Welcome to the 12th season of the People Of Passion (POP) International film festival!
We are pleased to present two sessions!
Yes, your festival pass ticket covers both sessions.
If your only purchasing one session, you will be seeing the films listed in that session only.
People of Passion International Film Festival – 12th Season
Step into a night where storytelling takes centre stage and creativity knows no limits.
Join us on May 30th, 2026 at the iconic ACMI Cinemas for the 12th season of the People of Passion International Film Festival—an exclusive showcase of bold, original short films from passionate creators around the world.
This is not your typical cinema experience.
Expect red carpet energy, a vibrant crowd, and a curated selection of films you simply won’t see anywhere else. From powerful dramas to unexpected gems, every screening is designed to spark conversation, emotion, and connection.
Whether you're a film lover or just looking for a memorable night out, this is your invitation to be part of something special.
✨ Walk the red carpet
🎬 Discover unique international stories
🥂 Soak in the atmosphere of a true film event
Seats are limited—secure your place and experience the magic for yourself.
Book now and be part of the 12th season.
We will be screening in Cinema 2 at ACMI
Session 1 Please arrive by 5.00pm for Photo's, purchase food and drink for session and enter cinema room before 6pm
Session 1 Screening begins at 6pm till 7pm (there are no fillers before the first film starts at 6pm)
Q&A with the filmmakers in attendance who's films screened in this session 7.25pm - 7.30pm
Intermission for festival pass holders 7.30pm till 8 PM
Session 2 screening starts at 8:00PM to 9.25 (there are no fillers before the first film starts at 8pm)
Awards Presented to all film makers in attendance 9.25pm to 9:45PM (as a part of session 2)
Q and A with the filmmakers in attendance who's films screened in this session 9.45pm till 9:55pm
Session one selection
Official selections (not in screening order)
1. Rotate by Director Les Zig - Comedy short
2. Here and There by Director Kora Lee - Animation
3. The Last Rooster: Artist Len Zuks by Director James Hyams - Mature person's short film
4. Tamah by Director John Nguyen - Mature person's short film
5. Heartwarming by Director Libby Goodhue - Animation
6. The Defender by Director andrew Genaille - Animation
7. Why We Pride submitted by Natalie Scarsbrook - LGBTQIA+ short film
8. Please Inform My Parents by Director Suzanne Kathleen Brimley - Comedy short
9. 5 Inches Under by Director Suzanne Kathleen Brimley - Mature person's short film
10. Devil's Debt by Director Trinity Phillips - Animation
11. Queer Up the Details by Director Anna Rose Ii-Epstein - LGBTQIA+ short film
12. Lorraine and the Ladybugs by Director Muriel Smith - Animation
13. I Have Tonnes of Work and Now I'm a Magical Girl by Directors Lucille Bell, Kayda Troost - Animation
14. Scarecrow by Director Kyden Hurst - Animation
15. Gotta Get Up And Dance Submitter Skylar king - Animation
16. Coach Days by Director Sue Parkhill - Comedy short
Session two selection
Official selections ( not in screening order)
1. Under the Water by Director Isabella Andronos - Bechedel Test
2. Unlatched by Director Ruth Dudding - Musical short film
3. Catching Claus by Director Ian Blom - Comedy short
4. Levi By The Sea by Director leping cao - LGBTQIA+ short film
5. As Luna sees… by Director Zi Yin - Animation
6. Students of the World -Australia Submitter Jonathan Schneider - Australian First Nations film
7. The End Of Us - Byte Back by Director Karina Sorelli - SciFi short film
8. Wise Words by Director Louis Dickins - Mature person's short film
9. a culinary of errors by Director Sherree Dawn Halliwell - Mature person's short film
10. Prefer Not to Say by Director Shaun Foley - Mature person's short film
11. Nana by Director John Egelhoff - Comedy short
9. 25pm - 9.45pm Awards ceremony
9.45pm - 9.55pm Q and A with the filmmakers in attendance who's films screened in this session 9.45pm till 9:55pm
After party
After party 10pm at Transit Rooftop Bar.
Event Venue
ACMI Cinemas, ACMI, Federation Square Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia, Melbourne
