Arnhem Voices Short Film Competition now open
Aspiring and experienced filmmakers are invited to showcase the stories, landscapes and spirit of East Arnhem, with entries now open for the inaugural Arnhem Voices Short Film Competition.
Held as part of October Business Month 2026, the competition celebrates transformation, resilience and innovation, challenging filmmakers to explore this year’s theme, Embracing Change.
Whether it's a story of people, place, business or community, entrants are encouraged to capture powerful moments that demonstrate how change can be embraced, adapted to and transformed into opportunity.
The competition aims to showcase East Arnhem's growing creative and screen industries while supporting local storytelling, encouraging innovation and creating pathways into the film and digital media sectors.
The competition is open across 2 categories:
- Amateur – for individuals or teams with limited or no professional film making experience.
- Professional – for experienced filmmakers, production companies and those working in the film and media industry.
Films will be assessed by a judging panel against 4 key criteria:
- creativity and originality
- storytelling quality and impact
- technical quality
- alignment with the competition theme, Embracing Change.
Competition requirements
Entrants must produce a short film that is no longer than 4 minutes and 30 seconds, including titles and credits and is filmed in East Arnhem.
How to enter
Entries must be submitted through FilmFreeway by 15 October 2026.
Shortlisted films will be showcased at the awards night on Friday 30 October 2026.
For competition guidelines, eligibility requirements and entry details, go to FilmFreeway.
The Arnhem Voices Short Film competition is delivered in partnership with the Northern Territory Government, Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation and the Gove Arts Theatre.
