Red Poppy Film Festival

Red Poppy Film Festival

Also known as: Veterans Film Festival
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The Red Poppy Film Festival focuses on films made by veterans and stories about military service, war and their effects on individuals, families and communities. Presented by the Veterans Film Foundation in Sydney, Australia, it screens international features, documentaries, shorts and animation. Its programme also includes discussions, workshops and exhibitions that connect screen storytelling with veterans’ experiences.

Formerly the Veterans Film Festival, the event takes its current name in 2025 from its Red Poppy Awards. The festival’s history spans screenings at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, an online edition and a move to Sydney. The dates for the 2027 edition are 26–28 March at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Country

Australia

Categories

Animation, Documentary, Feature, Short

Dates

26 March 2027 — 28 March 2027

Awards and prizes

The Red Poppy Awards comprise the Howard Frank Van Norton Award for Best Film, Best Short Film and Best Animation. Winners receive a Red Poppy Award trophy.

Festival rules

Entries are open internationally to veterans, serving personnel, ADF families and other filmmakers whose work addresses war, military service or its human consequences. Features, documentaries, shorts and animation are accepted. Non-English dialogue requires English subtitles. Entrants must hold all screening and third-party rights and submit through FilmFreeway. Fees are non-refundable except where required by law. Selected entrants authorise festival screenings, provide a suitable screening copy and permit promotional use of supplied materials. Selection and award decisions are final; the organiser may change dates, venues or the programme.

Contacts

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