Mobile-shot films from 21 countries coming to ACMI this Friday – MINA 2025

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 Launch of the SmallRig Mobile Filmmaking Co-Creation Initiative – a global platform connecting creators through tools, content and collaboration

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.”