A quiet cinema in Sydney’s Paddington will soon be buzzing with stories from around the world, all captured using just smartphones. The SmartFone Flick Fest (SF3), now in its 11th year, returns to the Palace Chauvel Cinema with more than $50,000 in prizes and entries from filmmakers as young as five and as old as eighty.
Local Stage, Global Stories
The festival will run from 7 to 9 November, turning Paddington into a hub for creative minds who rely not on expensive gear but on everyday devices to tell powerful stories. The Chauvel Cinema will host screenings of the top entries, red carpet premieres, networking events, and masterclasses aimed at growing skills in areas such as film sound, screenwriting, and music composition.
Organisers say entries are open until 1 September, welcoming filmmakers of all levels from across Australia and around the world. The event, which began as a grassroots movement, has grown into a respected platform that highlights the possibilities of mobile filmmaking. It features five main competition categories: Gala Finals, Kids, Feature Films, SF3 Mini (three-minute films on the theme “Breath”), and a dedicated SF3 AI section for projects exploring artificial intelligence.
Celebrating Talent and Access
Festival co-founder Angela Blake said the goal is to show that anyone can be a filmmaker if they have a story and a phone. She encouraged people from all walks of life, regardless of background or experience, to take part. Blake believes accessibility is key to broadening the range of voices represented on screen.
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Returning ambassador and film director Phillip Noyce noted that SF3 empowers creators by removing the need for expensive equipment. He said the festival provides an important outlet for aspiring storytellers who may not have access to traditional industry pathways.
Actor John Batchelor, another ambassador, described his experience filming a smartphone project as eye-opening, explaining how the compact gear opened up new creative opportunities in tight spaces.
Support and Industry Links
The 2025 edition includes significant backing from industry sponsors, including Blackmagic Design and Røde Microphones. Røde’s Ryan Burke said strong storytelling doesn’t need a large budget, and the company is proud to help showcase creativity powered by everyday tech.
Chicken & Chips Casting continues its support with the SF3 Best Pitch Award, offering entrants the chance to have their pitched film professionally cast. Filmmakers must submit either a one-page document or a one-minute video pitch by 17 June to qualify.
Sponsors like Melodie Music are also playing an important role by granting access to full music catalogues for films entered into the competition.
Community, Creativity, and Recognition
The festival offers 36 awards, with categories ranging from Best Film and Best Director to specific recognition for First Nations storytelling and female creatives. The event aims to provide not just prizes but genuine industry exposure and learning opportunities.
Judges and mentors include well-known industry figures such as Louis Nowra, Ros Gentle, and Yolandi Franken, adding further credibility to the competition.
Blake said the festival’s mission is to support creatives of all ages and backgrounds: “We want people to know that there’s a place for their stories, no matter where they come from or what equipment they have.”
For full entry details, updates, and the official festival trailer, visit www.sf3.com.au.
Published 28-May-2025