What’s happening?
A new short film challenge has launched in Toowoomba, offering regional Queensland creators a chance to screen their work publicly.
The inaugural Shine Shootout will run alongside Queensland Fringe and conclude at The Empire, Armitage Centre, on Friday 7 August 2026.
Secondary and tertiary students, community groups and individual creators from regional Queensland can enter. Participants may film using smartphones or other video equipment, making the challenge accessible to people with different experience levels.
A practical workshop will also be held before the challenge begins. It will cover storytelling, smartphone filmmaking, sound, editing and production techniques.
Why it matters?
Regional communities hold many strong stories, but local creators do not always have access to equipment, training or public screenings.
The Shine Shootout aims to reduce those barriers by placing the focus on ideas, creativity and collaboration. It also gives new filmmakers a clear process for turning an idea into a completed production.
Organiser Stephen Roche said the challenge was created for anyone with a story and a smartphone.
“Regional Queensland is full of remarkable stories, but those stories often never get told,” Mr Roche said.
“Whether you’re an experienced filmmaker or a student making your first short film, the Shine Shootout is about creativity, collaboration and having the confidence to tell a story.”
The challenge gives creators practical experience while connecting their work with audiences, filmmakers and community representatives.
Local Impact
The event adds a new filmmaking opportunity to the city’s arts calendar while strengthening its connection with Queensland Fringe.
The screening will also bring participants, families and audiences into the Armitage Centre. Selected creators will see their work presented in a recognised regional venue.
The Empire CEO, Giuliana Bonel, said the challenge allowed young people to use technology they already had.
“One of the most exciting aspects of this initiative is that it removes many of the traditional barriers to filmmaking. Young people can participate using the technology they already have access to and focus on what matters most, telling great stories. We are particularly looking forward to welcoming participants, families and audiences to the Armitage Centre in August,” Ms Bonel said.
“The Shine Shootout has the potential to become a wonderful annual platform for emerging storytellers and filmmakers, and we are excited to be part of its first chapter.”
The Empire’s involvement gives the challenge a strong local base while supporting new creative work from across regional Queensland.
By the numbers
- A $3,000 prize will be awarded for Best Film, giving regional creators a major incentive to submit their work.
- Participants will have six days to write, film and edit their production after receiving the official challenge brief.
- Films can run for up to seven minutes, with the Top 10 entries screening before a live audience.
Zoom In
The Shine Shootout officially launched on 17 June 2026, giving prospective participants a month to prepare for the practical workshop.
The workshop will be held on 18 July 2026 and will provide guidance across each stage of production. Participants will learn about storytelling, filming, sound, editing and other techniques before the timed challenge begins.
The official brief will be released on 1 August 2026. Creators must then submit their completed films by 12 noon on 6 August 2026.
The Top 10 entries will screen the following evening at The Empire, Armitage Centre. Industry professionals, filmmakers and community representatives will judge the finalists during the awards night.
Mr Roche said the organisers were starting with a focused event while planning for future growth.
“This is our first year and we’re deliberately starting small, but the vision is to create something that grows over time and becomes a showcase for regional talent,” Mr Roche said.
“Stories come from everywhere. This is where they shine,” Mr Roche said.
Zoom Out
The Shine Shootout forms part of a wider effort to support creative work outside Queensland’s major cities.
Its open entry model allows experienced filmmakers to work alongside students and first-time creators. Community groups can also use the challenge to share stories connected to their people and places.
Allowing smartphones and other common video equipment keeps entry costs lower. This means participants can concentrate on clear storytelling rather than expensive production tools.
The link with Queensland Fringe also gives regional films a place within a broader arts program while keeping the final event in Toowoomba.
What To Look For Next?
The workshop on 18 July 2026 will be the first major opportunity for participants to develop their skills before filming begins.
Strong participation and audience support could help the Shine Shootout become an annual event for regional Queensland filmmakers.
More details HERE
