Down Under Film Festival has been a vital hub for enthusiasts of Australian and New Zealand cinema and culture since 2011.
Interview with Mala Ghedia and Angus McGruther, Directors of the Down Under Film Festival (2023).
Showcasing Australia and New Zealand’s creative talent and celebrating our rich cultures through film
As Europe's leading festival for Australian & New Zealand film, Down Under Film Festival (DUFF) ranges from independent productions to blockbusters, from student and professional short films to inspiring documentaries – diversity being one of the cornerstones of the program, with a special focus on First Nations and Māori storytellers.
Building bridges for our unique stories to reach European audiences
As only a few films from Down Under actually get a European cinema release, most of the poetic, visually stunning images, the distinct quirkiness, dark humour and authentic storytelling, which in their combination are unique to Australian and New Zealand cinema, are too often lost to European and German audiences. Here, DUFF steps in to bring fresh filmmaking from Australia and New Zealand to Berlin, offering a platform for these incredible films and new audiences to meet at the heart of Europe.
Programming Diversity
Without a focus on a specific genre, audiences of DUFF can enjoy all types of films such as drama, comedy, thriller, horror, animation, Indigenous and experimental. To guarantee the best and latest film highlights, the festival program consists of both submitted films and carefully selected cinematic gems. The festival has also co-operated with renowned film institutions and film schools such as the New Zealand Film Commission, Screen Australia, the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne (VCA) and the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS).
A place to network
DUFF provides a unique opportunity for filmmakers, sponsors, and team members to meet and mingle in an intimate environment. The annual festival networking brunch is our key event for professionals to make new connections with others in the industry. A place to talk shop, pitch ideas and form valuable partnerships with colleagues based across Europe, Australia, New Zealand and beyond.
If you are an Australian or New Zealand filmmaker and wish to attend our events in Berlin or Copenhagen, please contact us.