Footy Shorts Returns: Five Filmmaking Teams Selected for Second Round
VicScreen, the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), and the AFL have announced the five filmmaking teams selected for the second round of Footy Shorts.
The initiative provides emerging Victorian screen storytellers with a $25,000 production budget, professional development with industry mentors, access to the AFL’s footage archive, and support from AFL Clubs.
Selected Projects
Carn the Chinese!
Producer/Director Angela How – A group of young Chinese Australian men play Australian rules football.
For the Boys
Director/Producer Mitchell Withers and Producer Sofia Viegas – Australia's first openly queer ex-AFL player Mitch Brown returns to the field.
Kura: An African AFL Story
Writer/Director/Producer Akec Makur Chuot and Director/Producer Meg Duncan – Former AFLW player Akec Makur Chuot explores the experiences of African Australian players.
Invincible Spirit
Co-Producer/Writer/Director Mark Thomson and Co-Producer/Director/Director of Photography/Editor David Callow – The Rumbalara Football and Netball Club in the Goulburn Murray region serves as a community hub.
North Melbourne Cheer Squad
Co-Directors Jasper Caverly and Andrew Goode and Producer Sophie Booth – Members of the North Melbourne Cheer Squad prepare for a match against Essendon.
Schedule
The five short documentaries will premiere at the 74th Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) in August 2026. Following MIFF, the films will be available on AFL platforms.
Statements
VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher stated that VicScreen increased funding to support five projects instead of four due to the strength of submissions.
MIFF Artistic Director Al Cossar expressed excitement about the initiative.
AFL Executive General Manager Bec Haagsma congratulated the selected teams.