Submissions Open for Persian Film Festival Australia 2025

Sydney, April 30 — May 9, 2026

The Persian Film Festival Australia has opened its call for submissions, inviting filmmakers from Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan worldwide to take part in this year’s edition.

Founded in 2011 by Dr Amin Palangi, Iranian-Australian filmmaker and academic, the festival has established itself as a unique cultural platform that showcases uncensored and carefully curated works by Persian-speaking filmmakers. Palangi is also a lecturer at UNSW Sydney and director of award-winning films such as Love Marriage in Kabul.

Eligible entries include short films under 20 minutes and feature-length works of more than 70 minutes, covering all genres from drama and documentary to animation. At least one of the key creatives (writer, director, or producer) must be of Persian background. All non-English films must include English subtitles.

A jury of international and Australian filmmakers and industry professionals will present the Golden Gazelle Award in the categories of Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, and Best Documentary. This year’s jury brings together directors, actors, and cultural figures with deep ties to cinema in both Australia and the Middle East, including Alina Gozina, Hunter Page-Lochard, Ezekiel Simat, John Gray, and Sonia Whiteman.

Regular Deadline for submissions: 31 December 2025

• Submissions are accepted exclusively via FilmFreeway.

• For more details visit the official festival website or email info@persianfilmfestival.com.