Melbourne International Film Festival 2025 – Full Guide to Screenings, Tickets, and Access

What is the Melbourne International Film Festival?

The Melbourne International Film Festival is Melbourne’s biggest and boldest celebration of film, art, and storytelling and one of the longest-running film festivals in the world.

It is not just about watching movies. It is about discovering new voices, diving into complex conversations, and seeing the world differently, one screening at a time.

When is MIFF 2025 happening?

MIFF 2025 takes place from 7 to 24 August in Melbourne cinemas, with a regional tour from 15 to 24 August, and MIFF Play online until 31 August.

Whether you are attending in person or watching from your couch, there is plenty to explore. Member pre-sale kicks off on 10 July, and yes, things do sell out fast.

Where can you catch the screenings?

Films will be screening at all your favourite inner-city cinemas and heritage venues. Expect to see MIFF banners across ACMI, The Capitol, Kino, The Forum, IMAX, Cinema Nova, and the iconic Astor Theatre.

Regional screenings are set for Bendigo, Ballarat, Shepparton, Morwell, and more.

Need help getting there? Most venues are tram-friendly, especially ACMI and The Capitol, which are just a few steps from Flinders Street Station.

What is screening at MIFF this year?

MIFF 2025 will feature more than 275 films from 60+ countries, covering everything from boundary-pushing documentaries to heart-melting dramas and surreal genre flicks.

Some of the popular titles that will be screened at the Melbourne International Film Festival are listed below.

• If I Had Legs I’d Kick You – Mary Bronstein’s biting dramedy starring Rose Byrne (Opening Night film)
• Gasoline Rainbow – A dreamy coming-of-age road film from the Ross Brothers
• 20,000 Species of Bees – A gentle Spanish drama exploring gender identity in childhood
• Small Things Like These – Cillian Murphy leads this Irish tale of silence, shame, and truth
• The Mother of All Lies – A Cannes-winner blending fact, fiction, and family memory

Expect a fresh crop of Australian indies, too, and do not skip the XR, MIFF Schools, and Music on Film programs. They always deliver hidden gems.

How do you get Melbourne International Film Festival tickets?

Tickets for the Melbourne International Film Festival go on public sale from 15 July via the MIFF website and app.

If you are an MIFF member, you can jump the queue and book from 10 July. There are Multipasses, Festival Passports, and even special discounts for students, concession holders, and Companion Cards.

Pro tip: Use the app to set alerts for your must-watch titles. The big films tend to go fast.

Is MIFF accessible?

Absolutely. MIFF 2025 offers step-free access, open captions, Auslan-interpreted sessions, hearing loops, and sensory-friendly screenings.

If you need wheelchair seating or an assistant ticket, you can email [email protected] or call 03 8660 4888. Many venues like ACMI and The Capitol are fully fitted with assistive tech and easy-to-navigate entry points.

What makes MIFF 2025 special?

Aside from world premieres and red carpets, MIFF 2025 brings connection back to the big screen.

Whether you are watching a quiet indie at Kino, catching a Q&A at The Capitol, or debating the ending of a mind-bending doc over wine at the Fed Square bar, MIFF is a festival that lives beyond the frame.

Bonus: the new MIFF Play lineup means even your cousin in Darwin can join the fun from home.

Tips to make your MIFF experience even better

Planning ahead can make all the difference, especially during peak weekend sessions.

Try these tips:

• Get to ACMI before 10 am on weekends to avoid long queues at the main desk
• Book sessions back-to-back at the same venue to avoid rushing across the city
• Hop on trams (Free Tram Zone!) instead of driving, parking is expensive during MIFF
• Pick midweek or early morning slots for a quieter cinema experience
• Grab a bite at Degraves Street between session,s it is minutes from most venues

If you are planning a whole MIFF day, The Astor is perfect for double features. And IMAX? That’s where documentaries come alive, literally.

Common Questions

Which MIFF venues are wheelchair accessible?
All primary MIFF venues, including ACMI, The Capitol, IMAX Melbourne, The Astor, Cinema Nova, and Hoyts Melbourne Central, offer full wheelchair access.

Are there hearing loops at The Capitol or IMAX?
Yes, both The Capitol and IMAX Melbourne are equipped with hearing induction loops and assistive listening systems.

How do I watch MIFF from home?
You can watch MIFF films at home via MIFF Play, the festival’s online streaming platform, available Australia-wide during the official streaming period.

Who are the best first-time directors at MIFF?
Standout first-time or early-career directors featured at MIFF 2025 include Mary Bronstein (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You), Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren (20,000 Species of Bees), and Asmae El Moudir (The Mother of All Lies).

Where to park near the Forum Theatre during MIFF?
You can park at Wilson Parking – Federation Square, Flinders Gate Car Park, or 161 Collins Street, all within a short walk to the Forum Theatre.

What to wear to the MIFF opening night gala?
The dress code for MIFF’s opening night gala is typically smart casual to semi-formal, with many attendees opting for cocktail dresses, suits, or stylish winter layers.

When is MIFF 2025?
MIFF 2025 runs from 7 to 24 August for Melbourne cinemas, with MIFF Play and regional screenings from 15 to 31 August.

Where do I buy tickets for MIFF 2025?
Tickets can be purchased through the official MIFF website at miff.com.au or via the MIFF mobile app. Member pre-sale begins 10 July, and general public sales start 15 July.

Is the MIFF 2025 festival accessible?
Yes, MIFF provides full accessibility, including wheelchair seating, step-free venue access, Auslan-interpreted sessions, open captions, sensory-friendly screenings, and hearing assistance systems.

What is screening on Opening Night at MIFF 2025?
The 2025 opening night film is If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, a dark comedy directed by Mary Bronstein and starring Rose Byrne.

Can I stream the films online during MIFF 2025?
Yes, selected titles will be available for streaming via MIFF Play from 15 to 31 August, accessible across Australia.

Is online streaming available as part of MIFF?
Yes, MIFF Play is the official online platform offering festival films to audiences nationwide during the streaming window.

Are tickets open to everyone or just members?
Tickets are available to the general public. Members receive early access, but anyone can purchase once public sales open.

Can I bring support animals to MIFF venues?
Yes, MIFF welcomes assistance and support animals at all venues.

Is a student discount available at MIFF?
Yes, students can access discounted tickets and passes by providing valid student identification during booking.

If you are heading to a MIFF screening by car and want to avoid steep parking fees, check out our guide to free parking in Melbourne CBD for local tips on finding nearby spots that will not cost you a cent.

It could save you enough for an extra movie ticket or popcorn.