Sphere Peninsula Short Film Festival

Overview

MIFF might not be here yet, but your year of good films is just beginning. The annual Sphere Peninsula Short Film Festival is set to kick off on the first weekend in February in Rosebud, showcasing the efforts of some of the best filmmakers in the country. Along with film screenings, the three-day program includes workshops and pop-up cinemas — and, of course, the big ol' opening night do.

What began as a small event in 2011 is now a mainstay of the Peninsula which brings thousands to Rosebud each year. Twelve films are shortlisted and screened, then judged by a celebrity panel of judges, and there's up to $30k to be won by the brightest sparks.

Held on the Village Green in Rosebud near the foreshore, entry to the main event on Saturday, February 4 is free — just BYO rug, follow the crowd and come for some bite-sized film entertainment to go with your bite-sized food truck snacks. They're also holding a ticketed opening night event on the Friday with a screening of Australian film Boys in the Trees and a Sunday afternoon session with Constance on the Edge director Belinda Mason.

Image: Yanni Delaportas.