Sunset Cinema: Creative Wollongong Short Film Festival

The Creative Wollongong Short Film Festival will showcase the best entries from the 2025/26 Short Film competition along with commissioned films, all referencing this year's signature theme item - birds.

Gates open at 7pm, with a musical performance by Rare Birdz, and red carpet photos. We'll also be announcing the Festival award winners before the screening.

Screenings will start at last light and run for approximately 150 minutes.

This event is recommended for ages 15 years and over. Please note, these newly created films have not been officially rated. We are putting a M rating on the screening as a guideline as there may be some mature language and themes. Children under 15 years may attend with the supervision of their parents.

Presented by Wollongong City Council in partnership with Screen Illawarra.

Book your free ticket

Entry is free, but spaces are limited and bookings are essential.

Visit Eventbrite to reserve your spot, or go on the waitlist.

Plan your visit

• Getting here: Off-street parking spaces are available in the Wollongong Botanic Garden main car park at 40 Murphys Avenue. There is also plenty of on-street parking nearby. Please note: all other Garden car parks will be locked when the Garden closes. Bike racks are also available at the main entrance to the Garden.
• Seating: You are more than welcome to bring your own rugs, pillows, lawn chairs etc. Please be aware that taller chairs will be restricted to the back of the grounds so that everyone can see the screen. A limited number of bean bags will be available for hire on the night.
• Food and drinks: A food truck, snacks and bar are available on site. For more information visit the Sunset Cinema Wollongong webpage. You are also welcome to pack your own picnic (no BYO alcohol or glass).

To fully enjoy your Sunset Cinema experience, we suggest layering up or bringing a blanket for those chillier summer nights. You may also want to bring along some insect repellent to keep those mozzies away!

Updates and cancellations

All updates or cancellations will be shared by email and on the website.

Supporters

Thanks to the following supporters of the Creative Wollongong Short Film Festival and Competition:

Sunset Cinema, Coequal, Bus Stop Films, Guardians of the Grassy Woodlands project (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water), ITeC Academy, TAFE NSW, TEN ALPHAS, Yours & Owls, Illawarra Film Society, Moonlander Media, Relativity Films, Sketchbook TV, Eye Candy Film Productions, Shellharbour City Council and Who & Why Media.