A highlight of Melbourne's cultural and LGBTIQ community calendar the Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF) is an annual event showcasing the best in LGBTIQ-themed features, shorts and documentaries over 12 days every March at ACMI, Cinema Nova and Village Jam Factory. In addition to screening 130+ films, MQFF presents industry and community workshops and panels, social and celebratory events. MQFF is committed to supporting local and emerging LGBITQ filmmakers by providing a forum for showing new work and by recognising talent through a generous Award Program - including the following prizes: City of Melbourne Award for Best Australian Short Film ($3,000), Film Victoria Award for Best Director Australian Short Film ($1,000), Best Feature Film ($2,000) and Best Documentary Film ($2,000). One of Melbourne's largest film festivals, 23,000 people attended the 2018 Festival, and as Australia's longest-running LGBTIQ screen event, more than 350,000 people have attended the event over its 29 year history. A non-profit organisation, the Festival is staffed by a small, committed team of professionals and supported by a talented team who volunteer their time in behind the scenes roles. During the Festival more than 120 volunteers generously donate their time in front-of-house roles. The 29th Melbourne Queer Film Festival will be held between 14-25 March 2019.