MIFF Schools

SUPPORTED BY THE R.M. ANSETT TRUST, ACMI EDUCATION AND VATE

Ansett Logo Vertical

ACMI_Logo_CMYK_Black

VATE_P_HV_RGB_Black

Engage students with powerful contemporary films that spark critical thinking and discussion.

MIFF’s dedicated program for students and educators, MIFF Schools, returns in 2026 as part of the festival’s 74th edition. The program of films is designed to support curriculum delivery across Languages, English, Media Studies, English Literature, Science, Psychology and Humanities. MIFF Schools aligns with key learning areas and capabilities, providing rich cultural contexts and meaningful opportunities for media analysis. This year’s program features films in English, Greek, French, Spanish, Mandarin, German and Japanese.

Each screening is supported by a professional learning webinar to help teachers meet learning objectives, assess student understanding and integrate film into existing units of work. This webinar is developed by academic and writer Dr Josh Nelson and offers practical strategies for embedding MIFF Schools into classroom programs.

All films will have in-cinema screenings at ACMI, while Hold Onto Me will also be available for teachers to stream in the classroom via MIFF Online – ACMI Cinema 3 from 14–30 August. Please mark this option on the booking form if applicable.

In-cinema tickets cost $15 per student, with free entry for teachers.

Find out more about MIFF Schools here, and sign up to the MIFF Schools mailing list to keep up with news about the program.

Chimney Town: Frozen in Time

Japan (2026, dir. Yusuke Hirota) – 95 mins
This thoughtful, visually vivid sequel to anime mega-hit Poupelle of Chimney Town is an epic adventure about the power of belief.

Guided by Horses

Australia (2025, dir. Sean O’Reilly) – 76 mins
Amid the breathtaking vistas of the Kimberley, a groundbreaking equine sanctuary helps First Nations teenagers discover reconnection and healing.

Hold Onto Me

Greece, Cyprus, Denmark, USA (2026, dir. Myrsini Aristidou) – 102 mins
A young girl connects with her miscreant father via small-time hustle in this beautifully photographed, emotionally deft, award-winning debut.

Mary Anning

Belgium, Switzerland, USA (2025, dir. Marcel Barelli) – 72 mins
The story of a pioneering female palaeontologist, whose discoveries – at just 12 years of age – changed our understanding of prehistory.

Phenomena

Australia (2026, dir. Josef Gatti) – 87 mins
A filmmaker’s chemistry experiments produce dazzlingly psychedelic results in this spectacular, scientifically illuminating Australian debut.

Sad Girlz

Mexico, France, Spain (2026, dir. Fernanda Tovar) – 90 mins
This delicate, sunlit, Berlinale award-winning drama follows two teenage girls forced to navigate the fallout from a traumatic experience.

Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave

Germany (2025, dir. Bernd Sahling) – 80 mins
The anxieties and heart-fluttering feelings of first love are given tender, respectful treatment in this charming coming-of-age tale.

Whispers in May

China (2026, dir. Dongnan Chen) – 92 mins
The winner of the main prize at CPH:DOX, this impressionistic hybrid documentary follows a teenage girl on a quest to find a ceremonial skirt.