53 smartphone films and 4 Mobile Cinematic VR projects from 21 countries, a global panel
on mobile storytelling, and the launch of SmallRig’s international co-creation initiative at
ACMI this Friday
Melbourne to host global showcase of mobile filmmaking
at MINA 2025
53 smartphone films and 4 Mobile Cinematic
VR projects from 21 countries, a global panel on mobile storytelling, and the launch of
SmallRig’s international co-creation initiative at ACMI this Friday
TL;DR – Why cover this?
Opening night of the world’s longest-running smartphone film
festival takes place this Friday (24 Oct) at ACMI
Festival runs for six days (24–29 Oct), featuring 53 smartphone
films and 4 Mobile Cinematic VR projects across ACMI and Federation Square
14 international films screening on opening night – from Chile’s
Galápagos to Hong Kong’s city life
Roundtable with creators, educators and policymakers on the future
of mobile storytelling
The 14th International Smartphone Film Festival (MINA 2025) opens
this Friday with a one-night-only event at ACMI, followed by a weekend of
screenings at Federation Square. Co-presented by MINA and SmallRig, a global
specialist in imaging solutions, this year’s program features 53 smartphone
films and 4 Mobile Cinematic VR projects from 21 countries, cutting across
narrative, experimental, documentary and VR formats.
24 Oct at ACMI – Film, tech and talk in one night
This flagship evening brings together global creatives, tech innovators,
and festival leaders for a program blending film, discussion, and a major
initiative launch.
Venue: ACMI, Fed Square
Time: Doors open 5:45pm | Program runs 6:00pm – 9:10pm
Program highlights:
International
Mobile Innovation Screening – 14 selected films, including
works from Chile, Nigeria, China, the UK and Australia
SmallRig Mobile Filmmaking
Co-Creation Initiative launch – a global platform connecting
smartphone filmmakers with innovative tools, creative collaboration, and
international exposurePanel: The Future of Mobile Storytelling – A roundtable exploring emerging trends in smartphone filmmaking,
from AI-assisted editing and vertical formats to AR experiences and
mobile-first narratives
This roundtable stands out for its cross-sector mix of voices – from film
festival founders to policymakers and educators – offering a rare conversation
on how mobile filmmaking is reshaping the creative industries.
Speakers include:
Dorcas Maphakela (Moderator) – Creative producer and curatorAngela Blake – Co-founder, SF3 (Australia’s flagship smartphone film
festival)Andrew Robb – Former Trade Minister and Asia-Pacific advisorMax Schleser – MINA co-founder and mobile cinema researcherDarcy Yuille – Award-winning filmmaker and educatorAdrian Jeffs, Patrick Kelly and others from academia and creative
mediaDanLi – Guests from SmallRig Shuai Li – Co-producer, MINA
Australian presence on an international stage
While the festival spans 21 countries, it also includes contributions from emerging Australian
voices – including Eric Perriard, an Adelaide-based filmmaker whose
short Stations screens on 24 Oct, and student works presented in the
“New Voices” program through Swinburne University of Technology, MINA’s
2025 education partner.
Why it matters
Founded in 2011, MINA is the longest-running smartphone film festival in
the Southern Hemisphere. The 2025 edition saw a 97% increase in submissions,
reflecting growing momentum in mobile-first creative work.
SmallRig joins as
co-presenter this year, bringing its expertise in mobile filming rigs and
global creator support. As part of this collaboration, SmallRig is launching
the Mobile Filmmaking Co-Creation Initiative – a global platform
inviting creators to contribute to tool development, promote standout
mobile-shot films, and collaborate on original projects. The initiative aims to
expand access to equipment, exposure, and creative partnerships across more
than 160 countries.
“Smartphone
filmmaking’s accessibility enables more great stories to be told in a lighter,
more personal way,” said Zhou Yang, Founder of SmallRig. “We’ve seen
mobile shooting grow into an integral part of everyday creation.SmallRig
continues to innovate lightweight, integrated mobile shooting solutions that
empower creators, making filmmaking more personal and universal.” Zhou
continued.
“Smartphone filmmaking is no longer a novelty – it’s a global creative
movement,” said Max Schleser, co-founder of MINA. “This year’s program
celebrates bold ideas, emerging formats, and the power of accessible
storytelling.”
