The film festival is a very important part of the film industry, many distribution deals come about as a result of meetings held at film festivals. They are also a place where many great film collaborations have started. They provide a forum for films of all genres and nations to be screened and seen by the rest of the industry and media alike. They also provide a contact point for anyone wanting to break in to the film industry, along with a place where film fans, can see great films and meet their creators.

Below is a list of the film festivals for 2007-2008, More will be added as the dates are confirmed. Many of the festivals are open to the general public, full contact details can be found for each festival below.

Fest organizers say: "The Newcastle Video Moviemakers is a club that exists to teach members about film techniques through the medium of making films. Each year they hold this National and International contest for amateur moviemakers to test their skills and get a professional adjudication of their entry."

comments: "Established in 1982, the "EnhanceTV* ATOM Awards recognise excellence over thirty categories of Film, Television, Animation and Multimedia. The Awards are open to students, production companies, independent filmmakers, educational bodies and educational producers, and celebrate the very best of Australian and New Zealand product."

Fest organizers say: "There are three winning categories on offer: Open category: a ten-minute film (including titles and credits). Entries may be any style or genre, allowing for dramatic imagination to be unleashed. The winner receives $2000. Short Short: is exactly that, a two-minute film (including titles and credits). To further challenge people's imagination we have created the theme -- BUSH. You can refer to a bush visually, audibly and within any context. You might want to share the bush that grows in your backyard or maybe your plot involves a more complex international political figure. We are leaving it up to you to decide. The winner receives $2000. Additionally, we have the People's Choice Award, a special prize that goes to the Short Short that receives the highest decibel applause as measured by a Clapometer. $800 will be rewarded for the most hands of support."

Fest organizers say: "Offering substanial prizes, including a new Apple Computer system for the Schools section, and $1500 cash for the best Open section."

Fest organizers say: "Best Short Film in the under 10 minute and 10-30 minute categories will each take home AU$5,000 cash. Best Illawarra Short Filmmaker and the prestigious Granny's Choice Award also return as additional prize categories, and our Feature Film Award will see expanded screenings across the country."

Fest organizers say: "Sydney's most 'remote' community initiates Film Festival and calls for entries from around the world! Scotland Island, an island in Pittwater on Sydney's Northern Beaches, is holding H20 360, celebrating life in remote and island communities. In addition to films by an impressive clutch of filmmakers who live on Scotland Island, the festival is calling for entries from filmmakers living in remote and island communities in Australia and around the world. Films must be in English or have English subtitles. The festival is driven by a committee of Australian film industry professionals and educators who are dedicated to coordinating a non-exclusive, quality cultural event."

Fest organizers say: "A must-attend event for anyone working in factual film and television - independent filmmakers, buyers, distributors, co-financiers, academics and students. AIDC offers a unique mix of masterclasses, lively panels and an extensive marketplace. Social events and informal meetings offer countless networking opportunities. You can also apply for pitching forums, submit your documentary to the videotheque and much more."

Fest organizers say: "The biennial Adelaide Film Festival celebrates and explores contemporary screen culture with a unique program of screenings and special events including a FREE outdoor screening program, live performances and inventive installations. The Festival will launch highlights from its 2005 program in advance of its full program launch on January 25."

comments: The inaugural short film competition that leaves behind the hustle & bustle of the “big smoke” and celebrates all that there is to love about living large in Australia’s rural retreats. Whatever your story, whatever floats your boat, if it fits with our theme, then we would love to see it! Be creative, be inspired, be part of this great festival. For your chance to dazzle our panel of celebrity & industry judges and win AMAZING PRIZES, as well as seeing your film sizzling on the big screen, Pangari Productions Ltd, is now receiving your 1-7 minute outstanding, original & outrageous short film entries for consideration for the Reel Rural Film Festival, in either the Under 18 or Open category. So get filmmaking!

Fest organizers say: "We hope that by actively promoting the genre in Australia, and by doing its bloody best to discover the new masters of horror cinema, A Night of Horror International Film Festival will continue in its own way to contribute to this horror renaissance."

Fest organizers say: "Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the St Kilda Film Festival. Enter for your chance to win the $10,000 "Best Film" Prize. Download our entry form from our website for all details & conditions."

Fest organizers say: "Held in one of the most tropical settings of all, the 'Down Under' Film Festival will kick off in 2003 in Darwin, Australia. With the support of the community and local government, this festival promises to be a major media event. Category winners will be invited to the presentation ceremony and the 'Filmmakers Ball'. For participants there will be the opportunity for film industry networking at workshops and seminars."

comments: "The 15/15 Film Festival is an event that is focused at providing emerging and independent filmmakers with an opportunity to produce, record and screen a short film. The 15/15 Film Festival is divided into three main event, Information Sessions (Part 1), Filming Day (Part 2) and Screening / Travelling Festival (Part 3). All the films submitted into the Festival are programmed at least once into the Traveling festival Films that have been nominated for awards are then presented to finalist judges to allocate the 14 awards. The results will be officially presented on the Gala Night at the Capital Theatre, Melbourne, Australia."

Fest organizers say: "This is a new festival organized by the Australian Effects & Animation Festival (AEAF)."

Fest organizers say: "Entry is open to all films made since January 2002 that are under 30 minutes in length including credits. The entry form located on the SNOWYfest website contains further details."

Fest organizers say: "There is a competitive section for Australian productions under 60 minutes only."

Fest organizers say: "MUFF is the cutting edge in new Oz cinema and the best alternative underground gear from around the world."

comments: "We are wanting to support the making, screening and distribution of films that make a positive contribution to the world we live in. We are looking for thought-provoking films, hilarious comedies, inspirational stories, films that highlight important issues. Family and children's films will also be showcased. We have a $5,000 first prize for Best Film. This festival aims to be filmmaker friendly!"

Fest organizers say: "The Shoot Out 24 Hour Filmmaking Festival in Toowoomba is the most extreme filmmaking festival in the world. We dare you to test the steel of your nerve, the brilliance of your speed, and the sharpness of your edge, by making a seven minute film in 24 hours, with only in-camera editing. The filmmaking competition invites individuals or teams of up to eight people to compete in the festival which is complemented by workshops, public screenings and other participative activities.