Raise your tray tables and put seats in the upright position, the Creative Wollongong Short Film Festival is about to take flight!
Taking over the Sunset Cinema on Saturday 7 March 2026, the free festival will screen the best emerging and professional entries from the associated short film competition.
Running for the third time, the competition is presented by Wollongong City Council and Screen Illawarra and provides opportunities for local actors and filmmakers to hone and showcase their craft.
City of Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown promised a fabulous evening under the stars.
"Everyone loves an outdoor movie! Cannes and Sundance are great, but I'd much rather be perched right here to celebrate homegrown talent under the beautiful Djeera [Mt Keira]," she said.
"Several films made for our competition last year went on to earn international acclaim. I can't wait to see what our talented local storytellers have hatched this time!"
All entries were again required to hero the same 'signature item'. In past years, this was a banana, a bike helmet and water. This year it's birds – in case you hadn't guessed!
"They took that and ran with it! To whet your appetite, we have several films that hero the birds of Lake Illawarra, a documentary on the Illawarra Hawks, one set in the grassy woodlands, and four which came from a partnership with Five Islands Secondary College."
"They're calling it the Met Galah," quipped Cr Brown.
Competition winners for the three categories will be announced prior to the screening. Together they'll share in $5,000 worth of prizes and industry training.
Industry judges are actor Yael Stone (Orange is the New Black), producers Vincent Sheehan (Fisk, Mullet, Jasper Jones) and Ian Collie (Colin from Accounts, The Twelve), and emerging cinematographer Skye Netting.
The best competition entries will be screened alongside commissioned films created with Screen Illawarra and supported by Moonlander Media, Relativity Films, Sketchbook TV, Eye Candy Productions, Who & Why Media and Ten Alphas.
Cr Brown urged residents to book their free tickets early to avoid disappointment.
"While this is a free event, spots are limited for safety and licencing. You'll need to book a free ticket for each person attending.
"Bring your chair or picnic blanket. You can pack a picnic or visit the onsite food vendors and snack bar. Please leave pets at home," she said.
Creative Wollongong Short Film Festival
Saturday 7 March 2026
Wollongong Botanic Garden
Gates open at 7pm for live music and red-carpet photos
Note for parents: These newly created films have not been officially rated. We have put an 'M' rating on the event as there may be some mature language and themes. Children under 15 years may attend with parental/carer supervision.
