Gympie’s 2026 Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival kicked off with a launch last night that was low key, classy and full of heart.
Invited guests, sponsors, volunteers and festival supporters enjoyed sunset drinks and canapes on the veranda and in the upstairs gallery of Gympie Regional Gallery.
L to R: Cindy Vogels, Tess Parker, Petra Van Beek and Amy Roberts at the launch
Deputy Mayor, Warren McEwan officiated at the launch, also attended by Gympie Councillors Gordon Maudsley, Allona Lahn and Shane Warnes, Regional Arts Services Network (RASN) state manager, Luke Harriman along with film-makers, creatives and film fans.
L to R: Festival Director Nicole Harper, Cr Allona Lahn, Cr Warren McEwan
The crowd was lightly serenaded by local musician Mattie Witney on guitar.
L to R: Bill Missett from Sunshine Coast Screen Collective and Heart of Gold supporter Ben Roper
Festival Director, Nicole Harper, told the crowd the festival (held in the third week of September) carried on a tradition started by Australia’s oldest continuous storytellers.
‘Before any cameras started rolling, Gympie has been a place of storytelling for the Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi, Wakka Wakka and Butchulla peoples,’ she said.
L to R Amanda Finch from UniSC with two Heart of Gold supporters at the launch
Any good manager can run the numbers and Ms Harper said the 2026 Heart of Gold program included 113 films from 18 countries and 11 world premieres. The festival includes 45 events and activities, half of which are free.
This year is the twentieth anniversary of Heart of Gold which ‘has been making us laugh, cry and reflect since 2006,’ Ms Harper said.
While this year’s festival has a strong international component, the number of films submitted from overseas was significantly down from the previous year: ‘…perhaps reflecting world events,’ she said.
L to R: Mal Dodt and Sean Connelly of Bendigo Bank board
This year Heart of Gold invites attendees to try a wide range of ‘hands on creative experiences’ through a Creative Lab offering three days of workshops open to all ages and skill levels.
Senior Citizens Centre to get lively
Most film screenings, events and workshops are at the Gympie Senior Citizens Centre, 40 Mellor Street. Satellite events such as the Silent Film night will be held at Surface Hill Restaurant and the Go Gold Block Party free community event at Fern Street Park.
Ms Harper said the film festival would ‘…shine a spotlight on the many talented individuals that make up a vibrant and successful arts sector in the Gympie region.’
L to R: Vivienne Wynter, Carly O’Neill, Luke Harriman
Gympie’s Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival runs from 12-20 September 2026.
Explore the full program and book tickets at www.heartofgold.com.au
