General
The AACTA Festival is a vibrant, five-day screen and entertainment celebration held on the Gold Coast. With over 70 events, including exclusive meet-and-greets, behind-the-scenes showcases, industry panels, and screenings, there’s something for every screen enthusiast.
There are many ways to get involved with the AACTA Festival, from attending events to volunteering opportunities. If you're interested in becoming a part of the festival, email us at program@afi.org.au for more details.
Most events within the AACTA Festival are free, but registration is still required to secure your spot. Paid events will have prices listed on the specific event pages. Be sure to register early to ensure you don’t miss out!
AACTA Festival runs from 5 - 9 February 2025 in the Gold Coast, Australia. See here for the full program of events.
The AACTA Festival is open to everyone! Whether you’re an industry member, a fan of Australian film and TV, or just curious about screen production, there are events and experiences for all to enjoy.
Parking, including wheelchair accessible parking, is available but limited. You can park at HOTA for up to four hours free of charge. If you're staying with us longer than four hours, payment can be made via a parking machine onsite or via the EasyPark Mobile App.
Guests arriving via rideshare/taxi can be dropped off at the designated drop off point and make their way to the red carpet.
For more information on travelling to HOTA, see here.
Awards
The AACTA Awards Industry Gala presented by Foxtel Group is on Wednesday 5 February 2025, with arrivals from 4pm.
The AACTA Awards Ceremony presented by Foxtel Group is on Friday 7 February 2025, with arrivals from 1pm.
The AACTA Awards: Live! by the Lake event is Friday 7 February 2025, with arrivals from 12pm.
The AACTA Awards present over 60 awards for screen excellence, and are broken up into two key events:
The AACTA Awards Industry Gala (previously the AACTA Industry Awards) primarily features the technical craft awards and is held on the Wednesday evening ahead of the Industry Conference Day of AACTA Festival.
The AACTA Awards Ceremony is a broadcast event held on Friday where the remaining awards are presented including international categories. Both events celebrate the incredible diversity, talent and ingenuity of Australia’s screen industry.
For those wanting a more relaxed environment to network with colleagues, the AACTA Awards: Live! by the Lake takes place alongside the main ceremony, where you can watch the AACTA Awards unfold live on the big screen before joining guests at the Official After Party.
Please review the categories being presented at each ceremony before purchasing tickets.
For the second year in a row, the AACTA Awards will be held at HOTA, Home of the Arts on Queensland's stunning Gold Coast.
Tickets for all AACTA Awards events can be purchased here. If you’re an AACTA member, you can enter your member number in the access code field to receive a discount on your ticket.
If you are a guest at either event, please ensure you have communicated any accessibility requirements to our Guest Management and Events team when you purchased your ticket or RSVP’ed.
Please note that the AACTA Industry Awards Gala and AACTA Awards Ceremony are seated theatre style and wheelchair spots are fixed to the venue in certain positions. The dress circle is not wheelchair accessible so please contact events@afi.org.au and we can assist with your purchase. If you would like to discuss accessibility requirements before you purchase tickets, please contact us.
The invitation policy will be communicated to nominees once nominations are announced in early December.
If you are interstate or International, AACTA have a number of great deals available through accommodation providers on the Gold Coast. We encourage you to make the most of your time in the sunshine state and take a look at all the Gold Coast and Queensland has to offer.
Tickets
Yes, most events will require you to register or purchase a ticket to attend. Some events do not require registration, but this will be clearly indicated on the event page.
Most AACTA Festival events are free, and as an AACTA Member, you have complimentary access to all events, with some exceptions.*
If an event is ticketed, whether free or paid, you’ll still need to register.
*Exceptions: AACTA Awards Ceremony, Industry Gala, Live! by the Lake, and Top Golf.Once you have booked for an event, your tickets will be sent to you via email from our Ticketing Provider, ‘Ticketbooth’. Remember to check your junk or spam folders. If you cannot locate your tickets, please email program@afi.org.au and we will confirm if we have received your booking.
Our major Awards Events will have one price for AACTA Members (with an exclusive discount) and one full price option available. All paid festival events will be free for AACTA Members, and full price for Non-Members. If you wish to become an AACTA Member to enjoy these exclusive discounts, you can do that here.
All we’ll need is your name and contact information. If you are trying to access member pricing, you will also need your current AACTA Member Number, which you can find by logging into your AACTA account here.
Tickets are available up until the start time of the event, unless the event is booked out.
Yes. We will have a Venue Box Office available at our merchandise stand on the Cafe Terrace at HOTA. If an event is not sold out, you can book for it in person there. Please note: Merchandise and Box Office purchases will be cashless.
Membership
No. Events are open for everyone to attend. However, AACTA members do receive discounts or free tickets to any paid events. If you wish to become an AACTA Member to enjoy these perks, you can do that here.
You can find it by logging in to your AACTA account here.
Members can access one discounted ticket to each of the AACTA Awards events, and can access free tickets to all paid festival events, except Top Golf.
Venue & Accessibility
For more information about HOTA’s venue accessibility, click here. If you have any specific questions, you can email program@afi.org.au When booking a ticket to an event, you are able to list any access requirements you have. AACTA will contact you should we need more information to be able to assist you adequately.
HOTA is accessible via bus, train, tram and ferry. Parking will be limited so we encourage you to find alternative travel arrangements. For more information on how to get to HOTA, click here.
The large majority of all our AACTA Festival events are located at HOTA. Any events that are located off-site will be clearly stated on your ticket. If you have any questions, please contact program@afi.org.au
We’ve partnered with local hotels to offer exclusive deals, all within a 15-minute drive from HOTA. Find these accommodation options here.
Please stop by our friendly ‘Hello Desk’ in the Main HOTA Foyer at any time during the AACTA Festival, and one of our staff members can assist you.
Media/Marketing
For any media queries, please contact AACTA’s Marketing team at social@afi.org.au.
Other
Just the essentials! Please bring your tickets (either printed or on your mobile device). HOTA and the Festival will have plenty of food and beverage options to keep you fueled throughout the day, so no need to pack extra snacks!
Make sure you’re signed up to AACTA’s mailing list here.
Absolutely! Photography and videography are welcome across all festival events. We just ask that you’re considerate of other guests and Festival participants when recording. Don’t forget to tag @aacta and use #AACTAFestival to share your moments with us!
To ensure the day runs smoothly, all events will begin promptly at their advertised start times and we ask you to plan ahead to ensure you arrive on time. We may be able to arrange late entry for events, however you may be held until there is an appropriate opportunity to do so.
Yes. AACTA are launching merchandise which is available to purchase online here. Merchandise is only available to be collected on site at the AACTA Festival (located at the ‘Hello Desk’ in the Main HOTA Foyer) on festival days (6-9th February). You can also purchase merchandise on site at HOTA on the Cafe Terrace on festival days. Please note: Merchandise and Box Office purchases will be cashless.
Yes! The HOTA Cafe will be open each day of the Festival, along with additional food trucks offering a variety of options to enjoy—even at our free events.
FAQs
