Get ready because the city is up to its adored Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) which is back to shatter August 7 24, 2025, with close to three weeks of cinematographic magic! MIFF is one of the most awaited cultural festivals in Victoria, and it unites film lovers, creators, as well as aspiring filmmakers.

You could be a long-time attendee to the MIFF or be attending your first Melbourne International Film Festival, you cannot go wrong using this guide to help you to enjoy every bit of the MIFF 2025 since it has everything you require including the local tips, the events and what has been new in this Melbourne International Film Festival.

When Is MIFF 2025 Happening?

Dates: Thursday, August 7 to Sunday, August 24, 2025
Program Launch: July 10, 2025
General Ticket Sale: Starts July 15, 2025

Melbourne International Film Festival is an 18-day film festival that features more than 300 movies featuring feature-length film debuts, Short films, animations, documentaries of Australia and the world. Look forward to a fun combination of world and international prize-winners, and weird little indie treasures.

Where To Watch – MIFF 2025 Venues Across Melbourne

Melbourne International Film Festival spreads its screenings across iconic Melbourne cinemas and cultural venues. Here are the top places to catch a film:

• ACMI, Federation Square
  
• Forum Melbourne, Flinders Street
  
• The Capitol Theatre, Swanston Street
  
• Hoyts Melbourne Central
  
• The Astor Theatre, St Kilda
  
• IMAX Melbourne, Carlton
  
• Kino Cinema, Collins Street
  

📍 Tip: Check tram routes and plan your festival nights around nearby food options like Flinders Lane eateries or Chinatown snacks between sessions.

Film Highlights and Must-Watch Premieres

This year’s early program hints at an epic lineup:

• “The Ballad of Wallis Island” – A powerful Australian drama
  
• “It Was Just an Accident” – Palme d’Or winner by Jafar Panahi
  
• “Blue Moon” – Latest from indie legend Richard Linklater
  
• “Spreadsheet Champions” – A satirical Aussie comedy getting global buzz
  
• Live event: “The Passion of Joan of Arc” with a live score by Julia Holter at the Melbourne Recital Centre
  

Expect major red carpet nights, Q&As with directors, and some hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

How To Get MIFF (Melbourne International Film Festival) 2025 Tickets

MIFF offers flexible ticketing for all types of filmgoers:

🎫 Book online via miff.com.au or use the MIFF App to browse films, trailers, and make bookings.

MIFF For Locals – Tips To Maximise Your Experience

• Being early will bring you the best seats, more so at The Forum and Capitol.
• Wear layers- it is cold in Melbourne during the month of August. You need to bring a scarf and a coat.
• Do not disregard short film programs as they usually include Oscar winners in the future.
• Work at Melbourne International Film Festival (you will receive festival benefits and make acquaintances with other similar-minded locals).
• It is also recommended to grab a coffee between the sessions in local cafes (e.g. Degraves Espresso or Market Lane Coffee).
  

MIFF Regional & Digital Access

• On August 15 17 and August 22 24, MIFF will visit regional centres such as Ballarat, Bendigo, and Geelong.
• It is possible to stream films online through the Melbourne International Film Festival Play, whose lineup of events is available August 15-31 and ideal in case of living outside the CBD or in the comfort of the home.

What Else To Do in Melbourne During MIFF?

Concert at Melbourne International Film Festival will be a complete night experience! Some of the close-sighted activities are as follows:

• After the films, eat at Movida or Chin Chin
• Have a cocktail on Loop Rooftop Bar or State of Grace
• See other August activities such as Lightscape in Royal Botanic Gardens or Firelight Festival in Docklands

Find out the nearest Eat Cinemas Melbourne.

Why MIFF Matters to Melbourne

Melbourne International Film Festival, well, it is not all about movies, it is about culture, connection and creativity. It backs Australian film-makers, with the MIFF Premiere Fund, offers workshops to new talent and transforms the city into a winter cultural hotbed.

It also supports the local business including cafes, ride-shares together with putting Melbourne on the world map in terms of arts.

You could be a fan of the international prestige movies, an explorer of niche, Aussie films, or a fan of the Melbourne winter atmosphere flocked to the MIFF 2025, but you have to do it.

Gather up your tickets, wear warm clothing and immerse into the Australians movie capital this month of August.

🎟 Visit: miff.com.au
📍 Explore: MIFF Melbourne Venue Map

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