Multicultural Film Festival 2025 Shines Spotlight on Refugee Week: A Powerful Celebration of Diverse Storytelling

Multicultural Film Festival 2025 Shines Spotlight on Refugee Week: A Powerful Celebration of Diverse Storytelling

On 19 June 2025 – The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) presented the annual Multicultural Film Festival (MFF) in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology, which premiered to a packed audience of 400 people at ACMI Cinemas in Federation Square.

This year’s premiere, aligning with Refugee Week, spotlighted powerful stories of resilience and hope. Building on the tradition of the Chairperson's Awards at the MFF, the VMC proudly introduced a new category: the inaugural Chairperson’s Refugee Stories Award. This significant honour was presented by Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen to the filmmakers of The Way to Freedom — a truly moving film that deeply resonated with audiences.

From over 1,275 submissions, the premiere featured 12 compelling short films showcasing multicultural experiences in Australia and abroad, while also launching the Friends of MFF program to grow community engagement and year-round support for diverse storytelling.

Reflecting the spirit of Refugee Week, the majority of the entertainers proudly represented refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds. The event was expertly MC’d by acclaimed Somali journalist Najma Sambul and featured soulful music by Soli Tesema and a vibrant Afghan dance performance.

The VMC congratulates all filmmakers chosen for the Official Selection as well as the award recipients whose stories captivated audiences and brought multicultural narratives to the forefront.

Following the premiere, the MFF will continue to inspire audiences across Victoria from July to October 2025, touring key locations, including Bunjil Place in Narre Warren, The University of Melbourne in Shepparton, RMIT University in Melbourne's CBD, Rosebud Cinema in Mornington Peninsula Shire, and Federation Square.

The festival will also be accessible to national audiences through SBS On Demand from 10 November 2025.

For more details on the 2025 Multicultural Film Festival, including the tour schedule and a full list of winning films and honourable mentions, visit: multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/MFF.

Quote attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt

"Congratulations to all the filmmakers who shared their stories with us – through your creativity, you’ve helped shine a light on the rich, multicultural fabric that makes Victoria stronger and more united."

Quote attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs Iwan Walters

"By sharing stories from refugee and asylum seeker communities, this year’s festival helps build empathy, understanding and pride in the diversity that defines modern Victoria."

Quote attributable to Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen

“This festival is a powerful platform for culturally diverse filmmakers to share their stories, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate their heritage. It’s these types of storytelling via films that contributes to a better understanding of one another to strengthen the harmony in our multicultural society.”