Cinetown Awards 2026
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About Cinetown Awards

Cinetown Awards presented by Cinetown.org is an Annual short film competition and Annual Awards Fiesta dedicated to inspiring and promoting emerging filmmakers. We celebrate the art of storytelling through cinema, bringing together talent from around the globe for an unforgettable celebration of independent film.

4 Cities
25+ Awards
2026 Edition
Reserve Your Seats

Get Tickets

Secure your spot at the Annual Awards Fiesta. Tickets are available via Humanitix.

✨ Early bird pricing available — limited spots at each showcase!

Recognition of Excellence

Awards

Honouring outstanding achievement across all facets of filmmaking.

Best Director – Narrative Film
Best Director – Multilanguage Films
Excellence in Screenwriting
Outstanding Storytelling Award
Best Debut Filmmaker
Best Cinematography
Excellence in Camera Operation
Best Production Design
Best Costume Design
Best Visual Effects
Best Film Editing
Best Sound Design
Best Background Score
Best Colour Grading
Excellence in Post‑Production
Best Actor – Lead Role
Best Actress – Lead Role
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Producer Female
Excellence in Art & Set Design
Best Production Coordinator / Producer
Best Choreography
Best Stunt Coordination
Lifetime Achievement Award
Submission Guidelines

Rules

Please review the eligibility regulations before submitting your film.

Rules for Short Films
Eligibility Regulations
  • All films / documentaries shot on film or Video (Analog / Digital format) with a running duration of 1 minute to 45 minutes are eligible for the festival.
  • Entries of all films / documentaries (hereafter collectively called Films) shall be accepted in any format OR Online screener. (i.e. YouTube, Vimeo or live link).
  • If language of the film is other than English, it must be dubbed or sub-titled in English.
  • Films may be entered by any organization, agency, individual producer or director.
  • Selection of films / videos for Cinetown Awards 2026 will be done by a committee whose decision will be final. However, Festival Authorities reserve the right to accept or reject any film that is likely to offend sentiments, feelings or sensibilities of any caste, community, religion and sect or is likely to promote racism or ill will in the society.
  • Cinetown Awards would be allowed to use all photographs and publicity materials received along with the Entry and the same will not be returned to the entrants.
  • Student / Diploma films / videos cannot be considered as Director's First film.
  • Censorship will not be applicable to any films / videos entered in the festival.
  • The Festival Authorities will have the right to screen (maximum 5 screening) in different cities of Australia on non-commercial basis.
  • For promotional / publicity purposes, excerpts from any film entered in the festival may be shown on any Television network / Internet or related media during the festival period.
  • Entry Forms with incorrect / inadequate / illegible / ambiguous particulars will not be considered.
  • Prize and certificate will be awarded to the director(s) or producer(s) of the film. For any duties, fees and charges accrued from the transporting of the trophy, will be covered by the recipient, not the Festival organizers.
  • All shortlisted entries will receive a certificate. (Cost of certificate production and courier charges will be covered by the submitter or Director or producer, if you are coming in Cinetown Awards please collect, your participation certificate in special programmed for certificate distribution during the festival, there will be no charges.)
  • Anybody can submit one or more than one entry. There is no limit for submission.
  • Films once selected and submitted for the final screening will not be allowed to be withdrawn under any circumstances, until the Festival is over.
  • Participation in the Festival implies acceptance of these Regulations.
Presented By

Organisers

Cinetown Awards

Cinetown.org

Dedicated to celebrating and empowering independent filmmakers through world-class festivals and awards across Australia.

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