The full program for the 74th Melbourne International Film Festival has been revealed, with more than 300 feature films, documentaries, shorts, XR experiences and special events set to transform Melbourne into Australia’s film capital this August.
Running from 6 to 23 August across Melbourne and regional Victoria, before expanding nationally through MIFF Online from 14 to 30 August, this year’s festival features a diverse mix of Australian premieres, world premieres, major international award winners and homegrown productions.
Opening the festival is the Australian premiere of Wicker, the acclaimed new film from Australian-born filmmakers Eleanor Wilson and Alex Huston Fischer. Fresh from Sundance, the fantasy stars Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård, Peter Dinklage, Richard E. Grant and Melbourne’s own Elizabeth Debicki, with the directors attending the Opening Night Gala.
“We’re again thrilled to reveal the full film overload of MIFF’s epic 2026 program! From highly anticipated festival blockbusters to bold new voices, experimentations to a family day at the flicks, MIFF is the maximalist way to enjoy all of what cinema can offer in the midst of a Melbourne Winter. We look forward to welcoming audiences back to the big screen this August,” said Artistic Director Al Cossar.
Among the festival highlights are the world premiere of Tina Arena: Unravel Me, a 25th anniversary celebration of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, the return of Footy Shorts, the inaugural Sovereign Shorts Gala and the Premiere With Purpose Gala screening of Selina Miles’ documentary Silenced.
The festival will also showcase six new Australian features through the MIFF Premiere Fund, while the prestigious Bright Horizons Competition returns with one of the world’s richest prize pools for emerging filmmakers, awarding $140,000 to its winner.
Families can enjoy the Australian premiere of DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, while regional audiences will once again benefit from screenings in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Castlemaine, Healesville, Rosebud, Sale and Warrnambool.
Tickets go on sale to the general public from 10am on Tuesday 14 July.
For the full program and tickets, visit https://miff.com.au.
