🎬🎬🎬 La Trobe students with a passion for storytelling, filmmaking and creative expression have an opportunity express their creativity and submit their work to the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) Short Film Competition 2026.
As a founding partner of IFFM, La Trobe University has supported the festival for more than 16 years—helping build one of the largest celebrations of Indian cinema outside India and creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage with the global film industry.
What is IFFM?
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is Australia’s premier showcase of Indian cinema, bringing together filmmakers, actors and audiences from across the world. The 2026 festival will run from 13–23 August 2026, featuring a diverse program of screenings, industry events and cultural celebrations.
This year’s festival promises an exciting program of events, including:
- High-profile celebrity appearances and international guests
- Industry panels and conversations
- Cultural celebrations and community events
- A continued partnership with La Trobe University, including special events and student engagement opportunities
Why you should get involved
The IFFM Short Film Competition provides a unique opportunity to:
- Showcase your work on an international stage
- Gain recognition alongside emerging and established filmmakers
- Build your portfolio and connect with industry professionals
- Contribute to a festival celebrating culture, diversity and storytelling
La Trobe students have a strong track record of participating in IFFM through placements, media coverage and festival programming – making this a natural next step for aspiring filmmakers
How to enter the competition?
This year’s competition invites filmmakers to explore the theme “Empathy”—encouraging stories that reflect compassion, connection and shared human experiences.
Key details:
- Film length: Up to 15 minutes
- Eligibility: Films produced between June 2025 and June 2026
- Theme: Empathy – stories of kindness, resilience, conflict and understanding
- Submission deadline: 30 June 2026