Flickerfest brings world’s best short films to Port Macquarie

PORT Macquarie audiences were part of the Flickerfest National Tour over the weekend, as the iconic short film festival celebrates 35 years.

Flickerfest screened on 27 and 28 March at Majestic Cinemas in Port Macquarie, with further events in Kempsey and Sawtell.

Local film lovers settled into their seats to see award-winning Australian and international shorts.

Festival Director Bronwyn Kidd described the mix of films as “really fun and entertaining”, noting the opportunity for cinephiles to “connect with like-minded film lovers”.

The Best of International Shorts opened with ‘Radix’, winner of Best International Animation at Flickerfest 2026; a beautiful four-minute stop motion film about two mysterious tree-like creatures.

The Oscar-nominated and beautifully crafted ‘A Friend of Dorothy’ with Miriam Margolyes and Stephen Fry was a favourite with audiences.

Indonesia’s ‘My Plastic Mother’, winner of the Best International Short, struck a chord as it followed a young boy and the harsh reality of his life in a landfill.

The poignant yet funny ‘The Singers’ was the last film for the night and the local audience was moved by the music and the story.

The following evening saw the Best of Australian Shorts programme, showcasing ‘Tuesday Tuesday’ starring Peter Phelps, ‘Packed Away’ by Michala Banas, Matt Day’s ‘Baby Shower’ with Hugo Weaving, and ‘Trading Cards’, winner of Best Australian Animation.

This year’s competition selected 190 films from over 3700 entries – showcasing films from Flickerfest alumni as well as newcomers.

Flickerfest began as a small local festival at the Balmain High School in 1991.

Since then it has grown to become “Australia’s leading Academy accredited and BAFTA recognised” short film festival, with thousands of entries coming from filmmakers across the globe.

By Pauline CAIN