Red Poppy Film Festival
The 2026 Red Poppy Film Festival will be a landmark international celebration of storytelling, creativity, and remembrance — dedicated to films made by veterans, and to filmmakers who explore the experiences of war, service, and their profound effects on individuals, families, and communities.
The festival will shine a light on authentic, respectful, and compelling stories that deepen public understanding of the veteran experience and its enduring impact.
To be held over three inspiring days from Friday 6 March till Sunday 8 March 2026 at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney, the festival will transform this iconic cultural venue into a dynamic meeting place for filmmakers, veterans, artists, and audiences from around the world, with sidebar events, including veteran art exhibitions, live music performances, seminars, and workshops.
The Red Poppy Film Festival will present an outstanding annual program of feature films, documentaries, and short works, all in contention for the prestigious Red Poppy Awards, which recognise excellence in storytelling, direction, performance, and contribution to the understanding of service and sacrifice.
The festival will shine a light on authentic, respectful, and compelling stories that deepen public understanding of the veteran experience and its enduring impact.
The Festival Opening Night on March 6 will be a black tie and dress uniform Gala Event presenting the Red Poppy Awards plus a feature program of the films, Bringing His Spirit Home, New Life and My Husband the Child Soldier followed by a cocktail gala. Public tickets are available.
Two sessions on Saturday, March 7 feature the films Decoding Jean: Secrets of WWII,
The Gift of a Second Wind and The Sessions: I’m Good at 6pm and from 8.30pm Peace Wilderness Man, Cassino: Then and Now and The Comfort Dogs of Uganda.
On Sunday, March 8 a short film showcase at 6.30pm will screen Signalman,
Long Tan, Decoding Jean: Secrets of WWII, New Life, The Comfort Dogs of Uganda, Wet Soil, Sound of the Somme and Bringing His Spirit Home.
Closing the Festival on Sunday evening at the 8.30pm screening will be New Life followed by the award-winning film Lee , starring Kate Winslet as WWII Vogue war correspondent.
