SFNFF 2026
September 19,
Huskisson Pictures
Celebrating Indigenous storytelling
2026 SFNFF
2026 SFNFF
The Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival brings together audiences, filmmakers, Elders, artists and Community to celebrate Indigenous storytelling through contemporary cinema.
Held on the South Coast of New South Wales, the festival creates a space for connection, conversation and the sharing of stories that deepen our understanding of Country, Culture and Community.
In 2026, the festival explores two interconnected themes:
Caring for Country, Caring for People, celebrating First Nations leadership
Stories in Their Own Voice, highlighting the work of emerging Indigenous filmmakers, helping shape the future of Australian screen storytelling.
Special Guests
The festival celebrates the coming together of generations, with Elders sharing stories of Country and emerging young Indigenous filmmakers presenting new voices in contemporary cinema.
Program details coming soon.
SCREENING
Blending family memories with rare archival footage from the 1940s Kimberley, Babanil is a poetic reflection on family, memory and Country. Filmmaker Marlikka Perdrisat weaves together generations through song, ceremony and storytelling, revealing the enduring connections between people, place and belonging.
Across some of Australia's most remote landscapes, Indigenous Rangers are caring for Country through cultural knowledge and environmental stewardship. From protecting endangered wildlife to managing fire and invasive species, this inspiring documentary celebrates the people safeguarding Country for future generations.
The Rock Inspired by a story passed down through filmmaker Luke McLeod Ebsworth's family, The Rock moves between the 1820s and today to explore First Nations connection to Country. This powerful debut reflects on history, justice and the enduring impact of terra nullius.
Guided by their Nan's map, three cousins set out to find a secret waterhole in order to fulfil a special request.
A visually rich and lyrical exploration of memory, archives and identity, Winhanganha follows acclaimed Wiradjuri artist Jazz Money through poetry, sound and archival film. The documentary invites us to reconsider how Australia remembers its past.
2026 Community Programs
Film is at the heart of the Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival's work throughout the year. Through screenings, workshops and creative collaborations, the festival celebrates First Nations voices while supporting the next generation of storytellers and strengthening connections across the Shoalhaven.
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Community Screening
SFNFF was invited to present a program of Australian First Nations films as part of the Sussex Inlet Chamber of Commerce Winter Arts Festival.
The screening featured stories celebrating culture, resilience and community from some of Australia's leading First Nations filmmakers.
Films screened
Like My Brother
Occupation Native
Journey Home: David Gulpilil
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Youth Filmmaking Program
To encourage storytelling within the Shoalhaven's First Nations communities, SFNFF delivered a series of smartphone filmmaking workshops for young people and emerging storytellers.
Led by award-winning filmmaker Angela Blake, founder of the SF3 Smartphone Film Festival, participants explored every stage of the filmmaking process, from developing ideas and writing scripts through to storyboarding, filming and editing using the technology already in their hands.
Following the workshops, participants received small-group tuition and one-on-one mentoring to continue developing their stories through film and podcasting.
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Reconciliation Week Screening
As part of Reconciliation Week, SFNFF partnered with Shoalhaven City Council to present a special program celebrating stories from the NSW South Coast.
The screening highlighted the resilience of local First Nations communities and the importance of preserving history, language and cultural knowledge through film.
Films screened
The Rock by Luke McLeod Ebsworth
Nhandi, a TIDES PROJECT
Black Cockatoo (Nowra Public School)
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Shoalhaven City Council
Sussex Inlet Winter Festival
SFNFF wishes to acknowledge the support and assistance of local fim makers Phil Crawford, Jamie Lepre and Luke Killen.
