FOCUS First Nation Films

Two people sitting in green chairs seen from behind, watching a performance on an outdoor screen.

Short Film Submission Callout

City of Fremantle’s annual Truth-Telling screen and cultural festival, FOCUS First Nation Films, returns 26 January 2027.

We’re seeking short films made by, or in collaboration with, First Nations filmmakers of all ages and backgrounds — from primary schools to tertiary film students, independent filmmakers, community groups and cultural leaders.

We welcome short films that respond to the theme of truth-telling and celebrate the strength, resilience and self-determination of First Nations communities.

Selected films will be screened as part of our family-focused afternoon program, providing an opportunity for our community to listen, learn, and connect with First Nations stories & culture.

Prizes to be announced

Please send a brief overview of your project and downloadable link to your film file to: ffnf@fremantle.wa.gov.au 

Submission deadline:
Wednesday 18 November 2026 | 5pm AWST

FOCUS First Nation Films

Presented as a part of the City’s dedicated Truth-Telling program, FOCUS brings our community together with First Nations filmmakers, artists and cultural leaders to share stories and create space for reflection, cultural exchange and honest dialogue about Australia’s history, the ongoing impacts of colonisation, and to acknowledge the enduring strength, wisdom, practices and resilience of First Nations communities.

Through film, storytelling, music, art, literature and cultural exchange, FOCUS brings our community together in solidarity to deepen understanding, foster respect and empathy, and build stronger connections through shared stories and collective experience.

What’s on in 2027

FOCUS First Nation Films returns on 26 January 2027 moving into a one-day program. The event features a new, family-focused afternoon with short films produced in local communities, alongside music, food, cultural activities, market stalls, and more.

Alongside the film program, FOCUS welcomes back the Walyalup Oration, a centrepiece of the festival where leading voices in Indigenous / colonial relations share insights on creating a fairer, (re)conciled, and more prosperous future for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

A man speaking into a microphone.

Walyalup Oration | 2026

Thomas Mayo

Acclaimed author and human rights advocate Thomas Mayo delivered a powerful Walyalup Oration at the 2026 festival held at Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre.

“The Truth-Telling program is critical as Australia continues to strive to embrace all Australians, regardless of origin, race or creed. I’m honoured to be part of this inaugural speaker series and applaud the City for its commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Every time I visit Walyalup, the warmth and hospitality of mob and the community is second to none.

“I talk about the urgent changes that need to happen in Australia to address the racism and discrimination against First Nations people. I include how the media and tech companies are culpable, and oligarchs are undermining our democracy for wealth and power. We need to be aware, we need to call for protections for people and country, we need to act now.” – Thomas Mayo

Presented live and broadcasted on ABC’s Big Ideas, listen to the 2026 inaugural speaker Thomas Mayo and his oration (via link below).

Listen

“Our FOCUS Films program is a very important component of the truth telling pillar in our RAP. The films are selected for their content and ability to engage audiences with the stories and truths of our national history and identity.”

 

Brendan Moore, City of Fremantle Senior Aboriginal Engagement Officer

An outdoor audience sits on chairs and beanbags in a park, watching a movie projected onto a large screen under a stage canopy.
Image cr: Cole Baxter
An elderly woman with short white hair, wearing a vibrant red and blue patterned tunic and a large turquoise necklace, speaks into a microphone before an audience.
Fiona Stanley | Image cr: Cole Baxter
An audience sits on beanbag chairs outdoors, facing a stage where five people sit on stools in front of a yellow Focus First Nation Films event poster.
Image cr: Cole Baxter
Two people sitting in green chairs seen from behind, watching a performance on an outdoor screen.
Image cr: Cole Baxter
A crowd of people seated on chairs and beanbags on a grassy lawn faces a stage with a large screen displaying The Walyalup Oration during an outdoor event.
Image cr: Cole Baxter
Two men talking outdoors, one wearing a patterned shirt with an eagle design and the other a dark t-shirt with a pendant.
Image cr: Cole Baxter
A woman with gray hair speaking into a microphone in front of an audience with a neon sign in the background.
Image cr: Cole Baxter
A man playing guitar and a woman speaking into a microphone stand on stage in front of a large screen displaying an event poster for Focus: First Nation Films at the Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre.
FOCUS First Nation Films 2025 | Image cr: Luke Ritches
An audience sits in colorful beanbag chairs during an outdoor evening event.
FOCUS First Nation Films 2025 | Image cr: Luke Ritches
A woman with gray hair resting her head on the shoulder of another woman, both seated among a group of people.
Image cr: Cole Baxter
An audience sits in an outdoor park watching a musical performance on a large stage screen beneath large trees.
Image cr: Cole Baxter
An audience of diverse adults sitting outdoors, focused on an off-screen event.
Image cr: Cole Baxter
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Gold and black badge reading “Fremantle, WA Gold Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards 2025 Winner,” with a gold map pin and white star on the left side.

The City of Fremantle acknowledges the Whadjuk people as the Traditional Owners of the Fremantle/Walyalup area and we recognise their cultural and heritage beliefs are still important today.

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