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

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.
17 short films from 6 countries
Complimentary canapés courtesy from Good Gilbert and Asha with a second Wurlitzer Theatre Organ performance
Live on stage with filmmakers from the Official Selection
18 awards presented live on stage
Continue the celebrations across the road to our friends at Good Gilbert
Sensational night, I can’t wait for the next one!
I value this festival - love the venue and high standard of films
Lovely festival that is truly supporting filmmakers
It's been a great experience, thank you for hosting such a fun event!
We were stoked to play in such a great line up, thank you for having us! Would highly recommended.
What a wonderful festival, that does an incredible job celebrating independent film. Thanks for having our film as part of the festival in 2025!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Official Selection will start at 6:00 pm on 3 October 2026.
Yes. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available at the Capri Theatre and The Mercury.
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.
We’ll announce the winners live on stage at 9:15 pm on 3 October 2026.
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.
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.
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