More dates

Payment plans

How does it work?

  • Reserve your order today and pay over time in regular, automatic payments.
  • You’ll receive your tickets and items once the final payment is complete.
  • No credit checks or third-party accounts - just simple, secure, automatic payments using your saved card.

2026 Adelaide Independent Film Festival

Share
See Ticket Details
Adelaide SA, Australia
 ·  Accessibility info
Add to calendar

Sat, 3 Oct, 5pm - Sun, 4 Oct, 6pm ACST

Description

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.

Schedule (subject to change)

  • 5:00 pm

    Arrival

  • 5:20 pm

    Capri Theatre Wurlitzer Theatre Organ

  • 5:35 pm

    Welcome & Acknowledgment of Country

  • 6:00 pm

    2026 Official Selection

    17 short films from 6 countries

  • 8:30 pm

    Intermission

    Complimentary canapés courtesy from Good Gilbert and Asha with a second Wurlitzer Theatre Organ performance

  • 8:50 pm

    Q&A

    Live on stage with filmmakers from the Official Selection

  • 9:15 pm

    Awards Presentation

    18 awards presented live on stage

  • 10:00 pm

    After Party

  • 10:30 pm

    Finish

    Continue the celebrations across the road to our friends at Good Gilbert

0 / 12

Gallery

Testimonials

  • Sensational night

    Sensational night, I can’t wait for the next one!

  • Love the venue

    I value this festival - love the venue and high standard of films

  • Lovely festival

    Lovely festival that is truly supporting filmmakers

  • Thank you for hosting such a fun event!

    It's been a great experience, thank you for hosting such a fun event!

  • Would highly recommended.

    We were stoked to play in such a great line up, thank you for having us! Would highly recommended.

  • Fantastic festival to be involved with!

  • What a wonderful festival

    What a wonderful festival, that does an incredible job celebrating independent film. Thanks for having our film as part of the festival in 2025!

FAQs

  • Can I purchase tickets on the day?

    Yes. Tickets can be purchased at the venue’s box office. Cash or EFTPOS will be available. 

    Please note: The Capri Theatre Box Office is available for in-person sales between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm on 3 October 2026, and The Mercury Box Office is available between 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm on 4 October 2026.

    Alternatively, you can purchase tickets by calling the AIFF Box Office on +61 460 892 882 between 9:00 am - 3:00 pm (3 October) and 9:00 am - 11:00 am (4 October).

    Subject to availability. 

  • Do I have to show anyone my online ticket?

    If you have purchased tickets online, please see the volunteer at the box office to check in. They will provide you with a physical ticket to present to the ushers. 

  • Do you have a programme?

    Yes. An online version is available to download here.  A hard copy will also be available at the Capri Theatre on 3 October 2026 and The Mercury on 4 October 2026.

  • Can people under the age of 15 years attend?

    No. The 2026 programme is restricted to people aged 15 years and over unless stated elsewhere. This is due to the exhibited material likely to be classified MA 15+, and all short films are screened together. Please bring a valid photo ID to the screening, as our volunteers may request to check your ID to confirm your age.

  • How long is the Wurlitzer Theatre organ performance?

    There will be a 15-minute performance by one of the Capri Theatre’s organists before the Official Selection and a 20-minute performance during intermission on 3 October 2026.

  • Does the Capri Theatre or The Mercury have parking?

    There is no dedicated parking space at the Capri Theatre. Only street parking is available. See here for more information.

    There are limited free parking spaces out the front of The Mercury, along with one untimed disabled park. See here for more information.

  • Can the general public attend on 4 October 2026?

    Absolutely! The AIFF is open for everyone—from filmmakers and industry professionals to film lovers and curious audiences. If you're passionate about cinema and want to discover how short films are made, championed, and find their place in the world, this day is for you.

  • I live in the City of Unley. Are there discounted tickets?

    Yes! If you live or operate a business within the City of Unley, discounted tickets are available for the screening on 3 October 2026. Please bring a valid photo ID with your address to the screening, as our ticket box volunteer may request to check to confirm your residence.

  • What time does the Official Selection start?

    The Official Selection will start at 6:00 pm on 3 October 2026.

  • Is there a bar?

    Yes. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available at the Capri Theatre and The Mercury.

  • Will there be an intermission?

    Absolutely. There will be an opportunity to stretch your legs and refill your drinks at both venues. Please refer to the schedule for specific timings.

  • What time will you announce the award winners?

    We’ll announce the winners live on stage at 9:15 pm on 3 October 2026.

  • Are the Capri Theatre and The Mercury both accessible venues?

    Absolutely! See here for information at the Capri Theatre and see here for The Mercury.

  • How do I vote for the Audience Award?

    There are two easy ways to vote for the Audience Award.

    Option 1: Scan the QR code with your smartphone and complete the online voting form. Simply select your favourite film from the Official Selection, submit your vote, and you're done!

    Option 2: Write the title of your favourite film in our Audience Book, located at the entrance to the Capri Theatre. Be sure to cast your vote before you leave.

    Please note: Audience Award voting opens at 8:30 pm and closes at 9:30 pm on Saturday, 3 October 2026.

  • Will there be a Q&A?

    Yes. There will be a Q&A with the Official Selection filmmakers after the screening on 3 October 2026. There will also be Q&A sessions at The Mercury with industry leaders on 4 October 2026.

Powered by

Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity

Get tickets

Get tickets

Get tickets

Get tickets
See Ticket Details
Adelaide SA, Australia