(Muswellbrook Shire Council)
Newy 87.8 FM – Entries for the 2026 Blue Heeler Film Festival close at midnight on Sunday, 6 September 2026, with Muswellbrook Shire Council urging filmmakers to submit their work before the deadline.
Council is encouraging local students, aspiring filmmakers, first-time creators and experienced storytellers across Muswellbrook Shire and the Upper Hunter to get involved in the 13th annual Festival.
This year's theme, 'Treasure', is open to interpretation, giving entrants scope to tell a story about a person, place, memory, discovery or something unexpected.
The final call for entries follows six free filmmaking workshops held by Council during the recent school holidays, where young people learned practical skills from industry professionals.
The Festival has also revealed its 2026 judging panel: producer and events specialist Annette Hubber, actor Ryan Johnson, known for his Silver Logie-nominated role in Doctor Doctor, and film and television lecturer and director Anton Beebe, whose credits include the series Charlie Jade.
The Open Category winner will receive $10,000 and The Golden Bluey, while each Secondary School category winner receives $2,500 and The Golden Bluey. Local entrants are also in the running for the Best Local Film award, which includes a $1,000 gift voucher.
Council is organising a free, family friendly community screening night following the official Festival Awards Night, with film screenings, food trucks, activities and a feature movie. The date and venue will be announced soon.
Entries can be submitted through the Blue Heeler Film Festival website.
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