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Flickerfest 2021 announces jam-packed program for their 30th year

Flickerfest 2021 is ready to launch into ten thrilling days featuring the very best in short films from Australia and around the world.

Flickerfest 2021 is ready to launch into ten thrilling days featuring the very best in short films from Australia and around the world – and they are pulling out all the stops for their 30th festival.

As a beloved Sydney summer institution for three decades, we have come to expect the very best from the Academy® accredited and BAFTA recognised competition. With over 2,700 entries received from Australia and all around the world, you can bet that the chosen 200 creative and inspiring shorts are not to be missed.

Spread across 16 competitive programmes and four showcase programmes, Flickerfest guarantee these films will make you laugh, cry and gasp with delight.

Flickerfest 2021 Festival Trailer

In 2021, Flickerfest will debut an all-new location on the lawn at North Park Bondi Beach, housed in a fun bespoke festival garden which will include The Famous Spiegeltent for indoor screenings, an outdoor deckchair cinema under the stars and a bespoke garden bar area.

The shorts in competition at Flickerfest are fiercely vying for a number of prestigious prizes including the Flickerfest Award for Best International Short Film, the Yoram Gross Award for Best International Animation, the Flickerfest Award for Best Australian Short Film and the Flickerfest Award for Best Documentary.

Without further ado – let’s dive into some of the program highlights.

The Australian program includes some brilliant entries with key highlights including the world premiere and the Directorial Debut for Phoebe Tonkin, with Furlough – a moving 19-minute drama set on the Central Coast of NSW.

Flickerfest 2021 – Best of Australian Shorts

Other highlights include the NSW Premiere of Roborovski, a virtual reality animated project from Tilda Cobham-Hervey and Dev Patel about an adorable miniature hamster seeking revenge. The Story OF Lee Ping, a 12-minute tale of a young Chinese woman’s journey to find freedom on her own terms, starring Jillian Nguyen and directed by Jasmin Tarasin. Both films were written by acclaimed writer John Collee (Happy Feet).

A highlight from the International Program, following its World Premiere at the Cannes International Film Festival, includes the Australian Premiere of David, directed by Zachary Woods and featuring comedy legend Will Ferrell. 

Flickerfest 2021 – Best of International Shorts

Flickerfest is Australia’s largest short film competition dedicated to showcasing the very best short films from Australia and around the world. In addition to being BAFTA recognised, there are four Academy® Qualifying competitions, the SAE FlickerUp competition for filmmakers under 18, LGBTQI+ films (Rainbow Shorts), special showcases of kids and family-friendly films (FlickerKids), films about relationships (Love Bites),  comedy (Short Laughs) and an award-winning programme of Indigenous shorts screening on Survival day curated By Flickerfest alumni Dylan River.

Flickerfest 2021 – Rainbow Shorts

What resonates is that Flickerfest is such a unique event. There is nothing quite like sitting outside to watch a film on a warm summer’s evening, surrounded by locals, tourists and filmmakers. The festival brings together regulars and first-timers and we both loved the inclusive nature [of it]. Festival director, Bronwyn Kidd went on to distribute both our films, so this partnership has continued for many years. After the last year of distancing death and fear, I can’t think of anything more delightful than attending Flickerfest with friends and share the joy and solace that community experienced cinema gives.”

Rachel Griffiths, Award-winning Actress & Filmmaker; Ride Like A Girl and Louise Smith, Producer

“The Short Film is a place to experiment and push boundaries. Flickerfest allows emerging voices to be seen and heard and established voices the chance to revitalise. It’s fitting that such a cutting edge, internationally recognised film festival takes place in an unconventional and vibrant setting: under the stars, on the beach, in Australia.”

Cate Blanchett, Oscar-winning actress and Flickerfest Supporter
Flickerfest 2021 – Love Bites

Flickerfest 2021 will come to Bondi Beach, Sydney from Friday 22 January until Sunday 31 January. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.au.