The Fleurieu Film Festival 2026 is just around the corner and this year’s finalists have been announced. 

Organisers say this year’s selection showcases an outstanding collection of short films from emerging and established filmmakers, spanning bold storytelling, fresh perspectives and incredible creativity from South Australia and beyond. 

All finalist films will be screened for an audience at the Film Festival on Saturday 7 February at McLaren Vale Visitor Centre.

Finalists for the Best South Australian Filmmaker Under 24 award and Best International Short Film award will be announced shortly, with winners in both categories also screening.

Best Australian Short Film and Audience Choice will also be revealed on the night of the Festival, to which tickets are now available via Trybooking.

The fun starts at 4.30pm, with live local music, wine tasting, food trucks and face painting. Family-friendly short films will screen from 5.30 to 6.30pm, followed by the extended lineup and the awards presentation.

Fleurieu Film Festival finalists

Best South Australian Sound Design

A Million Lives

The Spaces Between

Wishes: Windows & Nests

Best South Australian Score

I'd Do Anything

The Spaces Between

Wishes: Windows & Nests

Best South Australian Production Design

Hypothetically, the End

I'd Do Anything

Items Objects and Things

Best South Australian Actor

Nat Luna - Hypothetically, The End

Georgia Williams and Andie Douglas - Tight Corners

Chris Gun - A Million Lives

Best South Australian Script

A Million Lives

Items, Objects and Things

Wishes: Windows & Nests

Best South Australian Editing

Hypothetically, the End

The Spaces Between

Wishes: Windows & Nests

Best South Australian Directing

Hypothetically, the End

Items, Objects and Things

The Spaces Between

Wishes: Windows & Nests

Best South Australian Cinematography

Hypothetically, the End

I'd Do Anything

Items, Objects and Things

Tight Corners

Focus on the Fleurieu Award

Algal Doom

Rapid BAY - The Town That Was

Today I Lived

Best South Australian High School Short Film

james is dead

Let’s Live for Tonight

Unpacked

Best Documentary

Ella's Urban Canvas

The Spaces Between

Verge Collection