Join us on Opening Night at the 2025 Adelaide Independent Film Festival for a memorable evening filled with incredible short films presented exclusively at the beloved Mercury Cinema!

Opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1992, immerse yourself in the history of this cosy, city-based cinema and become captivated by inspiring, thought-provoking stories that will challenge your perspective on the world.

The AIFF attracts filmmakers from across Australia to the festival each year. Previous short films featured at the festival have premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival, the Sydney Film Festival, the BFI London Film Festival, and other prestigious film festivals.

Don’t forget to purchase tickets for the screening at the Capri Theatre on 18 October 2025.

Programme
The official programme comprises over twenty-five short films from ten countries, with eleven to be screened exclusively at the Mercury Cinema. This section of the programme features an Academy Award-nominated director alongside five South Australian, four European and two Asian films.

For the first time, we’ve added a second date to accommodate the overwhelming number of high-quality short films this year.

More shorts. More opportunities for filmmakers. More of the AIFF.

The AIFF’s Audience Award returns, empowering you to choose your favourite film from the evening's lineup. The winner will be announced at the Capri Theatre on 18 October.

Hear from several filmmakers from the programme as they answer your burning questions on stage.

After the Q&A, join us in the foyer for a celebratory drink with the filmmakers. We'd love to know which short film was your favourite!

Thank you for supporting the AIFF. We hope you have a wonderful experience at our festival.

AIFF25 is proudly sponsored by the City of Unley, The Mercury, Capri Theatre, CrewHQ, Word Ninjas, Karu-Karu Animations, ProAV Solutions, Sunjive Studios, Urban Cine, Star Avenue Studios, RMT Management, SAE, Etikette, Palace Nova, the Piccadilly, and Alpha Trophies.

Additional Information

Tickets

For ticketing information, including 18 October at the Capri Theatre, please visit here.

Official Selection

To view the 2025 Official Selection, please visit here.

Accessibility / Parking

For accessibility and parking information, please visit here.

Classification

For important classification information, please visit here.

Audience Award

For information on how to vote for the Audience Award, please visit here.

Schedule (Subject to change)

6:00 pm: ARRIVAL

6:30 pm: WELCOME & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

6:35 pm: OFFICIAL SELECTION - PART ONE

7:42 pm: INTERMISSION

8:02 pm: OFFICIAL SELECTION - PART TWO

9:00 pm: INTERMISSION

9:15 pm: Q&A

9:35 pm: AFTER PARTY (IN FOYER)

10:00 pm: FINISH