The Blacktown Shorts Film Festival is returning to the Sydney Opera House on Thursday 29 October for a sold-out screening of five newly commissioned short films made by Western Sydney filmmakers.
The five filmmaking teams are telling stories that draw on the culture and experiences of Blacktown City's diverse community. They explore themes of Filipino folklore, grief, finding love, artificial intelligence in art, and turmoil in friendships.
A Blacktown City screening will be held at Common House Studio at Glendenning on Friday 20 November 2026, 7.00 pm to 9.30 pm.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the festival gave our community a place on one of Australia's biggest stages.
"These films give audiences a chance to see Blacktown City through the eyes of people who live here," he said.
"Our community's experiences are part of the Australian story, and they deserve a place on our screens.
"By supporting Blacktown Shorts, Council is helping local people tell those stories and share them with a wider audience.
"Having these stories from Blacktown City screening at a sold-out Sydney Opera House is something our whole community can take pride in," he said.
Festival Curator Vonne Patiag and Associate Curator Chidiebube Uba have designed a highly entertaining program.
Mr Patiag said: "I'm excited to bring Blacktown Shorts Film Festival back for its fifth year, and third with the Sydney Opera House as presenting partner. Our largest program yet features five commissioned films exploring AI, sport, queer and trans connection, and Filipino folklore horror. By supporting filmmakers at this pivotal stage in their careers, we can champion local voices and create stories that resonate beyond Western Sydney."
Ms Uba said: "Blacktown Shorts Film Festival cuts through the red tape that filmmakers and creatives often face, giving those with a deep connection to Western Sydney the opportunity to develop their practice and bring their stories to new audiences. To me, the program is about recognising Western Sydney as a place where compelling stories originate and creative careers can grow. This year's films explore what it means to stand strong and be grounded by community amid grief, doubt and change, each through a distinct and personal lens. We can't wait for audiences to experience the depth of storytelling this cohort brings to the screen."
Film line-up:
Fight Like u
After the sudden death of her mother, Frances is forced into adulthood, becoming the sole carer for her little sister, Leah. When Frances' boyfriend abandons her at her lowest point, Leah refuses to stand by helplessly.
Writer/Director: Catho D'Souza
Offside
Two 17-year-old best friends, one Filipino and the other Pasifika, strike tension fighting for their final position during their schoolboy cup trials. Who will reign as champion?
Writer/Director: Ranican Zapanta
Orb
This is a moving image artwork centred on a hand-drawn setting sun. Prompted by the under-construction hyperscale data centre in Marsden Park, the work reflects on Western Sydney's entry into an age of AI and automation, where family, labour, faith and open land are caught in the fading light of an era.
Artist and Director: Kristone Capistrano
Love and DDR at Blacktown Mall
On the verge of breaking up with her chaser boyfriend, Willow has a chance encounter with another doll that could change her life over a game of Dance Dance Revolution (DDR).
Director: Celeste Diep
Takot
When a grieving Filipino girl begins seeing a spirit during a family dinner, the folklore stories meant to scare her become a doorway to the goodbye she never had with her father.
Director/Producer/ Co-Writer: Justin Cueno
Tickets for the encore screening at Common House Studios on Friday 20 November are available here: https://blacktownarts.com.au/event/2026-blacktown-shorts-film-festival-encore-screening/.
Learn more about the festival here: https://blacktownarts.com.au/event/2026-blacktown-shorts-film-festival/.
