MIFF

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

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MIFF and the AFL, supported by VicScreen, are rebooting 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.

We are encouraging filmmakers 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.

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

Applicants are encouraged to consider incorporating the AFL’s prized archive materials and access to Victorian-based clubs when building their treatments.

Apply here.

Eligibility

Applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

  • Applicants must be 18+.
  • Applicants, and the majority of team members, must be Victorian residents.
  • At least one team member must have at least one prior short-form documentary or drama credit in their respective role (producer, director or writer) that has been publicly screened.
  • Final projects must be no more than 15 minutes in duration.
  • Projects that will be developed as part of a course of study, or for projects and/or from applicants that will contribute to credits for a course of study, are not eligible to apply.
  • Filmmakers supported through the 2025 Footy Shorts Program are ineligible to apply.
  • Applicants must comply with VicScreen’s Terms of Trade.
  • Content must be suitable for an all-ages audience.
  • Scripts in languages other than English are encouraged.

Submission

Applicants must submit a short film pitch document that contains:

  • a creative treatment (approx. two pages) in response to the brief
  • a short statement regarding participant access (whether secured or unsecured)
  • the proposed timeline
  • the proposed budget and production methodology
  • CVs of all key team members

Please note the AFL can assist with access to clubs. If you are submitting a project based on a Victorian club or player, it is not expected that you have secured access prior to submitting your project.

Submissions will be assessed on the strength of the idea in relation to the brief and the viability of the proposal to meet the budget and schedule.

Timeline

  • Call for entries: 3 February 2026
  • Entries close: 23 February 2026
  • Projects selected: 5 March 2026
  • Group workshop: 13 March 2026
  • One-on-ones: 27 March 2026
  • Projects commence shoot: April/May 2026
  • Projects complete: early July 2026
  • Delivery: 13 July 2026
  • Gala: TBC August 2026

Further details

  • Filmmaking teams are encouraged to apply.
  • Entries will be judged by a four-person panel including MIFF, VicScreen and AFL personnel.
  • A total of four finalists will be selected, with an allocation of $25,000 cash production budget per project as well as archive access and distribution from the AFL and MIFF.
  • VicScreen, MIFF and the AFL will host two mentoring workshops for finalists, providing development and production feedback for each project.
  • Contact miff@miff.com.au if you have any questions.