Canberra’s film calendar is heating up, with two festivals showcasing programs of films and events you won’t see anywhere else in Australia. The Canberra Short Film Festival and the Capital Film Festival celebrate the city’s creative community and its growing role as a destination for film lovers. From local premieres to international award-winners, this year’s programs invite audiences to experience the very best of cinema — right here in the capital.

Canberra Short Film Festival – Celebrating 30 Years of Local and Global Stories

Running from 5 – 16 November 2025, the Canberra Short Film Festival (CSFF) marks its 30th anniversary as Australia’s longest-running competition-based short-film festival. With 600 submissions across 11 categories, the program showcases bold storytelling, creative diversity, and strong support for local Canberra filmmakers.

This year’s line-up features films ranging from 1 to 20 minutes, proving that powerful stories don’t need a long runtime to make an impact.

“This anniversary year is about celebrating both community and creativity”, says festival director John Frohlich. “CSFF has always been a launchpad for incredible filmmakers and a place where Canberra audiences connect with stories from across the globe”.

Festival highlights include:

• Canberra Showcase: the best local short films of the year
• Women on Women: strong stories by and about women
• The politics of sexuality: exploring community perspectives across genres
• First Nations Stories: perspectives on culture and identity from Australia
• Documentary program: real stories and voices from across Canberra
• New matinee sessions: science films for schools and locally produced family animations

Venues across Canberra include Dendy Cinemas, Smith’s Alternative, PhotoAccess, Tuggeranong Arts Centre, and the ANU Film Group, blending grassroots creativity with world-class talent.

Beyond the screen, the Gala and Awards Nights (8 & 15 November, Dendy Cinemas) offer fully catered celebrations, while the Filmmaker Networking Night brings together local, national, and international storytellers to share ideas and inspiration.

As one filmmaker put it during the media launch:
“It’s amazing to see what other locals are doing, benchmark your practice, and learn from every other film in the festival. Short filmmaking is crazy, challenging, and wonderfully unique — every story is something you won’t see elsewhere”.

🎟 Tickets: Available at the venues, via Dendy Cinemas (season passes available), or online at csff.com.au.
📘 Program: View the full schedule here.

Capital Film Festival – Canberra’s Big-Screen Celebration

From 29 October to 2 November, the Capital Film Festival returns to Dendy Cinemas Canberra, bringing five days of Australian and international cinema to the heart of the city. The festival continues to grow as one of Canberra’s most anticipated cultural events — a celebration of premieres, filmmaker Q&As, and that shared excitement that only cinema can spark.

In her first year as Festival Director, Karina Libbey brings fresh energy and vision. “Each film has been selected because it stirred something in me that I needed to share,” she says. “Over the five festival days, I hope you will be shocked and moved; that you will snort-laugh and ugly-cry; that your brain will be set alight with inspiration and curiosity”.

The 2025 program spans award-winning features, documentaries, and shorts, exploring optimism, kindness, and the resilience of community. Between screenings, audiences can join filmmaker panels, casual gatherings, and networking events — perfect for those who love conversation as much as cinema.

For Canberrans, the festival is more than just a week of screenings — it’s a reminder of how film brings people together. Whether you’re chasing a thought-provoking documentary, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or a moving Australian premiere, there’s something for everyone who loves stories told on the big screen.

Our Picks from the festival line-up:

Prime Minister
An intimate documentary about Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s first female prime minister.
Why see it: Canberra is Australia’s capital and the home of our own democracy, where many of us drive past the Prime Minister’s Lodge on the way to work. This story of leadership and empathy feels especially resonant here.

Breathless
Jean-Luc Godard’s revolutionary classic that changed cinema forever.
Why see it: One of our all-time favourites — stylish, bold, and timeless. A must-see for any film lover’s list.

The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo
Set in a remote Chilean mining town in 1982, 11-year-old orphan Lidia is raised by a fierce and loving queer community who perform at their local cantina, Alaska House. Winner: Cannes Film Festival.
Why see it: Part of the So Frank team hails from Chile — so this story of resilience, identity and belonging feels especially close to home.

🎟 Tickets and full program details: Capital Film Festival at Dendy Cinemas Canberra.

Together, the Canberra Short Film Festival and the Capital Film Festival showcase the storytelling and creativity that make Canberra a cultural capital. From one-minute shorts to world-class features, this is your invitation to celebrate film, community, and conversation — right here on your doorstep.