Central Queensland’s premier screen arts event, the Capricorn Film Festival, returns to Yeppoon next week from 15–18 January 2026, kicking off four days of films, filmmaker talks and creative events — all celebrating 10 years of storytelling on the Capricorn Coast.

Supported by Keppel Coast Arts, Livingstone Shire Council, Screen Queensland, Tourism and Events Queensland, and Bishopp, the festival will once again be hosted at Yeppoon Town Hall and contain features, documentaries, Australian premieres, short films and industry conversations across the program.

The festival officially opens on Thursday 15 January with the Opening Night screening of YURLU | COUNTRY, directed by award-winning filmmaker Yaara Bou Melhem and presented by Keppel Coast Arts.

Set on Banjima Country in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, the documentary follows Elder Maitland Parker as he confronts the devastating legacy of the Wittenoom asbestos mines — one of Australia’s worst industrial disasters. The film is a deeply personal story of cultural strength, environmental truth-telling and community courage.

The screening will be followed by a post-film Q&A with Yaara Bou Melhem — offering audiences a rare opportunity to engage directly with the filmmaker and the story.

Director Yaara Bou Melhem said the film reflects an urgent truth about Country, culture and responsibility.

“Yurlu | Country is ultimately about truth-telling — and is a love story between an Elder and a family and their Country, a testament to their resilience and unwillingness to accept a status quo that harms land and people. I’m excited to be sharing this story with audiences at Capricorn Film Festival.”

Festival Founder and Director Luke Graham said Opening Night sets the tone for a powerful tenth-year program.

“The Capricorn Film Festival was created to give regional communities meaningful access to bold and important storytelling. Yurlu | Country is exactly that — courageous, moving and deeply human. It’s an honour to open our tenth-anniversary festival with Yaara’s film.”

Keppel Coast Arts President Leanne Smith said the organisation is proud to support Opening Night.

“Keppel Coast Arts is delighted to once again partner with the Capricorn Film Festival — now celebrating a decade as one of our region’s most inspiring cultural events. Presenting Yurlu | Country on Opening Night reflects our shared commitment to stories that matter — stories about community, land, culture and resilience.”

Opening Night also includes a welcome celebration with festival partners, dignitaries, filmmakers and guests, with canapés and drinks included in ticket entry.

Now in its tenth year, the Capricorn Film Festival has grown from a grassroots initiative into one of regional Queensland’s most vibrant arts events — showcasing international cinema, amplifying regional storytellers and building skills pathways for emerging filmmakers.

The Capricorn Film Festival will run from January 15-18 at the Yeppoon Town Hall. Full details here.

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