MELBOURNE, 18 June 2026: ACMI lit up with a vibrant display of multicultural Australia as prominent guests gathered for the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s (VMC) Film Festival Awards 2026—held against the backdrop of Pauline Hanson’s renewed call for a “monocultural” nation.
An evening of networking over refreshments, punctuated by group photos and live music from Sudanese-origin Ajak Kwai Band, set the tone for the annual awards, held during Refugee Week. While conversations occasionally returned to Hanson’s remarks the previous day, the celebratory mood largely prevailed.
Speakers included former VMC chair Helen Kapalos, Wurundjeri man Thane Garvey, VMC chair Vivienne Nguyen AM, Swinburne University Vice-President (External Engagement) Bronte Neyland, and SBS Head of Creative Diversity Michelle Cheng. Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward delivered a strong defence of multiculturalism, firmly rejecting the idea of a “monocultural” Australia. (Minister byte in video)
Australia, home to the world’s oldest continuous cultures and more than 300 ancestries, was highlighted as a natural stage for inclusive storytelling. Sunny Duggal of the Sant Nirankari Mission emphasised unity, saying diversity must bring people together rather than divide them. “We are here to celebrate life and each other’s stories,” he said. (Sunny byte (2nd) in video)
Ten short films—Everyone Gets Bored of Everything, From No Voice to Big Voice, Hui Jia, I Came From There, Maksym & Milana, Squata Locks, Tabbeh, The Sun Comes Up, With Love, Nouria, and 20 Years Later—were screened at ACMI’s Cinema 1. Awards presented by Nguyen included Best Victorian Short Fiction, Best Victorian Short Non-Fiction, Best National Short Film, the Chairperson’s Refugee Stories Award, and the People’s Choice Award.
Names of award-winning films will be updated.
