Vision Splendid Unveils 2026 Program, Bringing Australian Screen Icons and Stories to Winton
The Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival has unveiled part of its 2026 program, promising nine days of Australian cinema, special guests and once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the heart of Outback Queensland.
Returning to Winton this June/July, the festival continues to cement its place as Australia’s only outback film festival, where film is experienced not just on screen, but as part of a destination.
A major highlight of this year’s program is the appearance of acclaimed Australian director Kriv Stenders, who will travel to Winton to present a retrospective of his work and connect with festival audiences.
Stenders’ visit comes at a significant moment for the region, as he prepares to direct a major feature film set to be filmed in Winton, with production anticipated to begin next year. His presence offers a rare opportunity for the local community and festivalgoers to engage directly with a filmmaker shaping the future of Australian cinema in the outback.
Joining the program are celebrated Australian actors David Field and Geoff Morrell, who will present their documentary That Half Barbaric Twang, alongside live performances from their band, The Number Four Band, adding a dynamic mix of film and music to the festival experience.
The 2026 program features a diverse mix of Australian stories, from Warwick Thornton’s Wolfram and the fascinating documentary We Are Jeni, to the hilarious new comedy How to Talk Australians and dark comedy thriller Birthright. Audiences can also look forward to a special 40th anniversary screening of Crocodile Dundee, along with the unveiling of a newly rediscovered piece of Australian film history.
Beyond the screen, the festival continues its tradition of immersive and unexpected programming. Highlights include a selection of new AI short films exploring emerging technologies in storytelling, and a uniquely outback event, a porridge-making competition inspired by the documentary The Golden Spurtle. Retrospectives celebrating the work of Stenders and other leading Australian filmmakers will also feature across the nine-day program.
The program is further strengthened by a slate of films supported by major funding partner Screen Queensland and Screen Australia, including Kangaroo, Floodland and Guided by Horses.
CEO of Screen Queensland Jacqui Feeney said Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival is a powerful platform for Australian stories and the talent behind them.
“The 2026 program will feature Screen Queensland-supported projects, including Seven Snipers and Joh: Last King of Queensland, showcasing the strength of regional stories alongside a diverse slate of Australian voices. Connecting local and visitor audiences under Winton’s big skies with our stories and storytellers, this festival is not only magical but plays an important role in strengthening pathways and supporting the next generation of filmmakers. Screen Queensland is proud to support the festival’s ongoing contribution to regional communities."
Festival Creative Director Dr Greg Dolgopolov said the 2026 program reflects both the depth of Australian storytelling and the unique role Winton plays in bringing it to life.
“Australian cinema has always been shaped as much by place as by people, and after thirteen years in Winton, that connection feels sharper than ever. This Festival isn’t just about showcasing films in one of the oldest and most unique cinemas in Australia, it’s about situating them in the landscape that continues to inform and challenge the stories we tell. This year, more than ever, we are working with our audience to deliver a festival for the people.”
Set against the backdrop of heritage theatres and iconic outback landscapes, Vision Splendid offers audiences the chance to experience Australian film in a way that cannot be replicated anywhere else.
The program is now available, with festival passes and individual tickets on sale.
