Celebrating short films and the creative voices that shape them.
We are a festival that encourages films that challenge, delight, and inspire both film lovers and filmmakers.
Submit your film via FilmFreeway now · Screening mid-October 2026
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
A festival built for short film
Now in its 31st year, CSFF is one of Australia's longest running, competition-based short film festivals, and one of its most welcoming (see Filmfreeway reviews). Based in Canberra, we attract submissions from more than 50 countries and screen to audiences who show up because they love cinema.
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When your film screens at CSFF, it is seen by an engaged, discerning audience, in a city where the arts are taken seriously. Filmmakers are not lost in the crowd here. Conversations happen. Connections are made.
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We screen films that challenge, delight, and inspire. CSFF champions strong storytelling, clear vision, and originality, regardless of budget or scale.
We program films with something to say
We are looking for
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Films with a distinct point of view
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Stories that earn their ending
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Stories that are bold, funny, moving, or quietly observed - any voice, any genre.
Years Running
2025 statistics
Submissions
Countries represented
Films screened
Submit your film.
Submissions for the 2026 Canberra Short Film Festival are now open. The festival screens in Canberra, mid-October 2026.