Funny Shorts

Melbourne International Comedy Festival is happy to announce the return – and official relaunch – of the short film competition: FUNNY SHORTS proudly supported by the .au, Australia’s trusted internet domain, and presented in partnership with ACMI.

Putting the call out far and wide is Festival Director Susan Provan: “We can’t wait to showcase the best in comedy, created for screen platforms big and small. It’s been 20 years since we last ran a short film competition and some of Australia’s most celebrated storytellers have emerged through past editions of the program. Creating and watching digital content is more popular and accessible now than ever and we hope Funny Shorts will boost the next generation of great comedy filmmakers and content creators.”

Designed to recognise and reward excellence in screen comedy, Funny Shorts invites filmmakers of all experience levels to submit their best original, short-form, laugh-inducing work. Whether it’s your very first short film or your fortieth, if it’s funny, it’s in the running. A shortlist of films will be selected by a panel of leading comedy and film industry professionals to screen at a special event at ACMI during the first weekend of the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The winner will walk away with a $5,000 cash prize, while the Audience Favourite will receive $1,000 – thanks to support from Funny Shorts inaugural partner, the .au.

Bruce Tonkin, CEO of .au Domain Administration (auDA), supporting partner of Funny Shorts said: “.au websites and email addresses signify trust online, providing a digital home for Australians to showcase their projects and ideas, including many comedians and content creators. We’re delighted that in 2026 .au will support Australia’s comedic talent online and on the big screen through the relaunch of the Funny Shorts competition.”

ACMI Director & CEO Seb Chan said: “Funny Shorts celebrates the inventive spirit of short filmmaking and fresh comedic voices. As the national museum of screen culture, ACMI couldn’t be more excited to support these emerging creators and their wonderfully smart, surprising and silly storytelling. The format may be short, but the laughs will be long!”

Funny Shorts is part of a special events program to help celebrate the Melbourne International Comedy’ Festival’s 40th birthday. Previous winners include acclaimed talents such as Oscar-winner Adam Elliot (Mary & Max, Memoir of a Snail) and beloved comedian Frank Woodley (The Adventures of Lano & Woodley).

“Over the last 30 years I have been lucky to have my films included in hundreds of film festivals, but rarely am I included in a fest that celebrates and recognises the art of telling a comedic story in its short form. I am so thrilled to have won a prize at the Melbourne Comedy Festival all those years ago and am delighted the Short Film Competition has returned. Without shorts you don’t get features and so it is fantastic the Comedy Festival is supporting shorts again. Onwards and upwards and sidewards.” Adam Elliot, Writer and Director. Multi Academy Award Nominee and Winner.

Submissions open on Thursday 18 December 2026 and close at 11.59pm on 20 February 2026. For entry details and submission guidelines, visit funnyshorts.au.