Everything You Need to Know About The Mparntwe Alice Springs International Film Festival
Australia’s First Nations people are among the world’s oldest continuous living cultures, passing down traditions and sharing knowledge through storytelling for the last 65,000 years. In 2024, these stories were put on the international stage at the inaugural Mparntwe Alice Springs International Film Festival (MASIFF), held in the Northern Territory. Following a successful debut, the event is set to return to Alice Springs this October with a stellar program of spellbinding documentaries and short films as well as panel discussions. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 event.
What is the Mparntwe Alice Springs International Film Festival?
MASIFF aims to foster intercultural understanding of Australia’s First Nations peoples and Central Australia’s broader communities – which include South Asian, African and Southeast Asian diasporas as well as the LGBTQIA+ community – through cinematic storytelling. The festival also seeks to preserve the diverse Indigenous languages still spoken within remote communities across Australia for future generations. In its second year MASIFF has evolved into a locally owned and operated 10-day affair presented by Red Hot Arts, a not-for-profit arts organisation in Alice Springs, in collaboration with Darwin International Film Festival (DIFF) and the Darwin Film Society. The program spans thought-provoking documentaries, captivating features and shorts, open panel discussions and Q&As with filmmakers and film enthusiasts, as well as live music performances and cultural events.
When is the 2025 event?
The dates for 2025 have been locked in for 10 to 19 October, with screenings held across three main venues: Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs Cinema and the magical open-air setting of Alice Springs Desert Park.
What’s on the 2025 program?
This year, acclaimed New Zealand musician Marlon Williams shares a glimpse into the four-year journey of recording his first album in te reo Māori. Marlon Williams: Nga Ao E Rua - Two Worlds is both a behind-the-scenes look at his deeply personal creative process and a poignant portrait of Aotearoa. Closer to home, Crown and Country is a First Nations film that fuses cinema, music and ceremonial song. Led by Warlpiri Elders and artists, it offers audiences a powerful insight into intergenerational knowledge, belonging and connection to Country. Another highlight will be the screening of Journey Home, which immortalises one of Australia’s greatest screen talents, the late Yolŋu actor David Gulpilil. It’s a moving film that follows his passing, tracing his family’s epic journey to honour his wish of being returned to his Homeland of Gupulul in Arnhem Land.
Tickets are available to purchase now through the official MASIFF site.
What’s the easiest way to get there?
Qantas offers direct flights to Alice Springs from all major capital cities as well as Cairns. All MASIFF venues are within a 20-minute drive from the Alice Springs airport. Car hire on arrival is recommended, with several services available to book prior or upon landing including Avis, Budget and Sixt. Once you’re behind the wheel, set out to explore the magic of Australia’s Red Centre – whether it’s a trip to West MacDonnell Ranges for scenic hikes around Simpsons Gap and Ormiston Gorge or, if you’ve got time to extend your trip venture south-west of Alice to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and experience the magic of Uluru. Stay late for the after dark Wintjiri Wiru light show, where 1100 luminous drones depict ancient Anangu stories in the sky.
