Peninsula Film Festival

The Peninsula Film Festival is a three-day festival of film events founded by actor and Rosebud local Steve Bastoni, and the largest outdoor film festival in Victoria. The 14th edition will take place from January 17-19, and according to Bastoni, you can expect “a rich program featuring incredible screenings, panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to celebrate the art of cinema”. 

The event kicks off at Rosebud Cinema on the Friday with a screening of Unbreakable, the story of tennis star Jelena Dokic’s ascension to the world number four ranking against extraordinary odds. Stay afterwards for a chat with Ivan O’Mahoney, one of the film’s directors. 

On the Saturday, the short film festival takes place under the stars near the shores of Rosebud Beach. A stellar judging panel of Aussie film and TV names will assess the shorts, including Michala Banas (Upper Middle Bogan, McLeod’s Daughters), Gary Sweet (Police Rescue, Stingers), Doris Younane (Five Bedrooms, Heartbreak High), Simone Buchanan (Neighbours, Hey Dad) and Stephen Curry (The Castle, Mr Black).

General admission for the short film festival event starts from $10, or $7 for group tickets. Get yours at the Peninsula Film Festival website, or at the gate pending availability.

For those wanting to learn more about filmmaking, the last day of the festival offers a workshop with experts sharing their insights into the industry.

Visit the website for a detailed festival program and to purchase tickets to screenings.

Love watching films under the stars? Here are the best outdoor cinemas in and around Melbourne.