THE 2026 ADELAIDE INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS 3—4 OCTOBER, FEATURING ACCLAIMED SHORT FILMS, LIVE FILMMAKER Q&As, AND AN EXCITING NEW INDUSTRY DAY.

Experience the charm of a 1941 Art Deco theatre and a cosy city cinema opened by Queen Elizabeth II as you immerse yourself in inspiring and thought-provoking stories.

Make the most of your festival experience with a stay at the award-winning Oval Hotel. Enjoy exclusive rates, contemporary luxury, premium amenities, and the convenience of being just moments from all the festival action. Contact us today to receive your booking link.

3 OCTOBER - DAY 1 (Capri Theatre)

Join us as we launch the 2026 Adelaide Independent Film Festival with an unforgettable celebration of independent cinema.

Whether you're planning a date night, catching up with friends, or love discovering bold new voices, this is an evening not to miss.

To add extra flavour to the mix, arrive early to experience the Capri Theatre’s iconic Wurlitzer Theatre Organ, indulge in complimentary canapés from Good Gilbert and Asha during intermission, and get up close with filmmakers from the Official Selection in an engaging Q&A after the screening.

Be part of the celebration as we reveal all 18 award winners live on stage — including Best Australian Short Film. Audience Award voters will go into the draw to win a complimentary overnight stay at the award-winning Oval Hotel.

Round out the evening with a celebratory drink in the foyer before heading across the road to our friends at Good Gilbert. We'd love to hear which film was your favourite!

When: 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Official Selection from 6:00 pm)

Where: Capri Theatre, 141 Goodwood Road, Goodwood

4 OCTOBER - DAY 2 (The Mercury)

Dive deeper into the world of film as we head to The Mercury for a jam-packed day of talks and screenings with leading voices from the screen industry.

Hear from AACTA Award-winning filmmakers and industry leaders as they share their insights, experiences, and creative journeys across a range of topics. Bring your questions - there'll be interactive Q&A sessions running throughout the day, plus loads more!

Full program details and special guests will be announced soon.

When: 12:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Where: The Mercury, 13 Morphett Street, Adelaide

It’s all part of an unforgettable experience—secure your tickets now!

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

Major Sponsors

The City of Unley, Community Bank Goodwood & Henson Lloyd Accounting

Venue Partners

The Mercury & Capri Theatre

Accommodation Partner

Oval Hotel

Sponsors

Australian Screen Sound Guild, Australian Cinematographers Society, Australian Writers' Guild, CrewHQ, Word Ninjas, ProAV Solutions, Sunjive Studios, Picture Hire, Fade In, Etikette, Palace Nova, Karu Karu Animations, WIFT SA, Good Gilbert, and Asha.

Additional Information:

Official Selection

To view the 2026 Official Selection, please visit here.

Accessibility

For accessibility information, please visit here.

Parking

For 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.

Accessibility

General information

Features