A Regional Short Film Challenge

Shine
Shootout 2026

Stories come from everywhere.
This is where they shine.

[✓] Free Entry
[✓] Smartphones Encouraged
[✓] No Experience Necessary
[✓] Schools & Community Welcome

Cash Prizes to Be Won

Prizes

First Place$3,000
Second Place$1,500
Third Place$500

Plus additional prizes to be announced.

About

What is the
Shine Shootout?

The Shine Shootout is a six-day short film challenge designed to encourage storytelling, creativity and filmmaking across regional Queensland.

Participants create a short film and compete for prizes, recognition and the opportunity to have their work screened at the Empire Theatre.

Competition Guide

Everything you need to know to enter and compete.

Download Guide

Entering the Shine Shootout is easy

How to Enter

1 Register

Register your team through the Shine Shootout website.

2 Receive

On 1 August 2026, receive the official challenge theme and competition requirements.

3 Create

Create your short film between 1 August and 6 August 2026.

4 Submit

Submit your completed film through FilmFreeway before 12.00 noon on Thursday 6 August 2026.

Submit Your Film

Film submissions must be uploaded through FilmFreeway, the world’s leading film festival submission platform. FilmFreeway provides a secure and easy way to upload your film and ensures all entries are received and managed consistently.

A FilmFreeway submission link will be published prior to the challenge launch.

Submission Deadline: 12.00 noon, Thursday 6 August 2026

Late submissions may not be accepted.

Need help? If you are new to FilmFreeway, don’t worry. Guidance will be provided through the Shine Shootout Workshop and on this website.

Mark Your Calendar

Key Dates

17 JUN
Media Launch
18 JUL
Workshop
01 AUG
Challenge Launch
06 AUG
Entries Close
07 AUG
Screening & Awards

Get Ready

Shine Shootout
Workshop

Friday 18 July 2026 / 1.00pm – 3.00pm / Venue to be confirmed / No experience necessary. Smartphones encouraged.

Thinking about entering the Shine Shootout but not sure where to start? The Shine Shootout Workshop is designed to give participants the confidence and practical skills needed to create a short film.

Whether you’re a student, teacher, community group, aspiring filmmaker or simply someone with a story to tell, this workshop will help you prepare for the challenge.

Online access. The workshop will also be recorded and made available online for participants who cannot attend in person.

Who Should Attend

  • Secondary school students
  • Teachers
  • Film clubs
  • Community groups
  • First-time filmmakers
  • Anyone interested in entering the Shine Shootout

What to Bring

  • A smartphone (if you have one)
  • A notebook
  • Your ideas and questions

Get Involved

Register
Your Team

Free to enter. Takes under two minutes. Gather your crew and lock in your spot.

Registration

Ready to enter?

The registration form opens in a new tab, so you keep your place here. It takes under two minutes.

Open the Registration Form

With Thanks To

Sponsors & Partners

Major Sponsor
Shine Lawyers
Major Sponsor
Venue & Prize Partners
KOFI Foundation
Venue Partner
Ric’s Flicks
Prize Partner
Supporters
Empire Theatre
Supporter
Queensland Fringe
Supporter

Interested in partnering with the Shine Shootout? Get in touch below.

Get In Touch

Contact

For media, sponsor and general enquiries, reach the team directly.

info@shineshootout.com.au

[ ✓ ]

Message Sent

Thanks for reaching out. We’ll be in touch soon.