Welcome

Cr Heather Cunsolo

Mayor, City of Port Phillip

Welcome to the St Kilda Film Festival (SKFF), returning bigger and bolder than ever for its milestone 40th anniversary.

As our birthday present to film lovers, a record number of short films will be screened over 10 jam-packed days.

This year’s program takes audiences on an incredible journey through some of Port Phillip’s iconic theatres, including The Astor Theatre and Fitzroy Street’s Alex Theatre, as well as unexpected venues such as South Melbourne Market.

Prepare to be scared by horror, amused by animation and comedy and engrossed by drama and evocative social commentary – there really is something for everyone.

This skilled storytelling is conveyed through many perspectives, including talented First Nations and LGBTIQA+ filmmakers.

I encourage everyone to take a look at our biggest ever program, showcasing more than 150 films along with filmmaking workshops and talks.

We’re very proud of our City’s reputation as a cultural hub and can’t wait for the red carpet to be rolled out for opening night at The Astor. There’s fantastic dining on offer near all venues so don’t miss the opportunity for a delicious bite or drink before and after the show.

I want to give a big thank you to SKFF partners Screen Australia and VicScreen and all our wonderful sponsors. We truly value your support in bringing the magic of filmmaking to screens across St Kilda and South Melbourne in more than 52 captivating sessions.

Happy viewing!

The Hon. Colin Brooks MP

Minister for Creative Industries 

Happy 40th birthday to St Kilda Film Festival!

Over the past four decades, the festival has grown to become Australia’s largest and longest-running short film event, it has showcased the work of many of our finest filmmakers and been a platform for new talent.

The Victorian Government has been a longstanding partner of the festival, and we are once again proud to provide support through VicScreen.

Congratulations to the festival team and participating film makers.

Richard Sowada

St Kilda Film Festival Director

What a year being our 40th anniversary, and we’re bringing our biggest ever program to local audiences!

While the festival has such a great tradition and legacy in the Australian screen sector, the 2024 event is firmly focused on the future with close to 150 new Australian short works on show that run the gamut of genres, styles, and subjects.

In continuing to spread its wings, the festival will be running two screens simultaneously at our central venue, the Alex Theatre, and then busting out to the South Melbourne Market, the Golden Gate Hotel and Backlot Studio in South Melbourne, the legendary Esplanade Hotel, the Victorian Pride Centre and the beautiful Astor Theatre on our opening night.

Across the 10 days of the festival we’ll tip our hats to the early work of some of Australia’s most well-known filmmakers through their short and feature works, feature live performance, professional development opportunities, games and immersive and platform some powerful new voices on the Australian moving image scene.

We can’t wait!