Pitch, Pleez!
2026 submissions are now open!
We are excited to announce Pitch Pleez! is back for 2026, and submissions are currently open until Sunday 26 April 2026 11:59pm AEST.
Are you a filmmaker who’s got a pitch that’s worth $10,000? If so, Pitch, Pleez!
Running since 2019, each year MQFF invites filmmakers to submit their short film idea, with a selection of finalists competing in a live ‘Pitch Off’ in front of an audience and panel of industry judges. Since the prize’s inception MQFF has awarded $75,000 to Australian LGBTQIA+ filmmakers to create short fiction films, documentaries or web series pilots.
We’ve now opened submissions for Pitch, Pleez! 2026. Submit your pitch by Sunday 26 April 2026, 11:59pm AEST and you could premiere at MQFF 2026’s opening night in November. Full details of what to include to be eligible to submit your pitch is listed in the Application Criteria section below.
We can’t wait to hear your ideas.
Apply NowLive Pitch Off Event!
Join us for this FREE event where filmmakers pitch their films, presenting in front of a panel of industry professionals and a live audience. All in a battle to win:
* $10,000 cash prize to help fund the project
* All-In-Pass to the 2026 Melbourne Queer Film Festival
* The opportunity to screen their film at the MQFF Festival Opening night
* The GLORY of being MQFF 2026 Pitch Pleez! winners
Save the date: Monday 25 May 2026.
Booking for this event is ESSENTIAL. Keep your eyes peeled, a booking link will appear very soon..
Winners of Pitch, Pleez!
YEAR |
WINNER |
| 2019 | Hook Up
by Laura Nagy & Sarah Christie |
| 2020 |
A Big Life by Ana Brownfield & How to be Queer by Clare Cavanagh & Alexandra Morgan |
| 2021 |
We’re Doing Well by Andrew Mills |
| 2022 |
Graveyard Shift by Morgan Flint & Jamie Tram |
| 2023 |
Pineapple by Sophie Saville |
| 2024 |
While We Still Have Time by Ava Grimshaw-Hall & Jasper Caverly |
| 2025 |
Flight Risk by Mohammad Awad |
Prize
The winning team or individual will be awarded the following:
* $10,000 cash prize to help fund the project
* Premiere status at the opening night of the 2026 Melbourne Queer Film Festival
* All-In-Pass to the 2026 Melbourne Queer Film Festival (November 2026)
Key dates
* Thursday 02 April 2026 – Submissions open
* Sunday 26 April 2026 – Submissions close
* Monday 4 May 2026 – Finalists notified
* Monday 25 May 2026 – Pitch Pleez! event
* November 2026 – MQFF Opening Ceremony screening
Application Criteria
Your completed application form must address the following requirements:
- Types of projects being considered: short fiction film, documentary or web series pilot
- Project length 15 mins maximum
- The project must have relevant LGBTQIA+ themes and subject matter
- Must identify LGBTQIA+ people working on the project
- The applicant or applicants must be over 18 and Australian residents to apply
- A current draft of the script formatted to industry standards
- A synopsis (200 words or fewer)
- Applicants must own the rights to the story they are pitching
- A detailed budget breakdown (if the project exceeds $10,000, evidence of where the additional funds or in kind support will come from)
- Screener links to any of the director’s or key team member’s previous projects
- Relevant CVs for all the applicants
- Agreement to MQFFs terms and conditions (downloadable below)
Applications for 2026 are now open.
Apply Now
MQFF strongly encourages diversity in front of and behind the camera, so please keep this in mind when creating your pitch.
View the terms and conditions for Pitch, Pleez! competition here