October 18, 2025 – Port Douglas, Queensland
The Coolest Short Film Festival in the Tropics
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Coral Sea and the Daintree Rainforest, the 2025 Port Shorts Film Festivalis where bold storytelling meets tropical paradise.
This isn’t just another film festival - it’s a celebration of creative courage, unforgettable stories, and the power of film to connect us all.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, film lover, or someone who just wants to watch award-winning shorts under the stars with palm trees swaying above you, Port Shorts is your place.
🌟 What’s New in 2025?
This year, we’re proud to announce a creative partnership with AACTA (Australian Academy of Cinema & Television Arts).
All finalists in the Open Category will now:
🎯 Be eligible for the AACTA Best Short Film Award
🎟 Receive discounted entry into the AACTA competition
✨ Have the opportunity to reach a national stage through Australia’s premier screen industry awards
We’re also introducing a new award:
🎞 Best Queensland Short Film – Presented by AACTA
Recognising excellence in films made in Queensland with at least two QLD-based key creatives.
đź’° 2025 Awards & Prize Pool
With over $10,000 AUD in cash & prizes, Port Shorts continues to celebrate the best in short filmmaking from across the globe:
- 🥇 Best Open Film – $5,000 AUD
- 🎞 Best Queensland Short Film (AACTA)
- 🎧 Best Music Video – $1,000 AUD
- 🎬 Port Shorts Jury Prize – $1,000 AUD
- 📍 Local Award – $500 AUD
- 🎟 Audience Choice Award – $500 AUD
đź‘Ą Festival Ambassadors & Judges
Joining us again in 2025 are our beloved festival legends:
- Stephen Curry – Award-winning actor & host
- Matt Hearn – Executive Producer (Wolf Creek, Rogue)
- Rarriwuy Hick – Acclaimed Australian Aboriginal Actress
- Ivan Vukusic – AACTA Awards & Industry Development Manager
🎟 Why Attend?
Picture this: balmy tropical nights, world-class short films, fairy lights, local food trucks, craft drinks, and an open-air screen nestled beneath the stars at the iconic Rex Smeal Park.
It’s part outdoor cinema, part creative gathering, part soul-nourishing celebration. It’s where emerging talent meets industry mentors. And it’s where memories are made.
🎞 Submit Your Film
Port Shorts is open to filmmakers worldwide.
Whether you're experimental, edgy, funny, heartfelt, musical, or magical—we want to see what you’ve got.
👉 Submissions open now via FilmFreeway
Enter your film
đź“… Save the Date
Port Shorts Film Festival 2025
đź“Ť Rex Smeal Park, Port Douglas
📆 Saturday, October 18, 2025
🌴 Under the stars in the heart of the tropics
Ready to make cinematic magic? We’ll see you in the tropics.