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St Kilda Film Festival celebrates milestone anniversary

06 June 2023

Australia’s longest running short film festival, St Kilda Film Festival, turns 40 this year and the celebrations are now underway with 12 days program of in-person and online screenings and events.
Palais Theatre, home of St Kilda Film Festival

Australia’s longest running short film festival, St Kilda Film Festival, turns 40 this year and the celebrations are now underway with 12 days program of in-person and online screenings and events.

Started in 1983 by a local councillor Mary Lou Jelbart and supported by the Victorian Government continuously since 1985, the festival has served as an important stepping stone for some of Australia and New Zealand’s most acclaimed film makers, including Academy Award winners Jane Campion and Adam Elliot.

This year’s program sees the festival once again provide a comprehensive overview of Australia’s thriving short film industry, screening a diverse selection of short films from around the country alongside a program of international showcases.

A highlight of the 2023 festival program is The Big Picture – Australia’s largest free film maker development program – which will be held on Saturday 3 June at JMC Academy's Park Street Campus.

Across the day, there will be 30 events aimed at actors, directors, behind-the-scenes professionals and games developers, including hands-on workshops, forums, panels, exhibitions, screenings and Q&As with some of Australia's top emerging and established film talents.

The 2023 St Kilda Film Festival will be at venues throughout St Kilda and South Melbourne and online until Monday 12 June, before a regional touring roadshow visits 12 Victorian towns from August to December 2023. For more information, and tickets, visit stkildafilmfestival.com.au.