Together, they’re offering a $40,000 production grant for one new Australian short film—up to 10 minutes in length—to be showcased with a world premiere at the 2026 Adelaide Film Festival. This significant partnership marks a powerful step towards equity and representation in the screen sector, particularly for creatives from underrepresented backgrounds.
The initiative is designed to empower LGBTQIA+ filmmakers, with priority given to applicants who are First Nations, newly arrived migrants, forcibly displaced people (including refugees), and individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), regional, or rural communities. Projects incorporating First Nations languages are also encouraged.
“Making a short film is such a critical steppingstone for emerging writers, directors and producers,” says Mat Kesting, CEO and Creative Director of the Adelaide Film Festival.
“With this new initiative, we want to support the career development of LGBTQIA+ writers and directors and encourage them to form a creative team with an experienced producer, preferably South Australian.
“The World Premiere of the selected short film at the Adelaide Film Festival will lead, we hope, to the creative team going on to make many more screen projects – which one day may also be Adelaide Film Festival World Premieres.”
While the focus is on nurturing LGBTQIA+ creatives, experienced producers who do not identify as LGBTQIA+ may also apply, provided they have a strong track record in scripted short film production and a genuine commitment to inclusive storytelling.
Applications are now open and close on Friday 12 September 2025, with the successful team to be announced in late October. For eligibility details and how to apply, contact: AFFIF@adelaidefilmfestival.org
