BBFF26 Young Australian Filmmakers Short Films

At the heart of the Byron Bay International Film Festival’s commitment to emerging talent is the Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year Competition. A cornerstone of BBFF since 2007, the competition celebrates the creativity, ambition and distinctive voices of Australia’s next generation of filmmakers. Each year, BBFF selects an outstanding group of finalists aged 25 and under, showcasing short films that reflect the breadth of ideas, perspectives and storytelling emerging from young Australian creatives. The finalists are judged by an esteemed panel of Australian screen industry professionals, with the 2026 Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year Award presented to the filmmaker whose work most impresses the jury. The award is proudly sponsored by Mercato on Byron. Bold, inventive and deeply personal, these films offer an exciting glimpse into the future of Australian cinema. Many of the nominated filmmakers attend the screening in person, making this a unique opportunity for audiences to meet emerging filmmakers, celebrate their work and witness the announcement of this year’s winner. Experience the work of the 2026 finalists and discover some of the filmmakers helping shape the future of Australian screen storytelling. Full details of the nominees and their films: www.bbff.com.au/2026-young-australian-filmmaker-of-the-year