Join Us for the Next Screening on 30 July
Yalda
We celebrate the Iran that exists in people's hearts, not in the headlines
Short Film Festival
Monthly Screening Nights
every month, we come together for short films, good vibes and easy chats
Why Submit to Yalda?
Join a community that celebrates authentic storytelling and cultural heritage
Cultural Celebration
We honor Iranian art, poetry, music, food, history, and social themes. Your film becomes part of a larger conversation about cultural identity and heritage.
Recognition & Prizes
Win the prestigious Yalda Award with a cash prize, digital certificate, and laurel. Multiple categories ensure diverse storytelling is recognised and celebrated.
Monthly Screenings
Selected films are screened at our in‑person monthly community events and at the annual competition, connecting your work with real audiences who value authentic cultural storytelling.
Ready to Share Your Story?
Submit your short film and join a celebration of Iranian culture, art, and storytelling that transcends borders.
Yalda Annual Awards
All films screened at our monthly events are automatically considered for the Annual Awards competition
Best Fiction Short Film
Recognising outstanding narrative storytelling that explores Iranian culture through fictional characters and dramatic storytelling.
Best Short Documentary
Best Short Animation
Best Music Video
Honoring non-fiction films that document real stories, traditions, and perspectives related to Iranian culture and heritage.
Celebrating animated films that bring Iranian stories, art, and culture to life through creative visual storytelling.
Recognising music videos that showcase Iranian music, poetry, or cultural themes through compelling visual narratives.
About us
The Yalda Short Film Festival is a monthly screening event in Sydney dedicated to celebrating stories that carry even the smallest echo of Iranian culture. We welcome films from all backgrounds and languages, as long as they touch—directly or subtly—on the art, poetry, music, food, memories, or lived experiences that shape the Iran held in people’s hearts.
Our mission is to create a warm, community‑driven space where filmmakers and audiences come together to share cinematic voices, discover new perspectives, and honour the richness of Iranian identity beyond headlines.
Each month we showcase selected short films, leading up to our annual Yalda Awards, where outstanding works are recognised and celebrated.
Contact
Get in touch for event details or questions
© 2025 Yalda Short Film Festival. All rights reserved.
Screening Venue
34 Burton St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010