Entertainment
16 November, 2026
Talents highlighted at Tanks
EIGHTEEN short films from across Far North Queensland have been shortlisted for the 2026 Understory Film Festival and local filmmakers will showcase their work at Tanks Arts Centre on Saturday 21 November 2026.
Now in its 13th year, the festival will showcase documentaries, dramas, animation, music videos and experimental films, celebrating filmmaking talent from Cairns, Townsville, Cape York, the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Torres Strait Islands.
Among the shortlisted films are ‘Saltwater Detectives’ by Lucresia Willett and Alvaro del Campo, ‘From Land to Sea: The People’s Story’ by Marty Dryden Brown and Thomas Salpietro, ‘Edna’ by Liz Christensen and ‘You + Me’ by Ashley Caldwell and Courtney Dibben.
The finalists’ works will be screened during the festival’s screening and awards presentation, with achievements in regional filmmaking recognised across several categories.
Festival host, filmmaker and former Understory winner Jannah Dryden said the quality of entries was improving.
“Year on year the calibre of entries just keeps getting better and better, the growth of our local film community is phenomenal and it really is a treat to witness,” Ms Dryden said. “Understory Film Festival is the perfect blend of community celebrating our local talent as well as filmmakers celebrating filmmakers.”
Ms Dryden, who won best film and people’s choice in 2024 for ‘Chesters’, will return to host the awards presentation for the second consecutive year.
Earlier in the day, a free industry exchange will offer emerging and established filmmakers opportunities to meet screen industry professionals, build connections and explore career pathways.
The exchange will run from 2pm to 4pm in Tank 5 at Tanks Arts Centre, followed by the screening and awards from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Tickets for the evening screening and awards presentation cost $20, while admission to the Industry Exchange is free and registration is required.
