From 2004 to 2013 NAFA held two short film festivals called Action-Fest and Show-Fest.

The former was dropped after a couple of years to focus on the latter, which was renamed Show-Fest International. For a decade we nurtured, developed, and refined a product that became slick and world-standard. Yep, it was that good.

But our beginnings were humble. We started by screening DVDs, firstly at the Sydney Comedy Club, then later at an RSL Club. In 2010 we raised the bar to screen at the Ritz Cinema using DCP digital and 35mm film projection.

Dwindling attendance numbers in recent years has forced us to say "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen" to Show-Fest. We've had a great run, saw lots of great films, and learnt a lot from the experience.

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    A competitive and interactive short film festival brought to you by NAFA.

From a simple start at the Sydney Comedy Store in 2004 screening shorts on DVD, Show-Fest has grown to be a fully-featured festival that can screen 35mm prints in a real cinema environment. In 2010 we were one of the first short film festivals in the world to exclusively use 35mm film and DCI-DCP digital for cinema projection.

We are a selective festival that uses an independent judging panel to choose the finalist films. The judges will be drawn from Sydney's film and television industry.

We screen at a cinema that is widely respected for its suitability for festivals. The Ritz Cinema is a multi-screen independent cinema in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, surrounded by the café and restaurant precinct known as The Spot.

Our "Show & Tell" format means that at least one cast or crew member is strongly encouraged to attend the screening. They can then talk on-stage about their experience making and promoting their film, and answer questions from the audience.

Finalist filmmakers who are unable to attend the festival are required to submit a short video or audio clip along with the exhibition copy. In this clip the filmmaker must answer the same questions that will be asked of filmmakers by the host at Show-Fest.

We believe this unique combination of attributes makes Show-Fest International a worthy platform for both you and your short film.

Best Film Award

Prize Sponsors
Cash	AU$1000.00
In Kind	AU$7000.00

The independent judging panel will award Best Film to one of the finalists on the night.

The headline prize is a production-ready Sony F35 digital cinematography camera package (or equivalent) from VA Digital Hire worth $4500. This is matched with $1000 worth of location sound recording from DX Sound and $1500 worth of post sound services from The Sydney Sound Brewery (formerly ZerO dB Sound). The DCI DCP mastered of the winning film will be made available to the winner, courtesy of DCP Australia.

Cinema projection from 35mm film prints has been the gold standard for generations. DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives) is the successor to film projection, and cinemas across Australia are currently making the transition to this system. A DCP (Digital Cinema Package) is the digital equivalent of a film print that is projected at the cinema.

VA Digital Hire is a provider of complete broadcast and film production services, with expertise in a wide range of cameras and lenses. With offices in Sydney and Melbourne -- and servicing the entire Australasian region -- VA has built a loyal following of production companies and cinematographers.

DX Sound is the audio services business of sound recordist Dave Sims. The winner of the Best Film Award will receive two days of sound recording on a short film in Sydney (or elsewhere excluding expenses), valued at $1000.

The Sydney Sound Brewery is the audio post production business of sound re-recording mixer John Hresc. The winner will receive two days of sound editing and mixing for broadcast of a short film, valued at $1500.

Festival Partners

DCP Mastering Partner
Printing Partner
Terms & Conditions Drafting