Brisbane International Film Festival cancelled for 2026, ‘new operating model’ sought
The Brisbane International Film Festival has been “paused” for 2026 and has parted ways with its chief executive.
Screen Queensland announced the cancellation, which it said came after “extensive industry feedback” and would allow time to establish a “new operating model” for BIFF in 2027.
The announcement ends the short tenure of the 2025 festival’s distribution partner For Film’s Sake and BIFF managing director Sophie Mathisen.
“We thank For Film’s Love for their energetic work and contribution to the 2025 festival,” said Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney.
He said Screen Queensland had “listened to the feedback” and it was clear more time was needed to move BIFF forward.
“Our vision remains very clear as we want to create a festival that reflects the energy, diversity and ambition of this extraordinary city as it steps onto the world stage ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Feeney said.
The announcement follows criticism of the 2025 BIFF, which was delivered in 11 weeks and launched just a month ahead of its November schedule.
The festival’s small-scale and abbreviated program over a long weekend and conflicts between major screenings were also criticized.
Festival screening of shark-themed films jaws And War Beast The concert at Brisbane’s Streets Beach was canceled shortly after it was announced.
Mathisen had previously warned that the festival would be smaller in scale, but hoped to use BIFF to create “real networks between the local industry and the global filmmaking community.”
Mathisen was asked for comment.
BIFF has been run under a tender process since 2017 and was variously managed by Palace Cinemas, GOMA and Film Fantastic before For Film’s Sake took over.
Brisbane film programmer and founder of film collective Container John Edmond said it was clear the bidding process was not working for the festival.
“We support Screen Queensland’s decision to reset the process. Any process that aligns this with the governance norms and success of the Melbourne International Film Festival or the Sydney Film Festival is commendable,” he said.
Screen Queensland said it was moving away from the current licensing model to lead a coalition of “key partners and stakeholders” to co-design a future-focused festival.
“We look forward to welcoming audiences and the Queensland film industry back to the festival in 2027,” Feeney said.
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Nick Dent is a Culture Reporter for the Brisbane Times covering arts, entertainment and things to do in the city.Connect via email.
