Ryan Emerson in Eye of the Game, directed and written by Ramus McRae and produced by Adam Bigum. Photographer: Anastasia Lekontseva
Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), AFL, and VicScreen have announced that following a triumphant first round, Footy Shorts will return in 2026.
The first Footy Shorts lineup proved a winner with audiences, reaching more than 30,000 viewers across in-cinema screenings at MIFF, the AFL's Macca's Grand Final Footy Fest at Yarra Park and Federation Square during Grand Final week, other film festivals, and across MIFF and AFL's online channels.
Applications are now open for Footy Shorts, an initiative from MIFF, the AFL, and VicScreen that gives emerging Victorian filmmakers the chance to create a short documentary exploring Australian Rules Football — both on and off the field.
Launched in 2025, Footy Shorts offers the next generation of screen storytellers the chance to capture the deep love, traditions, and connections shared through the game.
The initiative seeks stories that show how Aussie Rules, in its many forms, unites and shapes Australian life whether through players, fans, families, or communities.
To enter, filmmakers are invited to submit a short film treatment that reflects this spirit and connection, exploring the role footy plays across diverse experiences and settings.
Four short film treatments will be selected to go into production, with each successful team receiving:
- professional development from industry mentors
- a $25,000 production budget
- access to the AFL's prized archive and Victorian-based AFL clubs
The four Footy Shorts films will have a gala world premiere screening at the 74th Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) in August this year. MIFF runs 6-23 August 2026.
Following MIFF, the films will be available to view digitally across all AFL platforms, including AFL.com.au and the AFL app.
Applications close 23 February 2026.
