FROM the journey of African-Australian families learning to love their new country's native game, to the passion of long-suffering diehards in the North Melbourne cheersquad and the storied history of Chinese immigrants throughout Australian football's development, this year's crop of Footy Shorts films showcases the impact that our sport has on so many diverse sections of the community.
For the second year running, the AFL has teamed up with the Melbourne International Film Festival and VicScreen to run Footy Shorts, a project that encourages filmmakers to pitch ideas for a short film that captures the love, connection and traditions in Australian football that help shape Australian life.
>> WATCH ALL FIVE FOOTY SHORTS FILMS BELOW
Five short films were chosen to go into production, with the film teams receiving a $25,000 production budget, professional development from industry mentors, access to the AFL's archival footage and support in accessing the AFL clubs.
All five Footy Shorts films were showcased at a gala world premiere screening at the 74th Melbourne International Film Festival in August.
In this year's crop of films, a group of young Chinese-Australian footballers come together; the first openly queer ex-AFL player steps back onto the field; a community fights for the safety and dignity of its children; a former AFLW player traces a path from her heroes to the new generation of African Australian stars; and cheer squad members prepare to face a club they haven’t beaten in a decade.
You can watch all five Footy Shorts films from 2026 below, and revisit last year's crop of entrants.
Carn the Chinese!
Director/Producer: Angela How
A community’s efforts to belong see a group of young Chinese Australian men come together and play their national game of Aussie Rules with true-blue passion and gusto.
For the Boys
Writer/Director/Producer: Mark Thomson
Director/Producer: David Callow
In the heart of the Goulburn Murray, the Rumbalara Football and Netball Club stands as a modern-day fortress of Yorta Yorta pride, a sanctuary of cultural healing where a community fights not just for points, but for the safety and dignity of its children.
Invincible Spirit
Producer:
Writer/Director:
In the heart of the Goulburn Murray, the Rumbalara Football and Netball Club stands as a modern-day fortress of Yorta Yorta pride, a sanctuary of cultural healing where a community fights not just for points, but for the safety and dignity of its children.
Kura: An African AFL Story
Writer/Director/Producer: Akec Makur Chuot
Director/Producer: Meg Duncan
Former AFLW player Akec Makur Chuot traces a path from her heroes to the new generation of African Australian stars navigating two worlds to find belonging.
North Melbourne Cheer Squad
Directors: Jasper Caverly and Andrew Goode
Producer: Sophie Booth
Members of the North Melbourne Football Club Cheer Squad prepare to face longstanding rivals Essendon: a club they haven’t beaten in a decade.