Movie lovers and potential filmmakers meet at the Gold Coast for ten days yearly during the Gold Coast Film Festival.
Here, visitors can watch some of the most recent award-winning movies or participate in workshops around filmmaking and cinematography.
Gold Coast Film Festival 2025, Dates & Schedule, Broadbeach QLD
The Gold Coast Film Festival starts with a huge opening night and is followed throughout the festival by a range of brilliant films from around the globe.
Patrons can see the latest dramas, thrillers, action, comedy, and sci-fi. They can also see a range of internationally acclaimed foreign-language films, inspiring documentaries, and low-budget indie films. Programs centred around Australian films and documentaries and sessions celebrating animators’ skill and dedication are also available.
With over 100 films, panels, outdoor screenings, parties, premieres, networking opportunities, and special events, everyone can enjoy a little something.
The festival was established in 2002 and shifted from a fantasy and sci-fi focus to a broader, international direction in 2014. From 2015 to 2018, the festival delivered a sharp increase in attendance, reputation, and support.
In 2016, the festival gained national recognition for introducing innovative initiatives to support gender equality in the screen industry and was the venue for the launch of WIFT (Women in Film TV) Australia in 2018.
In 2017, with Screen Queensland’s support, the Gold Coast Film Festival became an AACTA-Award qualifying festival for feature films, one of only seven in Australia.
Please refer to the official program at https://gcff.com.au/ for full information on event dates, times, and locations. Please note that all films start at the advertised time, with less than 5 minutes of advertisements. Please arrive early to guarantee your seat.
The Chauvel Award
In 2016, the Gold Coast Film Festival reinvigorated The Chauvel Award – a prestigious industry award previously part of the Brisbane International Film Festival.
Established in 1993, in honour of two of Australia’s most significant filmmakers, Charles and Elsa Chauvel, the award acknowledges significant contribution to the Australian Screen Industry.
Their early silent films, Moth of Moonbi and Greenhide, were both set entirely in Queensland. In contrast, their later films, Heritage and Rats of Tobruk, included substantial sequences filmed on location in the Gold Coast hinterland.
Their greatest film, Sons of Matthew, draws on tales of the O’Reilly family and their selection of property around Springbrook on the Lamington Plateau. It is the quintessential Australian pioneering epic.
In recognition of the incredible Charles and Elsa Chauvel, the Gold Coast Film Festival proudly continues to honour Australian screen industry legends who shape Australian cinema in their own special way with The Chauvel Award.
GOLD COAST FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS GALA AND THE CHAUVEL AWARD
A night celebrating emerging, established, and seasoned professionals within the Australian Film Industry. Join us for a black tie night of awards, dinner and red carpet glam.
The Gold Coast Film Festival Awards Gala promises an evening of celebration, fine dining, and red carpet excitement. We will come together to shine a spotlight on the incredible talent and creativity within the Australian film community.
Hosted at Queensland’s iconic Warner Brothers Movie World, the event is set to entertain while providing fantastic opportunities to network and connect with industry representatives and filmmakers.
On the night we will celebrate two of Australia’s most significant filmmakers, Charles and Elsa Chauvel, by presenting The Chauvel Award. The award acknowledges the significant contribution to the Australian Screen Industry.
WOMEN IN FILM LUNCH
The Women in Film Lunch celebrates influential women in the film industry. It’s a chance to be inspired by notable females and utilise networking opportunities over a memorable afternoon in the stunning Lakeside Room, at HOTA (Home of the Arts).
This annual event aims to elevate the profile of women in Queensland’s film industry, while shaping a narrative that will inspire future generations. It carries the tradition of celebrating stories, perspectives and experiences of women in the screen industry. It has quickly become one of the highlights of the festival.
SCRIPT TO SCREEN
Our Script to Screen event offers a rare opportunity to experience a screenplay’s journey from the very beginning – with the script. The winning script will be played out with a table reading and actors from QUT in front of the live audience.
With thanks to QUT Acting Students and Associate Professor of Acting Andrea Moor.
The Queensland Screenwriting Award 2025 will be presented at the Gold Coast Film Festival Awards Gala 2025.
INDUSTRY DAY “Pitch in Paradise”
This is an incredible event for students and emerging filmmakers. It offers the opportunity to network with seasoned industry professionals and pitch your ideas directly to them.
Jumpstart your career and sharpen your pitching skills at our Industry Networking Day, which is dedicated to helping you take the next step in your filmmaking journey.
You’ll have the chance to network with seasoned industry professionals and pitch your ideas to them directly. Whether you have a feature film concept, short film, or a new project you’re working on, this is your opportunity to make connections, be bold, have a go and get valuable feedback.
Guests we have on board so far:
- Cymbeline Johnson, Streaming Consultant
- Jo Chichester, ABC Factual Commissioning Editor
- Rachel Robinson, Executive Producer ABC
- Veronica Fury, Principal of Factual Content WildBear Entertainment
- Tracey Vieira, Chief Content Officer Hoodlum
- Chris Brown, Producer
INDUSTRY DAY “What’s next in the Queensland Film industry”
A full day dedicated to exploring what’s next in Queensland’s film industry.
Whether you’re just starting out or already making waves in the industry, join us for our industry networking day.
The itinerary focuses on “What’s Next in Queensland’s film industry” from finding the next big opportunity to securing financing and managing your budgets, what’s new and upcoming in tech and post, and scheduling your film. Whether you’re seeking funding, mentorship, or collaboration, this is your chance to gain valuable insights, connect with industry experts and fellow creators so you can take the next steps in your creative career.
Topics include; Post and screen technology, Mastering the production budget, How to make films on the Gold Coast and more!
Speakers we have on board so far:
- Gina Black (Gold Coast Film Commission), letting us know what grants are available and how to apply.
- Josh Hale (Filmmaker) giving us an insight on making films on the Gold Coast.
- Caleb De Leon (Creative Director 3P) sharing his knowledge on Post Production and Screen Technology.
- Luke Wheatley (Filmmaker), Chris Brown (Producer) and Brett Thornquest (Production Accountant) discussing Finance Plans
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