Film Submissions
Thank you for your interest in the 2021 Melbourne Queer Film Festival. Submissions for the 2021 Festival will open on June 15 and will close on December 4, 2020.
Each year MQFF screens more than 140 features, shorts and documentaries from Australia and around the world, and presents numerous panels, filmmaker workshops and special events. MQFF is a highlight of Melbourne’s busy arts and cultural calendar and also presents special events and screenings throughout the year. In 2021, MQFF will screen at venues in the Melbourne CBD and surrounds.
In 2020, MQFF proudly awarded cash and prizes to LGBTIQ+ filmmakers and creatives as part of its growing offering.
MQFF accepts entries via FilmFreeway.com, the world’s best online submission platform. FilmFreeway offers free HD online screeners, unlimited video storage, digital press kits, and more.
Films submitted for MQFF 2021 should be of interest to the LGBTIQ community (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, questioning/queer).
Once a film is submitted for consideration via FilmFreeway or if directly solicited by MQFF, we will not provide feedback as to why a film was not selected to screen.
Submission is free for Australian entrants only. Australian entrants please email program@mqff.com.au for waiver code.
MQFF recognises local and international filmmaking talent through our Awards Program which includes prizes for Best Australian Short Film, Best First Feature and Best Documentary. To see a full list of the 2020 winners, visit our Awards page.
MQFF Australian Short Film Awards
City of Melbourne Award for the Best Australian Short Film – $5000
(Recipients of the City of Melbourne Award for Best Australian Short Film are automatically qualified to be nominated for The Iris Prize – the largest prize for a gay or lesbian short film in the world.)
Film Victoria Award for Best Director, Australian Short Film – $2500
ME Bank Award Emerging Filmmaker – $2500
MQFF Awards
Shaun Miller Lawyers Award for Best Australian Documentary Feature or Short – $1000
The Pride Foundation Australia Award for Best Australian Feature Film – $1000
MQFF Award for Best First Feature Narrative – $2500
MQFF Award for Best Feature Documentary – $2500
MQFF Award for Best International Short Fiction or Documentary – $1000
Audience Choice Awards
Step Right Up Award for Best Short Film – $1000
Audience Choice Award for Best Feature, Narrative or Documentary – $1000
Pitch, Pleez!
$10,000 thanks to Film Victoria and Matthew Lee
Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K with DaVinchi resolve Studio Software – $2600
Shaun Miller Lawyers legal fees – $2000