2026 Noosa International Surfilm Festival (NISFF)

The Noosa International Surfilm Festival (NISFF) returns 13–16 August 2026 with four unforgettable days celebrating the world’s best surf and ocean films — including world, Australian and Queensland premieres.

Held at Noosa Event Cinemas, NISFF brings together powerful environmental documentaries, bold independent surf cinema, and fresh ocean storytelling, alongside filmmaker Q&As, industry legends, emerging talent, live events and a vibrant festival atmosphere. It’s where surf culture meets ocean purpose — and where the stories on screen spark real connection, conversation and action.

THE BIG SEA

2025 NISFF Best Feature Film

16th March, 6PM - 7.45PM

Screening at Noosa Event Cinemas.

Live Zoom Q&A with UK co-filmmaker Chris Nelson.

Purchase Tickets

Calling All Filmmakers

Filmmakers from around the world are invited to submit their works—whether short or feature-length. If that’s you, head to our SUBMISSIONS page for all the details.

Submissions open: Saturday, 1st March 2026
Submissions close: Midnight AEST, Wednesday, 20th May 2026

Gromshorts

GromShorts returns in 2026, on 15th August, celebrating the next wave of storytellers. Open to young filmmakers 18 and under from around the world, it’s a space for fresh perspectives, surf-soaked moments, ocean connections, and the unexpected. Films of 5 minutes or under. Submissions are open 10 April – 21 July 2026.

tickets & updates

Early bird tickets will be on 10th March! Follow us on Instagram @noosaisff and subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop and be the first to know when tickets go live.

Become a Partner

The festival relies on financial contributions to cover essential costs like venue hire, travel and accommodation, and production expenses. Interested in getting involved? Explore sponsorship options or become a festival partner—learn more on our Sponsor page.

Don’t miss this incredible celebration of surf and ocean culture in Noosa!

Testimonials

‘Was a tip top night team!’
molliemerald
‘Congratulations on the 2025 NISFF! I thoroughly enjoyed the 2 nights I attended.’
John Finlay - Director Noosa Festival of Surfing
‘This was a wonderful festival to be a part of. It’s like being a part of an extended family. They really look after the filmmakers that come, which is echo’d down the line to the patrons. A really great festival, look forward to many to come.’
Johnny Abegg - Filmmaker
‘Congratulations to you Jesca! Amazing effort, thanks for helping to share and strengthen this beautiful culture we’re a part of.’
Jolyon Hoff - Filmmaker, Director The Australian Surf Film Archive & Judge NISFF 2025
‘What a wonderful festival this one was. Just a great turnout and entry list. So inspiring to see the work on a big screen… You, and the team, are quite incredible.’
Mick Sowry - Filmmaker, Storyteller, Photographer & NISFF 2025 Judge
‘I want to commend you on a brilliant and wonderful film festival. It ran so well. Your organisation, your insight, your energy, your passion.. everything is just fantastic ….I’m so excited that we’ve got this in Noosa!’
Peppie Simpson - Surf Champion & NISFF 2025 Judge