About Melbourne Documentary Film Festival
Physical film festival in Victoria, Australia with submission categories including Short Documentary and International Feature Documentary.
The Melbourne Documentary Film Festival (MDFF) is looking for a Melbourne-based or Melbourne-made feature documentary to either open or close our historic 10th edition. The festival has become a cultural phenomenon in Melbourne, with sold-out sessions and encores, ranking as one of Australia’s top film festivals.
We aim to promote diverse, independent, and creative filmmakers, supporting global and local talent. MDFF has helped filmmakers reach major platforms.
MDFF is known for its commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and safety. We’ve had no reported COVID cases at our events for the last five years and have worked to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
This year, we're excited to host encores for popular short documentaries and have seen great success. We've also become a Top 100 Melbourne Film Festival and are ranked in the top global documentary festivals.
We are especially proud to have had 7 documentaries eligible for the 2024 Oscars. MDFF showcases documentaries that promote critical and independent thinking, debate, and diverse perspectives, with a focus on issues like human rights, equality, social issues, and freedom of speech.
We have supported various causes, including BLM, Indigenous communities, and environmental organizations. MDFF is an indie festival that helps filmmakers make their mark, offering opportunities for premieres, screenings, and networking with industry professionals.
The festival takes place at Cinema Nova, one of Australia’s largest independent cinemas, and offers a fun, community-driven atmosphere.
