About the Fleurieu Film Festival

Held annually in the stunning McLaren Vale, our festival provides a platform for new voices in cinema to showcase their short films.

A Platform for Emerging Filmmakers

The Fleurieu Film Festival is a competitive short film festival held on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula. Since 2016, it has provided a platform for new and emerging filmmakers to showcase their work. The festival significantly contributes to the region's arts and culture, offering a delightful blend of great food, wine, and entertainment.

Our Origins

The festival's story began with Founding Director Alison Alcock, who envisioned a night of film, wine, and entertainment under a tree at a small Aldinga restaurant. As ticket sales soared, the event quickly outgrew its original venue and had to move twice, eventually settling at Penny's Hill winery just two weeks before the inaugural festival. Penny's Hill embraced the opportunity, setting the stage for future success.

Engaging the Local Community

Over the years, the festival has become a cultural hub, engaging the local community and building the Fleurieu region's brand. By encouraging local businesses to participate and attracting visitors, the festival also supports the local economy.

Memorable Moments

The 2017 festival at Serafino Winery was opened by the Minister for Tourism, the Hon Leon Bignell, and featured a stirring speech by acclaimed Australian writer Andrew Bovell. The following year, the event returned to Serafino Winery, opened by the Mayor of Onkaparinga Council, Lorraine Rosenberg, and included an inspirational speech by acclaimed Australian actress Eugenia Fragos. This sold-out success further solidified the festival's reputation.

Expanding Our Reach

In 2019, the festival moved to S.C. Pannell winery, attracting around 800 attendees. Collaborating with the City of Onkaparinga Council and the community, the festival highlighted the theme "Climate Change - Hot Topic/Kool Films." The 2021 festival returned to Serafino Winery, exploring the theme "WILD" and drawing close to 600 attendees who enjoyed 14 selected short films and an awards ceremony. The SAFC's Nara Wilson announced the 2022 theme, "Dreams," after the awards concluded.

Volunteer-Driven Success

Managed entirely by volunteers, the festival has seen steady growth and has established a strong brand. Carolyn Corkindale has been the Director and event manager since 2019, leading the festival to great success. With her experience as a former festival entrant and award-winning short filmmaker, Carolyn understands the culture and requirements of the festival, both technically and in terms of human resources. Under her leadership, and with a newly established board, Fleurieu Films Inc. aims to make the Fleurieu Film Festival the premier short film festival for emerging Australian filmmakers.

Our former mascot

Past Festival Director Alison Alcock had a dog that most would consider exceptional. Her name was Jess, and she became our festival mascot for the first three years. It was very early in her youth that Jess was snapped during a relaxing stroll on Aldinga Bay Beach. Her screen test went like clockwork. Jess had already been able to strike a pose - a rare thing for a canine, and her image had been used to bring a natural flair and grace to the festival.