Submissions are open for the 75th Melbourne International Film Festival, which is scheduled for August 5–22, 2027. MIFF accepts feature films, shorts and XR work across animation, documentary, experimental and fiction categories.
The least expensive entry round closes October 31, 2026. Later rounds run through February 16, 2027, with fees increasing at each stage.
Featured photo: Audience members at a Melbourne International Film Festival screening. Image supplied on MIFF's official submissions page and used for editorial reporting.
Why it matters
MIFF is a major international festival with competitive feature and short-film programs, but its premiere rules can disqualify a project long after an entry fee is paid. Filmmakers should map their festival and online-release plans before submitting, not after an invitation arrives.
Deadlines and first-round fees
MIFF lists five submission deadlines: October 31, November 30, December 31, January 31 and February 16. Entries are handled through FilmFreeway and charged in U.S. dollars.
- Australian short or XR work: $40 in Round 1.
- International short or XR work: $50 in Round 1.
- Australian feature: $60 in Round 1.
- International feature: $70 in Round 1.
MIFF does not offer fee waivers or multi-film discounts, and its regulations say ineligible or disqualified entries are not refunded.
Runtime and premiere rules
A short is 40 minutes or less, including credits. A feature is longer than 40 minutes. XR entries may use VR, MR, AR, installations, live performance or combinations of those formats, with no runtime limit.
Films must have had their first public screening after January 1, 2026. At minimum, the work must remain a Victoria state premiere: it cannot screen publicly in Victoria or be available online to viewers in Victoria before August 23, 2027. Private cast, crew or investor screenings and film-school graduation screenings are listed exceptions.
MIFF says online festival or VOD availability is tolerated only when Australian viewers are geoblocked. Projects seeking the Bright Horizons Competition face the stricter requirement of an Australian premiere.
Works in progress wait until February
MIFF will accept works in progress only during the February Round 5 period, and only at or beyond picture lock. The submitted version is the version considered, so teams should not enter an unfinished cut early expecting to replace it later.
Before submitting
Confirm the project's correct Australian or international classification, protect the required premiere status, and keep the online screener and password active. MIFF requires the screener to remain accessible through June 22, 2027.
Review MIFF's official submissions page →
Primary sources
Update note
Published October 16, 2026, one day after submissions opened. Fees and eligibility can change; filmmakers should confirm the live MIFF regulations before paying.