Blue Heeler Film Festival

11/06/2026

🎬🌟 LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! 🌟🎬

Calling all young filmmakers, storytellers and creative minds! 🎥✨

These school holidays, join us for a series of FREE exciting hands-on workshops as part of the Blue Heeler Film Festival. Whether you're interested in creating characters, bringing stories to life on screen, or making your own stop-motion animation, there's something for every aspiring filmmaker!

🎭 Character Design & Puppet Making
🎬 Storytelling for Screen
🎞️ Stop Motion Animation School Yr 2 -4
🎥 Stop Motion Animation School Yr 5-6

Led by industry professionals, these workshops are a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, get creative, and have fun with fellow young filmmakers.

🎟️ Places are limited – bookings are essential!
🔗 Book now: - link to book in bio

📍 Muswellbrook Shire Library
📅 School Holidays – July 2026

Don't miss your chance to be part of the magic behind the movies! 🍿✨

18/05/2026

We’re proud to share the first look at this year’s Blue Heeler Film Festival artwork. Set beneath an endless night sky, it speaks to something bigger than ourselves.

If you have a story inside you, it already matters. Not because of the gear you use, or the refinement of the final cut, but because it’s yours.

Whether you’re holding a professional camera, borrowing one from school, or filming on your phone… it’s about seeing the world through your eyes and inviting others to sit with it.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Tell the story only you can tell.

We can’t wait to share what you create.

Muswellbrook Shire Council
Bengalla Mining Company

01/05/2026

Lights, camera… Upper Hunter 🎬✨

The countdown to the 2026 Blue Heeler Film Festival is well and truly underway, with this year’s theme “Treasure” celebrating the people, places and moments we hold dear.

Keen to get involved behind the scenes? There’s still time!

We’re seeking passionate locals to join the Festival Committee and help bring this year’s festival to life.

🔗 Submit your interest: muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au/event/blue-heeler-film-festival-awards-night
⏳ EOI closes Sunday 3 May

21/04/2026

💙 Why TREASURE? 💙

The theme for the 2026 Blue Heeler Film Festival grew from a moment that is still deeply felt in our community.

Last year, we proudly celebrated Hatch Day, a locally made film by Rhylie Pereira and Warrior Disability Services. Much of it was filmed inside the cherished Wybong Hall, which only weeks later, on 24 November 2025, was lost to fire.

It wasn’t just a building that disappeared – it was a gathering place, a marker of local history, a keeper of shared moments and community connection.

That loss reminded us how fragile and precious our shared spaces, stories and memories truly are.

Film has the power to preserve our treasures – even when the places themselves are gone.

🎥 Submissions are now open - https://filmfreeway.com/BlueHeelerFilmFestival

Muswellbrook Shire Council
Bengalla Mining Company
Warrior Disability Services

19/03/2026

The wait is over… 👀

We’re thrilled to unveil the theme for the 2026 Blue Heeler Film Festival

TREASURE

This year, we’re shining a light on what we hold most dear — not just objects, but the intangible moments and connections that shape who we are.

✨ The stories, traditions, and values that bind us
✨ The quiet heroes, mentors, and friends who make a difference
✨ The landscapes, landmarks, and cultural heritage that ground us in place
✨ The wisdom passed down that guides future generations

We invite filmmakers of all ages to explore what’s truly precious — what we protect, what we pass on, and what we choose to remember.

🎬 Start creating. Start storytelling.

👀 Stay tuned as we reveal more about what Treasure could truly mean for your storytelling.

Muswellbrook Shire Council
Bengalla Mining Company

11/11/2025

Thank you to our 2025 Blue Heeler Film Festival entrants and finalists!

This year, we were blown away by a record-breaking 282 entries from filmmakers across Australia – each one a unique expression of this year’s theme, Nurture.

To every entrant who shared their story with us – thank you for your creativity, courage and dedication. Your films remind us why storytelling matters.

And to our winners and finalists – congratulations on your outstanding achievement! It was wonderful to see your work take centre stage at the 12th Annual Blue Heeler Film Festival Awards Night. The evening was a true celebration of the power of film to inspire, connect and move us all – and that’s thanks to your incredible efforts.

Here’s to every filmmaker who continues to nurture their craft and their voice.

Muswellbrook Shire Council
Bengalla Mining Company

05/11/2025

A heartfelt thank you to Bengalla Mining Company!

From a handful of short films and a picnic in the park to a national competition showcasing incredible storytelling talent – the Blue Heeler Film Festival has come a long way.

Through every chapter of our journey, one name has been there with unwavering support: Bengalla Mining Company.

As our major sponsor since the very beginning, Bengalla Mining Company has helped the festival grow, evolve, and share the creative spirit of our region with audiences across Australia. Their commitment has made it possible for local filmmakers to shine on a national stage, and for a national audience to discover the beauty and creativity of Muswellbrook Shire.

We are deeply grateful for Bengalla’s continued partnership and belief in the power of storytelling. Here’s to many more years of celebrating creativity together.

Muswellbrook Shire Council
Bengalla Mining Company

31/10/2025

Congratulations to the winners of the 12th Annual Blue Heeler Film Festival! Your exceptional talent and creativity have made this year's festival truly unforgettable. We are honoured to have your incredible work as part of the 2025 Blue Heeler Film Festival.

A special thank you to our esteemed judges and our major sponsor Bengalla Mining Company for making this celebration possible.

Muswellbrook Shire Council
Bengalla Mining Company

31/10/2025

See you on the red carpet! 🤩

It’s almost time to go LIVE to our red-carpet correspondent, The Pretty Amazing Jono, for all the glitz, glamour and local-legend-spotting at the Blue Heeler Film Festival Awards Night. ✨

Bask in the fashion from 6:30pm and get comfy for the Finalist Screenings starting at 7:45pm.

🎬 Watch it live from Two Rivers Wines – wherever you are: https://vimeo.com/event/5397559

27/10/2025

We are excited to announce the 2025 finalists of the Blue Heeler Film Festival. Congratulations to all the filmmakers for their remarkable contributions. Your hard work and dedication have made this year's festival a resounding success.

We wouldn't be able to celebrate and nurture the incredible talent of our filmmakers without the unwavering support of our major sponsor, Bengalla Mining Company.

A special thank you to our esteemed judging panel for their commitment and expertise in selecting these exceptional films. Your efforts are truly appreciated!

Join us for the Blue Heeler Film Festival Awards Night on Friday, October 31 at Two Rivers Wines. We'll showcase the finalist entries from 7:45pm, with the Awards Ceremony to conclude the evening.

For those unable to attend, the event will be live-streamed at https://vimeo.com/event/5397559.

Please join us in celebrating the achievements of these extraordinary filmmakers and prepare for a night of cinematic excellence!

Muswellbrook Shire Council
Bengalla Mining Company