MIFF and the AFL present: Footy Shorts, supported by VicScreen

MIFF and the AFL, supported by VicScreen, have rebooted Footy Shorts following an outstanding instalment of the program in 2025. This initiative offers emerging Victorian filmmakers the chance to receive valuable mentorship and a production budget of $25,000 plus access to the AFL archive to shoot short-form documentaries centred on people’s love for and connection to Australia’s game. The finalists’ films will have their world premiere on the silver screen at the iconic Melbourne International Film Festival in August. Tickets to the Footy Shorts gala will go on sale after the MIFF Program Launch on 9 July. The films will also be available Australia-wide through MIFF Online – streaming via ACMI Cinema 3 from 14 to 31 August.

Filmmakers have been encouraged to create authentic, emotionally resonant stories that capture the deep love, traditions, myths and connections people share through Australian Rules Football – whether as players, fans, families or communities – showcasing how the game, across its many different forms, unites and shapes Australian life.

Five short film treatments have been selected to go into production, with the nominated film teams receiving professional development via mentorship from experienced representatives from VicScreen, the AFL and MIFF.

The successfully selected projects are listed below:

Carn the Chinese!

Above: Angela How. Photograph by Daniel Mahon.

Director/Producer: Angela How

A community’s efforts to belong see a group of young Chinese Australian men come together and play their national game of Aussie Rules with true-blue passion and gusto.

For the Boys

Above: Mitchell Withers & Sofia Viegas. Photograph by Daniel Mahon.

Writer/Director/Producer: Mitchell Withers
Producer: Sofia Viegas

For his sons, he came out. For himself, he plays again. Australia’s first openly queer ex-AFL player steps back onto the field, bringing his whole self for the first time.

Invincible Spirit

Above: David Callow and Mark Thomson. Photograph by Daniel Mahon.

Writer/Director/Producer: Mark Thomson
Director/Producer: David Callow

In the heart of the Goulburn Murray, the Rumbalara Football and Netball Club stands as a modern-day fortress of Yorta Yorta pride, a sanctuary of cultural healing where a community fights not just for points, but for the safety and dignity of its children.

Kura: An African AFL Story

Above: Meg Duncan and Akec Makur Chuot. Photograph by Daniel Mahon.

Writer/Director/Producer: Akec Makur Chuot
Director/Producer: Meg Duncan

Former AFLW player Akec Makur Chuot traces a path from her heroes to the new generation of African Australian stars navigating two worlds to find belonging.

North Melbourne Cheersquad

Above: Jasper Caverly, Sophie Booth and Andrew Goode. Photograph by Daniel Mahon.

Directors: Jasper Caverly & Andrew Goode
Producer: Sophie Booth

Members of the North Melbourne Football Club Cheer Squad prepare to face longstanding rivals Essendon: a club they haven’t beaten in a decade.