All entries must be made in Western Australia.
Under 13 minutes (max 12:59 incl. credits)
Open to all filmmakers. Tell your story your way: narrative, experimental, or anything in between. If shortlisted, you'll receive one complimentary screening ticket.
Must be filmed in Western Australia. Entries must not have been completed before 2023.
$1,000 first place prize
Under 7 minutes (max 6:59 incl. credits)
Factual, real-world stories told with a filmmaker's eye. Students who submit a documentary may enter here or in the Student category. Documentaries over 7 minutes and under 13 minutes may be entered in the Open Short Film category instead.
Must be filmed in Western Australia. Entries must not have been completed before 2023.
$1,000 first place prize
Under 7 minutes (max 6:59 incl. credits)
For primary or secondary school students, or tertiary students under 18. The next generation of WA storytellers gets their own spotlight.
* Tertiary students must be under 18 to enter this category. Documentary submissions may enter here or OPEN Documentary.
$1,000 first place prize
Under 7 minutes (max 6:59 incl. credits)
Celebrating stories by First Nations filmmakers from Australia and the Torres Strait Islands. Newly introduced in 2026, sponsored by Walyalup Kannajil Community Choir.
** All directors and writers must be First Nations people who have filmed this project exclusively in Western Australia. The First Nations lead creative must be the submitter.
$1,000 first place prize
In addition to the main category prizes, the following awards are presented at our Awards Night.
$10 per submission across all categories, regular deadline.
Each shortlisted entry receives one complimentary screening ticket for the session in which it screens.
ACE HOYTS Rockingham
Rockingham, Perth
Western Australia 6168
Concludes with the Awards Night a few weeks after screenings end.
In 2026, Rock The Boat Film Festival is collaborating with Yellowstone International Film Festival in India. Each festival will select three short films for screening at both events, providing filmmakers a unique opportunity to participate in this International Short Film Exchange.
For more information about this opportunity →
Full terms are available on our FilmFreeway submission page. By submitting, you agree to the following.
You must own the rights to all visual and audio content in your entry, including music and graphics. You grant Rock The Boat Film Festival permission to use your entry or excerpts for promotional purposes.
Your project must have been filmed or animated within Western Australia and not completed before 2023. The same project must not have been previously submitted to this festival.
Upload your video file to FilmFreeway before submitting. Music videos are permitted if eligible. Submissions close 31 July 2026 and cannot be withdrawn after that date, except in exceptional circumstances.
The festival and its organisers are not liable for any claims or disputes arising from content screened. By submitting, you release the event and its associates from any legal action.
We reserve the right to make amendments to any aspect of the festival at our sole discretion.
Entries must be strictly less than the time limit for their category, including credits. Entries that exceed the limit will not be eligible for shortlisting.
Submissions close 31 July 2026 · $10 entry fee · Filmed in Western Australia
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.