In a world where screens shout for attention, Shooshfest offers a refreshing pause.

Australia’s only dedicated silent film festival is back for its second year, taking over the Paddington RSL on Thursday 15th May for an evening of pure visual storytelling—and not a single spoken word.

A celebration of creativity without distraction, Shooshfest invites spectators to switch off the noise (literally), lean in, and soak up a selection of short films that speak volumes through nothing but imagery, expression, and craft.

This year’s event sees a powerhouse judging panel, including internationally acclaimed actor and director Rachel Griffiths, lending her expertise alongside celebrated Australian director Mark Joffe, and two trailblazers of Sydney’s underground cinema scene, Parker Constantine and Flynn Boffo. It’s a potent mix of established industry legends and emerging voices—all on the lookout for something truly original.

Held at the Paddington RSL, the festival showcases a tightly curated lineup of silent shorts, all under 10 minutes, spanning everything from eerie thrillers to cheeky comedies. Last year’s winners included Zoe Sadokierski, whose moody, captivating short Captive earned top honours, and Will Halstead, whose nostalgic nod to spaghetti Westerns, Last Cowboy of the Cross, took out the audience vote. Expect to see young talent in the spotlight too, with a wave of high school filmmakers returning to prove that Gen Z can do a lot with just a lens and an idea.

Festival co-creator Rebecca Zemunik sums it up best: “Shooshfest is a sanctuary in our noise-saturated lives. It invites us to slow down and tune in to the emotional intensity and creative boldness that silence demands. You can’t half-watch a silent film—you’ve got to be all in.”

Paddington RSL, 220 Oxford Street
Thursday 15th May
Tickets: $25 – available here.