Australasia’s only festival dedicated entirely to fulldome cinema will return to the Melbourne Planetarium this summer, bringing with it a global lineup of cutting edge immersive films.
The Dome Under Film Festival (DUFF), now in its sixth year, will run from Friday 30 January to Sunday 1 February 2026 and is set to showcase some of the newest and most imaginative works in the fast evolving 360 degree format.
The 2026 program spans nine curated sessions across three days, each screening only once and running between 75 and 120 minutes. Audiences can expect a mix of cosmic storytelling, scientific discovery and family friendly adventures.
Astronomy standouts include Unseen Earth, which explores how space science is reshaping humanity’s understanding of our own planet, and One Step Beyond, a speculative look at humanity’s path toward Mars. Younger festival goers will find favourites in Hermy’s Secret Full-Moon Hideout and Radiance: A Journey to the Edge of the Galaxy.
Since launching in 2020, DUFF has become a key date in the international fulldome calendar and is a founding partner of the International Cooperation of Fulldome Festivals, a global network formed in 2021 to strengthen collaboration among festivals in Germany, the UK, USA, Australia, Canada and Czechia. The partnership has expanded international exchange and helped spotlight talent working within this specialised cinematic form.
This year’s festival will again feature a competitive section, judged by an independent panel of three international experts, with awards recognising excellence in immersive storytelling and technical innovation.
Festival founder and Museums Victoria curator Warik Lawrance said, “Fulldome cinema is evolving at an incredible pace, and the Dome Under Film Festival has become a place where that innovation truly shines.”
“This year’s festival will bring together some of the most creative voices in the field, offering audiences a rare chance to see ground-breaking 360-degree immersive films from around the world.”
DUFF will take place at the Melbourne Planetarium at Scienceworks in Spotswood. Tickets are available in person or online, with sessions priced from $12 for children and $20 for adults.
