MIFF, AFL and VicScreen kick off Footy Shorts

Four girls in footy guernseys kicking footballs on an oval, photo by AFL Photos.

MIFF, the AFL and VicScreen have teamed up to launch Footy Shorts, an exciting initiative giving emerging Victorian filmmakers the chance to make a short documentary about Australian Football – both on and off the field.

Footy Shorts offers next generation screen storytellers the chance to receive valuable mentorship opportunities while creating a short-form documentary centred on the love and connection people have to Australia’s national game. 

To enter, filmmakers are being asked to submit a short film treatment that captures the deep love, traditions and connections shared through Australian Rules Football — whether as players, fans, families, or communities — showcasing how the game, across its many different forms, unites and shapes Australian life.

Four short film treatments will be selected to go into production, with the nominated film teams receiving professional development from industry mentors, a $20,000 production budget and access to the AFL’s prized archive and support in accessing its Clubs. 

The four Footy Shorts films will have a gala world premiere screening at the 73rd Melbourne International Film Festival in August. 

Applications close 11.59pm, Monday 24 March 2025.

To find out more and enter, visit https://miff.com.au/footy-shorts

MIFF CEO Damien Hodgkinson said, “What a pairing bringing together two Melbourne obsessions – AFL and cinema. MIFF is dedicated to the stories that need telling and this fantastic partnership with the AFL and VicScreen provides filmmakers with the resources and inspiration to create new short documentaries to premiere in MIFF 2025 this August. MIFF couldn’t be prouder of the Footy Shorts program, and we are excited for the new films showcasing Melbourne’s game and our community – and the talent of our screen industry.”

AFL Executive General Manager Customer and Commercial, Bec Haagsma said, “The AFL is proud to be part of the Footy Shorts initiative which ties back to the league’s vision for everyone to love and connect with Australia’s game. Football is intricately entwined with the Australian way of life and has always formed an integral part of the community. Our game is full of wonderful characters, storylines and emotions that tie people together from all different backgrounds, from grassroots to the elite. I am excited to see how some of the best up and coming filmmakers bring this to life on the big screen.”

VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said, “There's nothing more Victorian than film and footy, and we’re thrilled to join forces with MIFF and the AFL to support Footy Shorts. This unique talent development opportunity will support emerging factual storytellers to upskill, gain practical experience, mentoring and exposure to key industry leaders.”