Understory Film Festival - Cairns

Understory Film Festival - Cairns Cairns' very own locally produced short film festival. The screening event is recommended for ages 15+ .

The Understory Film Festival encourages local independent, student, emerging and professional film makers in the Cairns region to create short films to enter a competition for awards and prizes. The competition culminates the screening of selected films and award presentation at the annual Understory Film Festival held each year. The event will also feature pre-show entertainment provided by local

musicians and a licensed bar will be available. OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the film festival are to showcase local talent, build local industry capacity, award achievement and audience development in short film culture. Creative Life office:
Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre
64 Collins Ave Edge Hill QLD 4870

General Information
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🎬✨ The wait is over... the UNDERSTORY FILM FESTIVAL FINALISTS are here! ✨🎬Drum roll please... 🥁 The shortlist for the 20...
07/11/2025

🎬✨ The wait is over... the UNDERSTORY FILM FESTIVAL FINALISTS are here! ✨🎬
Drum roll please... 🥁 The shortlist for the 2025 Understory Film Festival Screening has just been announced!
Join us at the Tanks Arts Centre as the spotlight shines on our filmmakers during the Awards Presentation, where we’ll reveal the winners of:
🎖️ Best Film Award – selected by our expert judging panel
🎖️ People’s Choice Award – voted by YOU on the night
💰 Both winners take home a $2,500 cash prize!
🌟 Best Emerging Filmmaker, who’ll receive a $1,000 cash prize!
🎟️ Tickets sell out fast, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this night of film, community, and creativity.
👉 Grab yours now: www.ticketlink.com.au/ticketlinkEvents/films/understory-film-festival-screening-and-awards-presentation-2025

🎥 Understory Film Festival Industry Exchange 🌿Join us for a day of connection, insight and inspiration as Far North Quee...
04/11/2025

🎥 Understory Film Festival Industry Exchange 🌿

Join us for a day of connection, insight and inspiration as Far North Queensland filmmakers meet with leading screen industry professionals!

This symposium-style event explores career pathways across Australia’s screen sector, featuring key organisations sharing the latest initiatives and opportunities shaping the future of film. 🎬

✨ Highlights include:

Mark Melrose, Head of Studios and Physical Production at Screen Queensland Studios — presenting updates from the 2025 Film Intensive Script to Screen (FISS) Program and upcoming Cairns-based productions.

Annisa Belonogoff and Bobbi-Lea Dionysius, Co-Chairs of WIFT Queensland — introducing new programs supporting and empowering filmmakers in the North.

Don’t miss this chance to learn, network and grow your creative career! 💡

📅 Fri 21 Nov | 7pm
✨FREE! www.tanksartscentre.com/tanks-only-events/free-events/UFF-2025-industry-exchange

Tanks Arts Centre
Cairns Regional Council

🌏 Postcode Doesn’t Matter — Presented by WIFT Australia 🎬Your story can reach anywhere, no matter where you’re from!Got ...
03/11/2025

🌏 Postcode Doesn’t Matter — Presented by WIFT Australia 🎬

Your story can reach anywhere, no matter where you’re from!

Got an idea for a TV series, feature film or web project but not sure what’s next? This four-hour workshop will help you turn your concept into a pitch-ready project and get it in front of the right people. 💡

Learn how to:
✨ Refine your story
✨ Build strong pitch materials
✨ Understand what producers and funders want
✨ Collaborate confidently — from anywhere!

Led by Annisa Belonogoff and Bobbi-Lea Dionysius, award-winning creatives with real-world experience pitching nationally and internationally. 🌟

📅 Sat 22 Nov | 9am
🎟️ www.tanksartscentre.com/ticketlinkEvents/community-events/understory-film-festival-post-code-doesnt-matter-cairns-workshop



WIFT Queensland

🎬 Opening Night Spotlight!We’re thrilled to open this year’s Festival with Douglas Watkin of Double Wire Productions — a...
03/11/2025

🎬 Opening Night Spotlight!

We’re thrilled to open this year’s Festival with Douglas Watkin of Double Wire Productions — a Cairns-born, award-winning filmmaker celebrating 25 years in the screen industry. 🌟

From his first SBS broadcast in 1995 to his role as First Nations Content Director at Screen Queensland, Douglas has built an incredible body of work across ABC, NITV, SBS and STAN — including The Black Diggers of Logan, ELLA, Alick and Albert, and Rebel With a Cause – Neville Bonner.

Through his storytelling, Douglas continues to champion First Nations identity, culture and creativity, inspiring the next generation of filmmakers. 💫

📅 Thu 20 Nov | 7pm
🎟️ www.tanksartscentre.com/ticketlinkEvents/community-events/understory-film-festival-opening-night-a-celebration-of-douglas-watkin

Tanks Arts Centre
Cairns Regional Council
AIDC - Australian International Documentary Conference

🎥 FREE - Understory Screen Industry Presentations 🎬Join Far North Queensland screen professionals Caden Pearson and Jan ...
30/10/2025

🎥 FREE - Understory Screen Industry Presentations 🎬

Join Far North Queensland screen professionals Caden Pearson and Jan Cattoni for an inspiring afternoon of presentations packed with insights, creativity, and networking opportunities for filmmakers at all stages. 🌿

🕑 Caden Pearson Presents Lakefield – 2:00pm–3:15pm

A gripping six-part mystery web series from the First Nations filmmaker. Amid the haunting beauty of the north, Lakefield explores grief, justice, and belonging.

🕞 Jan Cattoni: Filmmaking with Purpose – From Dating Safety to Virtual Worlds – 3:30pm–4:45pm

📅 Saturday 22 Nov | 2pm
💸 Free - registrations not required!

www.tanksartscentre.com/tanks-only-events/free-events/UFF-2025-screen-industry-presentations

Tanks Arts Centre
Cairns Regional Council

🎬 Got tix yet to Understory Film Festival Screening & Awards Presentation??Now in its 12th year, we’re celebrating the i...
30/10/2025

🎬 Got tix yet to Understory Film Festival Screening & Awards Presentation??

Now in its 12th year, we’re celebrating the incredible creativity of North and Far North Queensland filmmakers with an unforgettable evening of short films, awards, and community spirit. 🌿✨

🏆 Awards on the night:
Best Film Award – $2,500
People’s Choice Award – $2,500
Best Emerging Filmmaker Award (supported by Jonathan M. Shiff Productions) – $1,000

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this celebration of storytelling and talent. 🎥
🎟️ Tickets sell out fast — grab yours now!

📅 Sat 22 Nov | 7pm
📍 Tanks Arts Centre
www.ticketlink.com.au/ticketlinkEvents/films/understory-film-festival-screening-and-awards-presentation-2025

Tanks Arts Centre
Cairns Regional Council

29/10/2025

🎬 FINAL EPISODE ALERT! 🎬

Week 6 of ART VS ARTIST: Understory series is here - and we’re wrapping up the series with an incredible conversation featuring Alex Smee! 🌿✨

Over the past six weeks, we’ve explored the stories behind the screen - diving deep into the creativity, passion and unique voices that make our region’s filmmaking community so special.

Don’t miss this final instalment packed with fresh insights into storytelling and artistic growth.

👉 Hit SUBSCRIBE on our YouTube channel now so you don’t miss the premiere and future festival updates: https://bit.ly/49s56PV

We’ve loved sharing this journey with you and hope it’s inspired you to submit your own film for next year’s Understory Film Festival. 🎥💫

See you on Saturday 22 November at the Understory Film Festival screening! 🌟



Yarner
www.multistorymedia.com.au

21/10/2025

🎬 A brand new episode of the ART VS ARTIST vodcast is live now — featuring Tiago Amora Flores, winner of Best Film at the 2024 Understory High Film Festival! 🏆🎥

In this episode, Tiago opens up about how creative encouragement through school, a classic tale of heartbreak, and the discovery of self-love and community support all came together to inspire his award-winning short film, LOVE. ❤️

Whether he’s in front of the lens or behind it, Tiago’s passion for every aspect of storytelling is clear — and his journey is one that will resonate with any emerging filmmaker. 🎬🔥

📺 Watch now on YouTube: youtu.be/wly_LmvH2gs
🔔 Make sure to hit SUBSCRIBE to stay updated!

20/10/2025

🎬 TOMORROW at 10am– a new episode of our ART VS ARTIST: Understory mini-series vodcast drops! 🎧✨

We’re talking with Tiago Amora Flores, winner of People's Choice at the 2024 Understory High Film Festival! 🏆

He shares what it was like to just go for it, how the creative process unfolded, and how that led to his award-winning short film, LOVE. ❤️🎥

✨ His guiding philosophy? Amor fati — the love of fate. It’s about embracing life’s highs and lows, and finding meaning in it all.

Be part of this inspiring series created to support and uplift emerging filmmakers.

📺 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/
🔔 Don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE to stay updated

15/10/2025

🎬 ART VS ARTIST: Episode 3 is here!
This week, we sit down with Karen Jackson — writer, producer, and director from Gimuy (Cairns) — whose powerful work is reshaping how Far North Queensland is seen on screen. 🌴✨

From poetry and playwriting to inclusive films and her upcoming feature Ray of Sunshine, Karen shares the journey of turning stories into screen magic — with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of North Queensland spirit. 💫

📺 Watch now on YouTube & don’t forget to hit subscribe!
👉 bit.ly/48CGbcd

✨ Huge congratulations to our incredible Understory High 2025 filmmakers! ✨Last Friday (10 Oct), we celebrated the talen...
13/10/2025

✨ Huge congratulations to our incredible Understory High 2025 filmmakers! ✨

Last Friday (10 Oct), we celebrated the talent, creativity and storytelling brilliance of students from across the region at the Understory High Screening & Awards Presentation – and what a night it was! 🍿🎬

🏆 Here are your Understory High 2025 Award Winners:

🎨 Best Year 7–8 Animation
The Poptart – Kaylee Gubb

🎭 Best Year 9–10 Narrative
The Insomniac – Hudson Smith

🎬 Best Year 9–10 Non-narrative
The Blind Symphony – Kaleena Morris, Nina Decavalla & Kate Piquero

🐉 Best Year 9–10 Animation
Blast Off – Baran Eftekhar

⏳ Best Year 11–12 Narrative
Lost In Time – Akira Schwarz

📽️ Best Year 11–12 Non-narrative
Age – Ella Carney

🐶 Best Year 11–12 Animation
Harold’s First Day – Brodie Lucas

⭐ Essential Screen Skills & Garrick’s Camera House Best Film Award
Lost In Time – Akira Schwarz

🎥 Essential Screen Skills People’s Choice Award
Fillet-O-No – Dan Paul

👏 And a huge shoutout to our Highly Commended filmmakers:

The Worst Movie Ever – Lara Carruthers

Help Me – Jasper Phillipson

Escape the Chase – Elke Osborne

When Words Fail – Sandi Mayo

Memories – Leela Thao

Peace and Quiet – Baran Eftekhar & Lara Carruthers

Doppelganger – Leah Ericson

Kermit and the Swamp – Leia (James) Sullivan

Run Kitty Run – Brooke Thompson

Grieve – Georgia Willis

Grand Theft Reality – Keishin Kurahashi & Bipal Khadka

Run Don’t Look – Eli Barron

Motorbike – Jade Gubb

The Fight – Tony Le

🎬 We’re beyond proud of all our young filmmakers. Your creativity lit up the screen, and we can't wait to see where your stories take you next! 🌟

If you would like to enter the flagship Understory Film Festival, be quick - you have until Weds 15 Oct midnight! www.cairns.qld.gov.au/understory

🎬 LAST CHANCE TO SUBMIT! 🎬Calling all storytellers and cinematic visionaries — submissions for Understory Film Festival ...
13/10/2025

🎬 LAST CHANCE TO SUBMIT! 🎬

Calling all storytellers and cinematic visionaries — submissions for Understory Film Festival 2025 are closing soon!

🚨 Deadline extended to WED 15 OCT 🚨

This is your final shot to be part of North Queensland’s premier short film event and compete for:

🏆 Best Film Award – chosen by our expert judges
🗳️ People’s Choice Award – voted by the audience on the night
💰 Both winners take home a $2,500 cash prize!

PLUS
🌟 Best Emerging Filmmaker Award – a $1,000 prize proudly supported by Jonathan M. Shiff Productions.

🎥 Got a story to tell?
Don't wait - submit now and let your work shine on the big screen!
👉 www.cairns.qld.gov.au/understory

Address

Cairns, QLD
4870

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Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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