Heart of Gold celebrates 20 years with nine days of film, music and storytelling
The countdown is on! The full program for the 2026 Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival has officially launched, with tickets now on sale for nine days of inspiring films, live music, special events and unforgettable experiences.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Heart of Gold returns to Gympie from 12–20 September with this year’s program expands beyond the screen and bringing together world-class short films, live performances, workshops, comedy, visual arts, filmmaker talks and community celebrations that will transform Gympie into a vibrant creative hub.
Festival Director Nicole Harper said the anniversary program was a celebration of everything audiences have come to love about Heart of Gold, while embracing exciting new experiences for its next chapter.
“Twenty years ago Heart of Gold set out to share stories that leave people feeling good, and that remains at the heart of everything we do. This year’s festival is focussed on storytelling—bringing together incredible films, artists, musicians and creative experiences that invite people to connect, learn, laugh and be inspired. We can’t wait to welcome audiences to Gympie this September.”
At the centre of the festival is Heart of Gold’s internationally acclaimed short film program, featuring carefully curated stories from around the globe alongside outstanding Australian films, documentaries, animation, comedy and family favourites. The festival concludes on Sunday 20 September with the International Short Film Awards, celebrating the filmmakers behind this year’s standout stories.
Every film has been selected through Heart of Gold’s unique community screening process, with more than forty volunteer screeners helping curate a program that continues the festival’s reputation for showcasing stories that celebrate the best of humanity.
Making its debut in 2026 is CREATIVE LAB, a three-day creative learning program running from 12–14 September. Supported through the Australian Government’s Festivals Australia program, Creative Lab offers hands-on workshops in filmmaking, writing, physical theatre, creative journalling and more, giving people of all ages and experience levels the opportunity to develop new storytelling skills.
Other festival highlights also include:
- GO GOLD Block Party, a free community celebration featuring live music, artisan markets, family entertainment and an open-air cinema.
- Solid Gold Gala, an evening of food, music and celebration featuring Chef Matt Golinski, Vidaphunk and DJ Paul Ross.
- Silent Film at Surface Hill, pairing classic silent cinema with live pipe organ accompaniment and a specially curated dining experience.
- Eddie Ray: Silence of the Jams II – Lack of Judgement Day, the acclaimed live music and comedy film experience fresh from Australia’s major festivals.
Across the nine days, audiences can also enjoy filmmaker talks, live music, comedy trivia, student film showcases, creative networking opportunities and free entertainment throughout the Festival Hub.
The 2026 festival is proudly supported by Screen Queensland and Principal Sponsor Gympie Regional Council.
With free community events, affordable film sessions and premium experiences across the nine-day program, organisers are encouraging audiences to book early.
The full festival program is now available, with tickets on sale at www.heartofgold.com.au