This year’s incredible program features acclaimed short films, live filmmaker Q&As, and a new industry day.
The Adelaide Independent Film Festival (AIFF) has announced its 2026 Official Selection. 17 short films from local, national and international filmmakers will screen at the heritage-listed Capri Theatre on 3 October 2026.
Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Anthony Frith serves as Guest Programmer for 2026.
The Adelaide Independent Film Festival will also introduce a new AIFF Industry Day at The Mercury on 4 October, featuring talks, Q&A sessions and screenings designed to connect filmmakers and audiences with leading screen professionals.
Guests include AACTA award-winning filmmaker Danny Philippou and Clermont-Ferrand International Grand Prix winner Damian Walshe-Howling, alongside other leading industry figures.
South Australia’s Deputy Premier, the Hon. Kyam Maher MP, is also among the special guests attending this year’s festival.
“There’s no better way to spend your long weekend than joining us at the beautiful Capri Theatre and The Mercury for an unforgettable celebration of independent cinema,” says AIFF Director, Tom Kerby.
“This year’s festival brings together acclaimed short films from local, national and international filmmakers, alongside a brand new AIFF Industry Day, giving filmmakers direct access to some of Australia’s leading screen professionals. It’s a weekend for film lovers and filmmakers alike, and one not to be missed.”
The Official Selection Jury brings together acclaimed Australian actors and filmmakers Damon Herriman, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Alies Sluiter, Travis Jeffery, and Emerson Hoskin, alongside South Australian Film Corporation Program Coordinator Julia Light.
Oval Hotel joins the AIFF as the Official Accommodation Partner, providing exclusive rates for filmmakers, industry leaders and special guests attending the festival over the October long weekend.
Following the Official Selection screening, filmmakers will take part in a live Q&A, offering audiences an opportunity to hear directly from the creatives behind the films. A total of 18 awards will also be presented on stage, celebrating excellence across the festival, including the Best Australian Short Film Award.
Audience Award voters will go into the draw to win a complimentary overnight stay at the award-winning Oval Hotel.
The evening will conclude with an exclusive after-party in the iconic Art Deco foyer of the Capri Theatre, bringing together filmmakers, industry leaders, special guests and festival audiences.
The City of Unley and Community Bank Goodwood proudly sponsor the AIFF through their Community Event Sponsorship programs. For the fourth consecutive year, the Deputy Mayor of the City of Unley will present the Best Unley Short Film Award live on stage.
Saturday, 3 October
Capri Theatre
- Doors open at 5:00 pm
- Wurlitzer Theatre Organ performance
- 150-minute Official Selection screening
- Catering by Good Gilbert & Asha
- Live filmmaker Q&A
- 18 awards presented on stage
- After party
Sunday, 4 October
The Mercury
- Doors open at 12:30 pm
- Talks, Q&As and screenings with prominent filmmakers
You can find the full program and ticket details here.
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