Flickerfest has long been a vital platform for emerging and established filmmakers, and in 2026 it continues that legacy by elevating a powerful slate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander short films that speak to identity, resilience, connection and healing. Among this year’s program are stories that are deeply personal, quietly political, and unmistakably grounded in lived experience.

Reminding audiences that Aboriginal People's storytelling is not a single narrative, but a rich and evolving spectrum of voices.

Three of this year’s selections are South Australian films The Secret, Catchin’ Mumoo and Second Chance, each offering a distinct yet complementary perspective on what it means to navigate the world as seen by Aboriginal People's today.

The Secret, written and directed by Yankunytjatjara filmmaker Lilla Berry, is an intimate and confronting portrayal of a young woman grappling with an unspoken truth within the confines of home. Its power lies in its restraint, allowing silence, discomfort and emotional nuance to do the heavy lifting and in doing so, it opens space for conversations around autonomy, shame, support and the quiet strength it takes to confront deeply personal realities.

In contrast, Catchin’ Mumoo, directed by Dylan Tabiltja Coleman, brings a sense of warmth, humour and youthful determination to the screen. Through the eyes of a seven-year-old boy who takes it upon himself to solve a problem threatening his family’s livelihood, the film becomes a reflection on responsibility, courage and connection. 

Second Chance, directed by Thibul Nettle, rounds out this trio of SA films with a story of reconnection and emotional reckoning. When two people reunite after decades apart, the film gently explores what it means to revisit the past, sit with unresolved feelings and consider the possibility of healing.

What unites all of these works is their ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. They do not ask for sympathy or permission; instead, they invite viewers to listen, reflect and sit with perspectives that have too often been sidelined within Australia’s screen industry.

By making space for these stories, Flickerfest plays an important role in supporting truth-telling and amplifying voices that continue to shape Australia’s cultural landscape.

Importantly, for the filmmakers, Flickerfest is widely recognised as one of Australia’s most prestigious and respected short film festivals, holding international acclaim as a key launchpad for emerging filmmakers from around the world.

As an Academy Award® and BAFTA-qualifying festival, selection at Flickerfest is a significant achievement. Each year, the festival curates a highly competitive program drawn from thousands of submissions, showcasing bold, innovative storytelling across genres and cultures.

For audiences, Flickerfest represents a celebration of creative excellence and cinematic craft; for filmmakers, it is a globally recognised seal of quality that places their work on an international stage.

Reconciliation SA congratulates all filmmakers selected for such a great festival!