particularly impressed with their special integrity policy for judging standards. Honestly, this festival is leading the way to what other festivals should aspire to be! We're proud to be a part of it."

Marisa Cohen AFIN 2022
The Cloaked Realm "Tunnel 23"Their film at AFIN 2022

Daniel James Tenni, their film's poster.

"One point of difference with these guys is there are no politics or back scratching. If your film wins an award it’s all based on a rigorous points system by a panel of about 12 judges ranging from film doctors to industry professionals. This means your film has just as much chance winning if you attend or not."

Daniel James Tenni AFIN 2019
GreenfieldWinner, Best Australian Film, 2019

120

Judged by working professionals

The Adjudicators

Game of Thrones · The Lord of the Rings · Pirates of the Caribbean · Kick On (TIFF 2026) · Dance Monkey

Steve Bisley

Actor - Australia

Neil Marshall

Director, Producer, Writer - UK

Ben Fransham

Actor, Stunt Performer, Movement Specialist - New Zealand

Nick Kozakis

Director, Editor - Australia

Dov Kornits

Publisher, Distributor - Australia

Peter Koevari

Screenwriter, Director, Producer - Australia

Meet all 13 adjudicators

A truly international festival

Winners & nominees from around the world

181 awards and 500 nominations for 635 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 2027

Our 10th season. Entries are open on FilmFreeway, with 22 awards across 10 lanes, and the festival returns to Brisbane in October 2027. The 2026 season is complete and every winner is in the results.

Key Event Dates

Entries Open On FilmFreeway

Final deadline 27 June 2027 Earlier deadlines on the 2027 page

Festival October 2027 Brisbane, dates to be confirmed

AFIN 2027: key dates The 2026 winners

Start anywhere

8 seasons, one archive

There are 660 recognised works behind this page, from 51 countries. Nobody reads an archive front to back, so here are 7 ways in, each one sorted by what you actually came for.