Film Submissions
Share your story with audiences across Australia
Call for Submissions: 2025
The Arab Film Festival of Australia invites filmmakers from around the world to submit their work for consideration in our 2025 edition. We are seeking bold, innovative, and compelling films that showcase the diversity and depth of Arab cinema.
Whether you're an established filmmaker or emerging talent, if your work explores Arab themes, cultures, or perspectives, we want to see it. Join us in celebrating the art of Arab storytelling.
Eligibility Requirements
Films must be completed after January 1, 2023
Director must be of Arab heritage OR film must have significant Arab content
Films can be in any language (with English subtitles if not in English or Arabic)
All genres and formats accepted (narrative, documentary, experimental, animation)
Films must not have been commercially released or screened in Australia
Films can be submitted in digital formats (DCP, ProRes, or high-quality MP4)
Submission Categories
Feature Narrative
$50Fiction films over 40 minutes
Feature Documentary
$50Non-fiction films over 40 minutes
Short Film
$30Fiction or documentary under 40 minutes
Student Film
$20Any length, made while enrolled in film school
Animation
$30Animated films of any length
Experimental
$30Avant-garde and experimental works
Important Dates
Early Bird Deadline
March 31, 2025
Regular Deadline
May 31, 2025
Late Deadline
July 15, 2025
Notification Date
September 1, 2025
Festival Dates
November 1-10, 2025
Selection Process
All submissions are carefully reviewed by our programming committee, which includes film industry professionals, critics, and cultural experts. We evaluate films based on artistic merit, storytelling quality, technical excellence, and relevance to the festival's mission.
Submit
Upload your film via our submission platform
Review
Programming committee evaluates all entries
Selection
Selected filmmakers notified by September 1
Awards & Recognition
Best Feature Film
Best Documentary
Best Short Film
Best Director
Audience Choice Award
Filmmaker FAQs
What is the submission fee?
Fees vary by category and deadline. Early bird rates start at $20 for student films and $30 for shorts. See the categories section above for details.
Can I submit a film that has screened at other festivals?
Yes, films can have screened at other festivals, but they must not have been commercially released or screened in Australia.
Do I need to be of Arab heritage to submit?
No, but your film must have significant Arab content, themes, or perspectives. Films by Arab filmmakers are also encouraged.
Will you cover travel costs for selected filmmakers?
We provide travel assistance for select filmmakers based on available funding. Details will be provided upon selection.
Ready to Submit?
Join us in celebrating Arab cinema. Submit your film today and be part of Australia's premier Arab film festival.