The Port Shorts Film Festival is inviting Douglas Shire businesses to get behind “the coolest film festival in the tropics” when it returns to Rex Smeal Park on Saturday 24 October 2026.

Held at Rex Smeal Park, the festival screens exceptional short films from Far North Queensland, Australia and around the world in a memorable outdoor cinema setting  

Behind the scenes, bringing an event of this scale to life takes months of planning, infrastructure and financial support. 

As a not-for-profit organisation, the festival relies on backing from government, community and business partners. Sponsorship helps cover the practical costs while giving filmmakers, young people and regional storytellers the chance to see their work on a professional screen. 

More than 700 people attended last year’s event, bringing locals, visitors, filmmakers and industry guests together. That audience also supports the wider local economy through accommodation, dining, transport, tours and other businesses across the region. 

Support from organisations and businesses including Douglas Shire Council, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree and Homescape Tiles has helped this grassroots festival grow into what it is today. 

Homescape Tiles is returning as a Gold Sponsor for the 2026 festival. 

“We continue to support the festival as a Gold Sponsor because it is one of those events that brings the whole community together and gives Port Douglas something genuinely special,” Homescape Tiles’ Nicole Wayman said. 

“Personally, I’m proud to support it, and for Homescape Tiles it’s a meaningful way to give back to the community that supports our business. Knowing it is a not-for-profit event makes that support even more important.” 

The organising team is now inviting more Douglas Shire businesses to join its existing supporters for 2026. 

Sponsorship packages are available at several levels, giving businesses of different sizes an opportunity to participate. Depending on the package, benefits can include branding across festival marketing, event signage, screen advertising, website and social media promotion, festival tickets and exposure throughout the lead-up campaign. 

For local businesses, sponsorship is a chance to reach an engaged audience while contributing to the cultural and economic life of the Douglas Shire. 

That backing also gives the organisers the confidence to plan ahead, support filmmakers and deliver an event that reflects the creativity and character of the region.