Your MIFF 2025 watchlist sorted

Pasa Faho: Okey Bakassi, Tyson Palmer. Photo: JM Tubera

The Melbourne International Film Festival’s (MIFF) 2025 edition features some of the most anticipated films of the year. With more than 250 films from around the world, there are so many cinematic discoveries to be made.  

We’ve pulled together a list of must-see Australian films, from debut filmmakers to seasoned visionaries, supported by VicScreen and MIFF Premiere Fund. 

 

First Light: Ruby Ruiz. Photo: MIFF

First Light 

Written and Directed by James J. Robinson

A nun encounters a lethal criminal conspiracy and begins to question her beliefs in this poetic reflection on faith, power and corruption. Shot in a verdant mountainous landscape in northern Luzon, this feature debut by celebrated Filipino-Australian photographer James J. Robinson will compete in the esteemed Bright Horizons film prize. 

 

Careless. Photo: MIFF

Careless

Written by Adam Farrington-Williams, Sue Thomson, Adam Farrington-Williams and Sue Thomson , Directed by Sue Thomson 

This funny, moving documentary, elderly Australians fight to grow old their own way. Through observational footage, archival materials, home movies and interviews, Careless is a timely and powerful response to a hidden crisis. 

 

Pasa Faho: Okey Bakassi, Tyson Palmer. Photo: JM Tubera

Pasa Faho

Written and Directed by Kalu Oji 

A shoe salesman struggles to save his small business and pass on values to his son in this quintessentially Melbourne tale of life in a migrant community. Supported by the VicScreen Originate Features initiative, this feature debut is a down-to-earth, moving and gently funny portrait of suburban African-Australian life. 

 

Iron Winter. Photo: MIFF

Iron Winter

Written by Ed Cavanough, Enebish Sengemugaa, Directed by Kasimir Burgess

Seeking to keep a centuries-old tradition alive, two friends battle extreme conditions as they herd 2000 horses through the icy Mongolian steppes. This mesmerising documentary from Australian filmmaker Kasimir Burgess (Franklin, MIFF 2022) captures a fading tradition at the intersection of rural life and modern technology. 

 

One More Shot: Emily Browning. Photo: Ben King

One More Shot

Written by Alice Foulcher, Gregory Erdstein, Directed by Nick Clifford 

An end-of-millennium house party becomes an endless, tequila-fuelled time loop in this ingenious comedy starring Emily Browning. Premiering to much excitement at SXSW Austin, this feature debut brings a fresh twist to time-loop comedies like Groundhog Day and Palm Springs. 

 

But Also John Clarke. Photo: MIFF

But Also John Clarke

Directed by Lorin Clarke 

For over 40 years, the iconic John Clarke tickled the funny bones of Australian and New Zealand audiences. Now, in this intimately produced documentary, weaving personal anecdotes, a rich television archive, and 200 boxes of Clarke’s work and letters, audiences have the chance to hear his story in his own words. 

 

Spreadsheet Champions. Photo: MIFF

Spreadsheet Champions

Directed by Kristina Kraskov 

Six young people from around the globe channel their dreams into a competition with a difference: a test of their elite mastery of Microsoft Excel. From their home countries to the pressure-cooker environment of the Florida championships, Australian filmmaker Kristina Kraskov crafts an observational documentary guaranteed to delight audiences. 

 

Journey Home, David Gulpilil. Photo: MIFF

Journey Home, David Gulpilil

Written and Directed by Maggie Miles and Trisha Morton-Thomas 

After his passing, legendary Yolngu actor David Gulpilil is brought back to his home country in a continent-traversing commemoration. The documentary remembers Gulpilil and his work on landmark films such as Walkabout, Rabbit-Proof Fence and Tracker, over the 3000 kilometres of outback road to his birthplace of East Arnhem Land.

 

Footy Shorts. Photo: MIFF

Footy Shorts

Five short films from Victorian writers and directors

MIFF and AFL present five short films that combine two of Melbourne’s greatest loves: film and footy. The filmmakers have created authentic, emotionally resonant stories that capturing the deep love, traditions, myths and connections people share through Australian Rules football. 

The Melbourne International Film Festival takes place over cinemas across Melbourne and regional Victoria from 7-24 August and 15-31 August online. Tickets are selling fast. For more information and bookings, head to miff.com.au