MIFF, AFL and VicScreen bring Footy Shorts back for a second round

Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), AFL, and VicScreen have announced that following a triumphant first round, Footy Shorts will return in 2026.

The first Footy Shorts lineup proved a winner with audiences, reaching more than 30,000 viewers across in-cinema screenings at MIFF, the AFL’s Macca’s Grand Final Footy Fest at Yarra Park and Federation Square during Grand Final week, other film festivals, and across MIFF and AFL’s online channels.

Applications are now open for Footy Shorts, an initiative from MIFF, the AFL, and VicScreen that gives emerging Victorian filmmakers the chance to create a short documentary exploring Australian Rules Football — both on and off the field.

Launched in 2025, Footy Shorts offers the next generation of screen storytellers the chance to capture the deep love, traditions, and connections shared through the game.

The initiative seeks stories that show how Aussie Rules, in its many forms, unites and shapes Australian life whether through players, fans, families, or communities.

To enter, filmmakers are invited to submit a short film treatment that reflects this spirit and connection, exploring the role footy plays across diverse experiences and settings.

Four short film treatments will be selected to go into production, with each successful team receiving:

• professional development from industry mentors
• a $25,000 production budget
• access to the AFL’s prized archive and Victorian-based AFL clubs

The four Footy Shorts films will have a gala world premiere screening at the 74th Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) in August this year. MIFF runs 6-23 August 2026.

Following MIFF, the films will be available to view digitally across all AFL platforms, including AFL.com.au and the AFL app.

Applications close 23 February 2026.

To find out more and enter, visit miff.com.au/footy-shorts

Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks said, “There’s nothing more Victorian than film and footy, and we are proud to partner with MIFF and the AFL to support Footy Shorts . This exciting talent development opportunity will support emerging filmmakers to upskill, gain practical experience, mentoring and screen their work at the nation’s largest film festival.”

VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said, “VicScreen is thrilled to continue supporting this fantastic initiative, and we can’t wait to see the talent who will take a leap to make their mark in the second round of Footy Shorts .”

MIFF Artistic Director Al Cossar said, “There’s nothing like the return of the footy season each year, and so it is with MIFF’s new round of Footy Shorts in 2026! Culminating in a fresh collection of World Premiere short films set to cinematically focus our fixation with all things footy, MIFF is excited to be a part this initiative - to find, support, and share Victorian-made stories that bring our sporting passions compellingly to the screen.”

AFL Executive General Manager Customer, Commercial & Technology Bec Haagsma said, “Following great success in 2025, the AFL is pleased to once again be part of the Footy Shorts initiative, showcasing the wonderful characters and stories which are an integral part of the community and our game. Aussie Rules connects with people from all different backgrounds, and I can’t wait to see what this year’s filmmakers bring to life on the big screen!”

Learn more about VicScreen’s funding and support programs.