Very Short Film Festival FAQs

Film Submissions

When did submissions open?

Entries open on 1 February 2027 and close on 7 May 2027. The 2027 Signature will be revealed on 1 November 2026.

What format should I supply my film in? Please submit a high-quality digital file that meets the following specs:

1. File type: .MP4 (H.264 codec)
2. Resolution: 1920 × 1080 (16:9 aspect ratio)
3. Frame rate: 24 fps recommended (see below)
4. Audio: Stereo AAC, 48 kHz sample rate

Films may use any artistic aspect ratio (for example 4:3 or 2.39:1 Cinemascope) within the 16:9 frame, provided the final exported file is 16:9 with any black bars included as part of the image.

Your film can be shot on any device or camera. Creativity matters more than equipment.

A note on frame rate: We recommend shooting at 24 fps. If your film is selected as a finalist, you’ll need to supply a 24 fps Digital Cinema Package (DCP) for cinema screening, and we’ll send technical specifications and delivery instructions at that stage. 25 fps usually converts fine, but footage shot at 30 fps or higher can stutter on the big screen. Setting your camera or phone to 24 fps before you start filming saves a lot of trouble later.

How do I submit my film

Films may be submitted via the VSFF website entry form or FilmFreeway.

I’m entering the Official Competition — how do I submit my film via Dropbox?

Upload your film to Dropbox and provide a shareable link via the entry form.

Please ensure:

• the link is set to “Anyone with the link can view”

• the link works correctly by checking it in an incognito/private browser window

• you submit a high-quality MP4 (H.264) viewing copy suitable for judging (do not upload uncompressed master files)

You do not need a paid Dropbox account. You can sign up for a free account at dropbox.com.

Does my film need to fit the exact time limit? Official Competition films must run between 2 and 5 minutes, including credits.

Can schools or groups enter?

Students can enter the Under 18’s Category as an individual, class or school group.

Can student entrants receive help from adults? Students may receive limited support from parents, guardians or teachers — for example, technical guidance or supervision.
The story and creative direction must remain the student’s own.

Who owns my film, and what rights does VSFF have? You retain full copyright of your film. By submitting, you grant the Very Short Film Festival non-exclusive rights to:

• Screen your film at VSFF events and the National Tour

• Feature excerpts or stills in official marketing and communications

• Share your film on VSFF digital channels

Do I need permission to use music or other copyrighted material in my film?
Yes. You are responsible for clearing all rights for any music, images, footage, sound effects or other copyrighted material used in your film. This includes obtaining permission from rights holders or using properly licensed or royalty-free material. There are many reputable platforms offering music that can be licensed for film use, including Artlist, Epidemic Sound, Musicbed, PremiumBeat, AudioJungle, and public-domain libraries such as FreePD; always check the specific licence terms to ensure the music can be used for festival screenings and public exhibition.

Are there language restrictions?
Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles. The Official Competition is open to Australian citizens and residents. International submissions are accepted separately via FilmFreeway.

Are there any content restrictions? 
VSFF welcomes bold and original storytelling, but please use discretion with violence, language or adult themes. The Festival screens to audiences of all ages, so handle sensitive material with care and ensure it serves your story — not shock value.

Can I use AI in my film?

VSFF recognises AI as a creative tool and is open to its use when applied transparently and thoughtfully. The overall creative direction, authorship and storytelling must remain human-led. All use of AI must be clearly disclosed in your submission, including how and where it is used. Entries that consist primarily or entirely of AI-generated content, or where meaningful human authorship cannot be demonstrated, may not be eligible, at the discretion of the Festival.

VSFF reserves the right to assess AI use on a case-by-case basis and to update its approach as creative technologies continue to evolve.