5 Categories

12 Awards

Great Prizes

Free to Enter

Story
Everybody has a story. We want you to tell yours any way you like.

For the past three years, Rock The Boat Film Festival has brought together storytellers of all ages and backgrounds — some seasoned filmmakers, some just beginning their creative journeys, and others with powerful messages who value this platform to share their stories. Each short film screened has embodied the essence of this festival: stories that challenge, inspire, and connect us.

In 2025, once again, we want you to show that storytelling has no barriers — regardless of age, ability, or the equipment you use. Your story can leave just as much of an impact on the audience as anything else on the silver screen. More than ever, we want the stories you tell to bring communities closer together.

Getting the most out of the Festival

What You Need to Know.

How it Works

All you need to do is film your project within one of the regions for 2025 and create a short film or documentary for any one of our 5 categories, and then upload it through our FilmFreeway page before the submissions deadline closes on the 31st of July where entry to the festival is free. For more information, go to our How it Works page below:

Categories

This year, there are five categories for short film and documentary projects and finalists will be selected across all regions. For more information, view our Categories page below:

Sponsors and Support

Rock The Boat Film Festival is a community-orientated event and all sponsors of the event receive specific benefits, depending on their contributions to the event. For organisations interested in supporting the festival, view this page:

We acknowledge the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation, the traditional custodians of the land on which our office stands. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, and community. We pay our respects to their cultures, and to Elders past, present, and emerging. We extend this respect to all Indigenous language groups.