2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the Ghan International Film Festival Australia (GIFFA) — a powerful, home-grown initiative that began in 2016 in Adelaide, founded by Afghan-Australian filmmaker Fahim Hashimy. What started as a small community gathering has grown into a vibrant 6-day festival that now screens across Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney — uniting people through the universal language of film. In a world where Afghan cinema has been silenced, where theatres have been closed, and the once-vibrant Afghan Film Institute has been dismantled, GIFFA stands as a beacon of resistance, creativity, and cultural preservation. We are determined to keep Afghan cinema alive, one story at a time, and to amplify the voices of those who continue to dream, create, and endure.
Our Purpose
At its heart, GIFFA brings together mainstream and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities to share in the experience of films that challenge harmful stereotypes and offer a deeper, more human understanding of Afghan people. These are stories of resilience, of love, of survival made by filmmakers who continue their craft under unimaginable circumstances. But GIFFA goes beyond the screen.
Giving Back
All proceeds from GIFFA directly support women and children in war-torn regions, helping provide education, food, and shelter to those most in need. Every dollar you spend on tickets and donations helps change a life.
Honouring Our Shared History
GIFFA is proud to honour the long-standing bond between Afghans and Australians, a connection that began with the arrival of the Afghan Cameleers in the 1860s. Their enduring legacy continues to enrich Australian culture through music, food, and storytelling. It is in their honour that the name “Ghan” was chosen, symbolising the journey, resilience, and shared heritage between our peoples. We invite you to join us in celebrating a decade of stories, survival, and solidarity.
Experience the power of cinema. Share in our journey. And don’t forget to try our special Afghanistan Slim Saffron Tea.
Acknowledgment of Country
The GIFFA acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, water and community.
We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past, present and emerging.
Welcome to
GIFFA 2025
This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the Ghan International Film Festival Australia (GIFFA) — a milestone born from resilience, hope, and the unwavering power of storytelling. As Afghanistan’s once-vibrant cinema stands silenced under a regime that has shuttered theatres and dissolved Afghan Film (Main film making Organisation in Kabul), we stand here, thousands of miles away, refusing to let our stories disappear.
GIFFA has become more than just a festival; it is a lifeline for Afghan cinema, a bridge for voices that have been muted, and a space where exiled dreams find light on the screen. In the absence of cinemas back home, we have built a new one, not with walls and seats, but with passion, courage, and the belief that film can keep a culture alive. This is not just our anniversary, it is a tribute to everyone filmmaker, artist, our audience, GIFFA volunteers and dreamers who try to help and refuse to be forgotten.
Sponsors
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10 years of GIFFA
Adelaide
Where it all began! Be part of the Gala Night, opening celebrations and experience powerful Afghan films that defy borders and break stereotypes. Don’t miss the heart of GIFFA in the city that gave it life.
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Melbourne
A city of art, culture, and now Afghan storytelling! Come witness moving stories that connect communities and inspire change. Be part of a growing movement through cinema that unites cultures.
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Sydney
Where stories light up the screen and hearts. Celebrate resilience, identity, and the richness of Afghan voices with us. End the GIFFA journey with a night of unforgettable films and cultural connection.
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about us
Review panel
Fahim Hashimy
This year, the quality of films at GIFFA 2023 is truly outstanding. I couldn’t be prouder of every Afghan filmmaker—both women and men—who created these incredible stories and shared them with us at GIFFA.
When I watch these films, especially knowing the difficult times Afghanistan is facing, I can’t help but think: Our communities need to see these stories. I often ask myself, how can we reach more people? How can we invite them to come to the cinema, to laugh with us, cry with us, learn about the challenges, and above all, enjoy the experience together?
These are stories you won’t find in the daily news, unique, powerful, and deeply human. It would be wonderful to see people from all corners of the community coming together to watch these films, connect, and be inspired.
When I watch these films, especially knowing the difficult times Afghanistan is facing, I can’t help but think: Our communities need to see these stories. I often ask myself, how can we reach more people? How can we invite them to come to the cinema, to laugh with us, cry with us, learn about the challenges, and above all, enjoy the experience together?
These are stories you won’t find in the daily news, unique, powerful, and deeply human. It would be wonderful to see people from all corners of the community coming together to watch these films, connect, and be inspired.
Russell Jenkins
Russell is an Adelaide-Raised Producer.
Now based in Melbourne, he has established himself as a highly respected and sought-after professional in the field. Throughout his career, Russell has produced a wide range of video content, including commercials, documentaries, and narrative films.
He is highly praised and awarded within the industry and continues to follow his passion of telling stories and empowering other filmmakers to tell theirs.
Now based in Melbourne, he has established himself as a highly respected and sought-after professional in the field. Throughout his career, Russell has produced a wide range of video content, including commercials, documentaries, and narrative films.
He is highly praised and awarded within the industry and continues to follow his passion of telling stories and empowering other filmmakers to tell theirs.
Julia de Roeper
As one of the judges, I have been extremely impressed by the quality of the films submitted
to the GIFFA festival from Afghanistan this year.
The standard of the stories, the performances, the craft and direction have all increased significantly, and judging the films was a real pleasure.
Many of the films were of the highest standard, and it was very hard to decide which one should be singled out as the best film!
Many of the films were of the highest standard, and it was very hard to decide which one should be singled out as the best film!
Adele Hann
A remarkable collection of films mainly produced post Taliban takeover. These films are the voice of Afghani artists and filmmakers. Often using archival or mobile phone footage of recent events they have a powerful impact as we see life as it is now through Afghani eyes.
They represent one of the only ways that injustice and oppression can be expressed and the ongoing concern for the plight of women and their education. The short dramas present gripping, suspenseful stories with impressive skill and talent. Perhaps surprisingly this collection of films is the strongest, most accomplished and powerful in the history of the Ghan FF.
They represent one of the only ways that injustice and oppression can be expressed and the ongoing concern for the plight of women and their education. The short dramas present gripping, suspenseful stories with impressive skill and talent. Perhaps surprisingly this collection of films is the strongest, most accomplished and powerful in the history of the Ghan FF.
Secure your tickets for GIFFA 2025 Today!
Tickets available soon.
1 – 23 Novemeber
ADL | SYD | MEL
ADL | SYD | MEL
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Acknowledgment of Country
The GIFFA acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past, present and emerging.
The GIFFA acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past, present and emerging.
