A sold-out crowd of 400 film lovers gathered on 19 June at ACMI Cinemas in Federation Square to celebrate the opening of the fourth annual Multicultural Film Festival (MFF), presented by the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology.
Coinciding with Refugee Week, this year’s premiere brought stories of hope, resilience, and cultural pride to the big screen. From more than 1,275 submissions, 12 compelling short films were selected to showcase multicultural experiences across Australia and beyond.
The festival also marked the debut of the Chairperson’s Refugee Stories Award, recognising outstanding storytelling from refugee perspectives. VMC Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen presented the inaugural honour to the filmmakers behind The Way to Freedom, a moving portrayal of the refugee journey that struck an emotional chord with the audience.
“This festival is a powerful platform for culturally diverse filmmakers to share their stories, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate their heritage,” Ms Nguyen said.
Ms Nguyen added that it’s these types of storytelling via films that contribute “to a better understanding of one another to strengthen the harmony in our multicultural society”.
The evening’s atmosphere was enriched by performances reflecting the diverse backgrounds of Victoria’s communities. Acclaimed Somali journalist Najma Sambul served as master of ceremonies, while singer Soli Tesema delivered soulful music and an Afghan dance troupe lit up the stage.
Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs Iwan Walters commended the festival’s focus on refugee narratives. “By sharing stories from refugee and asylum seeker communities, this year’s festival helps build empathy, understanding and pride in the diversity that defines modern Victoria,” he said.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt also praised the filmmakers for their contributions. “Congratulations to all the filmmakers who shared their stories with us – through your creativity, you’ve helped shine a light on the rich, multicultural fabric that makes Victoria stronger and more united,” she said.
Building on the festival’s growing momentum, the VMC launched the Friends of MFF program to encourage year-round community engagement and support for multicultural storytelling.
After its Melbourne premiere, the festival will tour across Victoria between July and October, with screenings planned at Bunjil Place in Narre Warren, the University of Melbourne’s Shepparton campus, RMIT University in the CBD, Rosebud Cinema in the Mornington Peninsula, and Federation Square. Audiences across Australia will also be able to watch the films via SBS On Demand from 10 November 2025.
For more information about the festival program and a full list of award-winning films, visit multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/MFF.
