Wild
Wild
West
Film Fest
72 hours. One film. Hosted by AFTRS students & alumni. Industry guests. $1000 prize. Screening + Afterparty. June 6. Sydney. You in?
About the Festival:
This isn’t your typical short film night. The Wild Wild West 72-Hour Film Festival is Sydney’s most unfiltered, no-rules film challenge. You’ll have 72 hours to make a 3–4 minute short based on a surprise prompt—then we screen it in front of a packed crowd at The Burdekin Hotel.
There are no genre restrictions, no rating and no limitations! Just pure, chaotic creativity.
Don’t have fancy gear? Doesn’t matter. We encourage entries shot on Phones or whatever you’ve got. This festival is about the story, not the size of your camera rig. Make it bold, make it fast, make it yours.
After the screenings and awards, the DJs take over, the cocktails start flowing, and the photo booth starts snapping.
Meet fellow filmmakers, industry pros, film school heads, and Sydney creatives from all walks.
This is a film comp—but it’s also a party.
1st Place – Audience Vote:
$1000 Cash Prize
If you’ve bought a ticket or submitted a film, you get a vote. We trust your taste. The people choose the winner.
2nd Place:
$500 Production Voucher
Perfect for funding your next wild idea.
Category Awards (Various Prizes):
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Cinematography
Best Story
Best Production Design
Best Sound
Best Editing
Whats at stake you ask?
What happens after the screenings?
The lights dim. The DJs take over. The afterparty begins.
This is your chance to mix with filmmakers from all over Sydney, industry professionals, film school heads, cinematographers, actors, editors, and just about anyone else who’s serious (or silly) about cinema.
There’ll be:
- DJS spinning through the night
– A packed dancefloor
– Signature cocktails
– Photo booths
– Creative energy in the air
What if I don’t want to submit a film?
Of course. You don’t need to be a filmmaker to join the chaos. Everyone’s welcome to come along—whether you’re here to support your friends, cheer for your favourite short, or just enjoy a night full of creativity, music, and good drinks.
Early bird tickets are just $10 until 13th May—don’t sleep on it.
Missed out online? No stress. We’ll have tickets available at the door too (until we hit capacity).
Register Your Team
Register Your Team
Keen to take on the 72-hour challenge?
Register your crew of up to 4 people for just $30.
That gets you:
Entry into the 72-hour film challenge
Eligibility for screening and all prize categories
4 free tickets to the screening + afterparty if your film is selected
No hidden fees. No fluff. Just your film, your team, and one unforgettable night.
Send through your interest and we’ll be in touch to finalise registration and get you everything you need before the prompt drops.
Do I have to be a film student to enter?
Nope. If you’ve got an idea and a camera (even an iPhone if the Sean Baker road is calling your name), you’re in.
Can I use old footage?
Nope again. Films must be made during the 72-hour period and respond to the prompt.
Is there a theme or restriction?
Just one: respond to the prompt. Otherwise—narrative, genre, tone, rating—it’s all up to you.
Can I come just to watch?
Absolutely. Come vibe, support, and vote.