Screen Fraser Coast Announces the 2026 Fraser Shorts Film Festival: A 10-Day
Celebration of Cinema on the Fraser Coast
Screen Fraser Coast Inc. is thrilled to announce the official launch of the 2026 Fraser Shorts
Film Festival, the premier screen culture event for the Fraser Coast region. Set against the
stunning backdrop of the region’s World Heritage-listed wonders, the festival will run over 10
days from October 17 to 25, 2026, offering a vibrant hub of creativity for filmmakers, industry
professionals, and audiences.
Operating on a unique “dual-hub” model across both Maryborough and Hervey Bay, the
festival will feature community pop-up screenings, professional development workshops, and
an industry panel discussion. The week will culminate in main exhibition screenings at The
Federation Room at the Brolga Theatre and BigScreen Cinemas in Hervey Bay, followed by a
prestigious red-carpet Awards Night and gala dinner at The Club House.
Amy Friesen, Co-Chair of Screen Fraser Coast and festival director, highlighted the
festival’s focus on nurturing talent:
“Fraser Shorts is more than just a festival—it’s a celebration of visionary talent where films
don’t just play, they inspire. We are committed to supporting emerging artists by providing a
supportive and inclusive platform for them to share their unique voices. By integrating handson
workshops and connecting filmmakers directly with industry professionals, we are building
a vibrant, sustainable screen sector right here on the Fraser Coast”.
Samantha Gould, Co-Chair of Screen Fraser Coast and festival director, emphasised the
broader community and economic impacts:
“The Fraser Coast is an emerging, untapped hub for the screen industry. By combining a highcalibre
film festival with our region’s premium nature tourism offerings, like K’gari and whale
watching, we are creating a unique destination appeal. This event serves as a powerful catalyst
for regional economic growth, designed to generate overnight cultural tourism, support local
business, and deeply integrate with our community”.
CALLING ALL FILMMAKERS: SUBMIT YOUR MASTERPIECES NOW!
This is it, filmmakers, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Submissions for the 2026 Fraser
Shorts Film Festival officially open, and the clock is ticking toward the September 20 deadline.
We are calling for your cinematic masterpieces across a wide variety of categories, including
Fiction, Drama, Comedy, Animated, Experimental, Environmental, Documentary, Music Video,
Indigenous, Local Fraser Coast Film, Local Student Film and Student Films. Submissions are
managed via the industry-leading platform FilmFreeway, with a flat entry fee of $30.
PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL MUSIC SONGWRITING COMPETITION
Aspiring and established songwriters are being encouraged to start working on an entry now
for a competition designed to connect them with filmmakers. The Pacific International Music
Songwriting Competition is open to songwriters of all ages and experience levels.
Screen Fraser Coast Co-Chair Samantha Gould said the contest offered songwriters a chance
to have their music heard and potentially featured in future films distributed nationally and
worldwide. “Music plays a crucial role in storytelling, and we’re excited to give songwriters the
opportunity to have their work featured on the big screen,” she said. “This competition is all
about connecting talented musicians with filmmakers to create something truly special.”
Ms Gould said songs would be judged on originality, lyrical content and overall musicality.
“Songwriters shouldn’t miss this opportunity to be part of a unique creative collaboration,” she
said.
Pacific International Music owner Rob MacKay said the Fraser Coast region had an incredible
pool of songwriting talent. “Emma Newman’s song 29 Letters was featured in He Loves Me
Not, which screened in 2024, showcasing the quality of local musicians,” he said. “With the
ever-growing demand for music in film and television, this competition offers an exciting
opportunity for songwriters to have their work discovered and featured on screen.”
Screen Fraser Coast Co-Chair Amy Friesen said the contest aimed to discover and celebrate
unique musical talent, providing songwriters with a gateway to a wider audience. “Whether
you’re an emerging artist or a seasoned songwriter, this is an incredible opportunity to gain
exposure and contribute to the vibrant storytelling,” she said.
Ms Friesen said the deadline for submissions is September 20, 2026. “Winners will be
announced at the Fraser Shorts Film Festival Awards Night at the end of October,” she said.
Key Details:
• Open to songwriters of all experience levels and genres.
• Winners will receive recognition, promotional opportunities and the chance to
collaborate with filmmakers.
How to Enter:
• Step 1: Record a basic version of your original song, ensuring a clear balance between
vocals and instrument. Smartphone recordings are perfectly acceptable.
• Step 2: Prepare a lyrics sheet for your song. This can be in PDF, Word, or a scanned
handwritten format.
• Step 3: Email your recording and lyrics sheet to rjm@pacintmusic.com. Each entrant
can submit up to three songs.
Screen Fraser Coast, PO Box 5377, Torquay, QLD, 4655
Prizes:
• 1st Prize: $1000 Cash + 1 professionally recorded song
• 2nd Prize: $500 cash + 1 professionally recorded song
• 3rd Prize: $100 cash + 1 professionally recorded song
For more information on the songwriting competition, please visit
For more information on the festival schedule, ticketing, and to submit your film before the
deadline, please visit frasershorts.com.au or submit directly at