Special Events & Short Films To See At Adelaide Film Festival 2026

Adelaide Film Festival 2026 offers more than feature films, with a lineup of short films, filmmaker conversations, anniversary screenings, and special events throughout the festival.

I’ve gone through the program and picked out some of the special events and short-film programs worth keeping an eye on at Adelaide Film Festival 2026.

Shorts Program

AFF’s program features World, Australian, Animation, and Queer shorts.

Made in SA

Made in SA spotlights South Australian filmmakers with a dedicated collection of locally produced short films.

Shine – 30th Anniversary Screening

Scott Hicks’ Shine returns to the big screen for its 30th anniversary with a new 4K restoration.

Bukal Bukal And Campfire Yarns At Yitpi Yartapuultiku

AFF is heading to the banks of the Port River for a free all-ages evening built around the world premiere of Bukal Bukal. This documentary follows Yidinji activist Henrietta Marrie AM, whose work has helped reshape approaches to Indigenous cultural heritage and rights in Australia and internationally.

Don Dunstan Award: Leah In Conversation

Actor, writer and director Leah Purcell AM is the recipient of the 2026 Don Dunstan Award. Purcell’s career includes The Drover’s Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson, which she wrote, directed and starred in.

Moviejuice

AFF continues its partnership with Adelaide-based film collective Moviejuice, which focuses on experimental and alternative cinema.

Super 8 and 16mm Experimental Shorts

AFF will showcase experimental work created on Super 8 and 16mm film.

In Conversation With Alex White

Producer Alex White joins AFF for an in-conversation event looking at her work and career in the Australian screen industry. White’s producing credits include Babyteeth, The New Boy and Fires.

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These events sit alongside filmmaker Q&As, guests attending screenings and other special presentations taking place throughout Adelaide Film Festival 2026.

Adelaide Film Festival 2026 runs from October 14-25.

Which special events or short-film programs are you planning to check out at AFF this year? Let us know in the comments below.

[Information and descriptions supplied by Adelaide Film Festival]