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
Adele Hann
The films in the 10th GIFFA capture the ongoing crisis and disruption faced by the Afghani population at home and abroad. We see the direct experience of being denied basic human rights, education, of being a refugee and of loss and grief.
In spite of this the determination to resist, especially by the women, is undeniable and we also see moments of hope and connection that are so important.
One of the outstanding films this year, Shot the Voice of Freedom, was made by a female activist on a mobile phone in 2021 and 2022 in Kabul as she and a small group of friends protest the closure of schools for women. Another is a very polished animation, The Night Doctrine, which was made in New York by an Afghani female journalist living there. All of the films express the same intense desire to have their voices heard and the hope that the world will listen.
In spite of this the determination to resist, especially by the women, is undeniable and we also see moments of hope and connection that are so important.
One of the outstanding films this year, Shot the Voice of Freedom, was made by a female activist on a mobile phone in 2021 and 2022 in Kabul as she and a small group of friends protest the closure of schools for women. Another is a very polished animation, The Night Doctrine, which was made in New York by an Afghani female journalist living there. All of the films express the same intense desire to have their voices heard and the hope that the world will listen.
Russell Jenkins
Russell Jenkins is an established Producer and champion for grassroots film making. He has carefully scored hundreds of short and feature films, across all genres, for the Ghan International Film Festival since 2016.
"The Ghan International Film Festival showcases some of the rawest and most culturally significant film making from around the world. Film makers often overcome limitations, such as access to funding or equipment, to tell their stories. This is storytelling at its most creative and courageous.
"The Ghan International Film Festival showcases some of the rawest and most culturally significant film making from around the world. Film makers often overcome limitations, such as access to funding or equipment, to tell their stories. This is storytelling at its most creative and courageous.
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!
Fahim Hashimy
This year, the quality of films at GIFFA 2025 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.
Secure your tickets for GIFFA 2025 Today!
Tickets are available now.
1 – 23 Novemeber
ADL | SYD | MEL
ADL | SYD | MEL
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