Heart of Gold invites you to 'Have a Heart'
Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival has launched its Have a Heart fundraising campaign, inviting audiences, filmmakers and supporters from across Australia to support the iconic regional film festival.
Through the Australian Cultural Fund (ACF), tax-deductible donations will directly support the festival's work in bringing uplifting stories to regional Queensland while nurturing emerging filmmakers, creating opportunities for young people, and delivering accessible arts experiences for the community.
Now preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary in September 2026, Heart of Gold has grown from a small regional film festival into one of Australia's most respected short film events, attracting filmmakers and audiences from around the world while remaining proudly based in Gympie.
Festival Director Nicole Harper said the campaign represents an opportunity for everyone who has ever laughed, cried or been inspired by a Heart of Gold film to become part of its future.
"For two decades, Heart of Gold has celebrated stories that remind us of our shared humanity. Every year we bring together people of all ages and backgrounds through films that make us laugh, think and feel connected," Ms Harper said.
"As costs continue to rise across the arts sector, community support has never been more important. The Have a Heart campaign gives people the chance to invest in a festival that has had a lasting impact on filmmakers, audiences and our regional community."
Funds raised through the campaign will help Heart of Gold continue delivering its signature program of inspiring short films while expanding opportunities through initiatives including filmmaker workshops, youth engagement, industry development, school programs and free community events.
The campaign also supports the festival's commitment to making quality arts experiences accessible in regional Australia, where cultural opportunities can often be limited.
Each year, Heart of Gold welcomes thousands of attendees, showcases exceptional Australian and international short films, and generates significant economic and cultural benefits for the Gympie region. The festival has become a destination event, contributing to tourism, supporting local businesses and providing a platform for regional creatives to connect with the wider screen industry.
Donations of any size can make a meaningful difference, with all contributions of $2 or more made through the Australian Cultural Fund being tax deductible.
Supporters are encouraged to visit the campaign page, make a donation, and share the campaign with family, friends and colleagues to help Heart of Gold continue inspiring audiences for another 20 years.
The 2026 Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival will be held from 12–20 September 2026, celebrating two decades of stories that make people feel good and showcasing the very best in short filmmaking from Australia and around the world.
To support the Have a Heart campaign, visit:
https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000QP1rZ/have-a-heart