In partnership with Specsavers
From Friday, January 23, until Sunday, February 1, Flickerfest’s International Short Film Festival is taking over the Bondi Pavilion. What began as a small local festival at Balmain High School has now transformed into an Academy-accredited and BAFTA-recognised competitive Australian and international short film festival.
In 2026, Flickerfest will celebrate its 35th year as a cultural calendar highlight, with thousands of films entered both locally and globally. The curated programme showcases around 200 short films, including 42 world premieres and 41 Australian premieres, giving Sydney audiences a first look at the industry’s creative talents.
Alongside Flickerfest’s outstanding lineup, the festival has also partnered with Specsavers for the third year running to support emerging filmmakers. The competition invites filmmakers to create a 30-second short film in the spirit of the brand’s recognisable “Should’ve Gone To Specsavers” ad, which has been gracing Australian screens for over 15 years.
“The partnership is about getting people to think creatively and giving opportunities for emerging filmmakers,” says Flickerfest director, Bronwyn Kidd. “It has evolved from a script competition to people producing their own 30-second ideas. It encourages people to get a team together and make something.”
From all of the entries, five finalists have now been selected, with each short film set to be showcased at Flickerfest and awarded $20k in prize money. One entrant, however, will win a major prize — $50k cash to help launch and support their creative career. While the finalists have been handpicked by a judging panel, the winner will be chosen by the general public.
Voters are also in with a chance at some prize money. Tell us, in 25 words or less, why your favourite 30-second short film deserves to win. You’ll then go in the draw to score a $1000 Digital Visa Gift Card. Perhaps the winner will be Edvard Christie’s wine blunder with “The Expert”? Hannah Dougherty’s hilarious crime mystery, “Sketch Artist”? Or the unique animated short, “Garbologist”? Justin Villar’s “The Chase” makes for a thrilling TVC, while Muraya Moore’s “Fishtank” nails the creative brief.
Watch and vote for the five Flickerfest finalists at the Specsavers hub and go into the running to win $1000 — all while supporting the Australian film industry.
Good luck.
See the full Flickerfest programme and more information here.