Gold Coast Film Festival

Plan Your Visit to the Gold Coast Film Festival – A Premier Film Experience

The Gold Coast Film Festival is a celebration of film and filmmaking, hosted in Queensland’s premier screen destination, the Gold Coast. Each year, this highly anticipated event showcases an incredible lineup of films, inspirational panels, outdoor screenings, and special events at the Home of the Arts (HOTA) and other iconic locations across the region.

A highlight of the festival is SIPFest (Shorts in Paradise), where thousands gather under the stars to enjoy the best of Australian and international cinema alongside a showcase of local and independent films. This outdoor event is an unforgettable experience, combining top-tier short films with food trucks, live entertainment, and a relaxed atmosphere.

The Gold Coast Film Festival not only profiles the city as a leading filmmaking destination but also drives cultural tourism and delivers significant economic benefits to the region. Established in 2002, the festival broadened its focus in 2014 to highlight a diverse range of Australian and international films. Since then, it has grown in attendance, reputation, and industry support.

In recent years, the festival has introduced groundbreaking initiatives, including promoting gender equality in the screen industry, launching WIFT (Women in Film and Television) Australia in 2018, and becoming an AACTA-Award qualifying festival for feature films in 2017—one of only seven in Australia.

Supported by the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland, Tourism and Events Queensland, Major Events Gold Coast, and the City of Gold Coast, the festival continues to provide exceptional opportunities for emerging filmmakers and industry professionals.

Why You Should Attend Next Year:

Whether you’re a film enthusiast, a budding filmmaker, or a traveler seeking cultural experiences, the Gold Coast Film Festival offers something for everyone. From incredible film premieres and educational panels to breathtaking outdoor screenings like SIPFest, it’s a must-attend event for your travel itinerary.

Mark your calendar and prepare for an unforgettable cinematic adventure in one of Australia’s most dynamic destinations. Stay tuned for next year’s festival dates and program announcements!

GCFF 2024

The Gold Coast Film Festival (GCFF) is an annual celebration of film and filmmaking held in Queensland's dynamic screen destination, the Gold Coast. The 2024 festival featured a diverse array of events, each offering unique experiences for film enthusiasts and industry professionals.

Most of the events were held at HOTA with the Future Filmmakers symposium at Bond University and Gala Awards at Warner Brothers Movie World.

Key events from the 2024 festival

April 18, 2024

‍Opening Night‍

The festival commenced with a red-carpet event, featuring the premiere of a highly anticipated film, followed by a reception that set the tone for the festival's celebrations.

April 19, 2024

‍In the Elevator‍

A workshop designed to teach participants how to craft compelling elevator pitches, essential for capturing the attention of industry professionals.

SIPFEST: Shorts in Paradise‍

An outdoor screening event where attendees gathered under the stars to enjoy a curated selection of short films, accompanied by food trucks and live entertainment.

April 20, 2024

EMERGE! Students Shorts Gala‍

This competition showcased the best short films from graduating film students across Australia, providing a platform for emerging filmmakers to present their work to a broader audience.

Script to Screen

‍A rare opportunity to experience a screenplay's journey from the initial script to the final screen, offering insights into the filmmaking process.

Special Presentation: Shorts with Alex Proyas

‍A special screening featuring short films by renowned director Alex Proyas, followed by a discussion about his work and the filmmaking process.

April 21, 2024

Screen Queensland and GCFF Networking Event

‍Presented by Screen Queensland, this event brought together Gold Coast practitioners from various backgrounds and career levels to network and discuss industry trends.

Women in Film Lunch

‍Presented by Screen Queensland, this luncheon brought together women from the Australian screen industry to discuss challenges, opportunities, and celebrate achievements.

April 22, 2024

Closing Night‍

The festival concluded with a glamorous red-carpet gala, celebrating the achievements of the festival and the Australian film industry. Attendees enjoyed the premiere of the closing film, followed by an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding contributions in filmmaking.