SmallRig Partners to Host 14th International Smartphone Film Festival

The 14th International Smartphone Film Festival will take place from October 24 to 29, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. Co-presented by SmallRig, a recognized leader in imaging solutions, the festival aims to highlight the growing impact of smartphone filmmaking as a vital form of artistic expression.

This year’s festival will explore the synergy between mobile imaging technology and creativity, providing a platform for filmmakers from around the globe to connect and innovate. The event will showcase 57 selected smartphone films through a series of screenings, academic panels, and cultural exchange programs at multiple venues, including the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and Federation Square.

On October 24, the ACMI will kick off the festival with the International Mobile Innovation Screening, featuring 14 films from countries such as Chile, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Nigeria, China, and the United Kingdom. From October 27 to 29, screenings will continue at Federation Square, presenting 43 mobile films across three categories: New Voices, Creative Category, and the #EcoSmartphoneFilms, alongside a special screening titled “Youth United Will Never Be Defeated.”

In addition to film presentations, the festival will host industry networking events. An international roundtable on October 24 will gather mobile storytellers, filmmakers, and industry professionals to discuss emerging trends in screen storytelling, such as generative AI and computational creativity.

Zhou Yang, the Founder of SmallRig, expressed enthusiasm for the festival’s role in making filmmaking accessible. “Smartphone filmmaking’s accessibility enables more great stories to be told in a lighter, more personal way,” Yang stated. He emphasized how SmallRig has evolved from providing professional camera accessories to supporting the mobile filmmaking movement, which has become a significant part of everyday creative expression.

Founded in 2013, SmallRig has built a reputation for offering innovative solutions in camera and smartphone mounting, lighting, audio equipment, and battery systems. The company’s products are now utilized in over 160 countries, catering to a diverse range of applications, from livestreaming and vlogging to documentaries and major film productions.

The International Smartphone Film Festival, which is the longest-running event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, has dedicated its thirteen previous editions to promoting mobile filmmaking culture. It emphasizes diverse creative expressions, spanning narrative, non-narrative, and experimental genres. With the rapid advancements in smartphone technology, this form of filmmaking is becoming a powerful medium for storytelling, fostering inclusivity and innovation in content creation.

Interest in smartphone film production has surged globally, with submissions to the 14th International Smartphone Film Festival increasing by 97.56% year over year. The festival serves as a bridge between academia and public engagement, featuring screenings, industry discussions, and hybrid online-offline events, which offer insights into the future of mobile filmmaking.

Ultimately, the festival showcases not just films created with smartphones but also highlights emerging media technologies, including drone cinematography, augmented reality, mobile virtual reality, and mobile artificial intelligence. This focus on technological advancements aligns with the festival’s mission to cultivate creativity and experimentation in visual storytelling.