Smartfone Flick Fest 2026: Big Stories, Vivid Voices From Small Screens

Sydney is set for a new wave of films with big stories shot on screens that fit in the palm of one’s hand. From 23-25 January, the 11th season of the Smart Fone Flick Fest (SF3) brings the world’s most inventive filmmakers to the Sydney Opera House.

This year, SF3 received 450 entries from over 60 countries, from auteurs aged 4 to 79. Contestants are vying for more than $50,000 in prizes across 36 categories, from Best Film and People’s Choice to Best Film Kids and the AI Best Film Award.

The Smart Fone Flick Fest kicks off with the Gala Finals at the Playhouse Theatre, where 16 short films from around the world take center stage. The following day,the SF3 Kids finalists take the spotlight, showcasing short films by young and eager filmmakers.

“The storytelling and cinematic use of phones this year blew us away,” says Festival Director Angela Blake. “We’re proud to showcase the best in smartphone cinema, independent filmmaking, and diverse voices from around the world.”

Emerging filmmaker Bevan Garozzo, Indigenous filmmaker Brandon Fairley and films by neurodiverse high school classes are among the finalists. AI is also making its mark, with Tez Frost’s The 5-Minute Empire blending live performance and artificial imagery. “I use AI not to replace people, but to support emotion-driven performance and expand visual possibilities,” Tez says.

Veteran SF3 filmmaker Narelle Nash reflects on her short Viol8te, illustrating the spirit of the festival: “Smartphones have democratised the filmmaking process. You no longer need expensive, complex equipment—just a great story and determination to get it made. I’m so proud to have my short film screen here.”

The film stars former professional soccer player Pedj, trading the pitch for the screen.

Zac Deren, a past award winner, filmed They Call Me Bart inside Victoria’s historic Barwon Park Mansion. “The SF3 is a fantastic festival,” he says. “It gives me the motivation to work hard on making a short film each year. My favourite part is seeing my film come to life on the big screen and hearing the audience enjoying it.”

Former Disney writer and Guinness World Record-breaking director Tatjana Marjanovic bares her communal soul with Fed Up. “This is a story I’ve been itching to tell forever—and needed to before Novak Djokovic inevitably retires! As an Australian-Serb, I wanted to show my community in a way we rarely get to see—funny, chaotic, and full of love. Fed Up celebrates the laughter, the stubbornness, and the heart of my family and culture.”

Smart Fone Flick Fest feature finalists include Unholy Union, crafted by teens at The Hills Drama School, and Fire Alive, a chilling found-footage horror from former SF3 winner James Demitri, starring Marjanovic herself.

Festival Ambassador Phillip Noyce adds, “SF3 represents a significant leap forward in making filmmaking accessible, empowering storytellers, leveraging technology, and supporting independent voices. It’s more than just a festival; it’s a movement and a beacon for aspiring filmmakers worldwide.”

Over three days, Sydney audiences will see filmmakers expand small screens with big, vivid stories, proving imagination and drive are the ultimate tools of cinema.