Step inside the screen: Dome Under Film Festival returns to Melbourne Planetarium
Australasia’s only festival dedicated to fulldome cinema, the Dome Under Film Festival (DUFF), will return to the Melbourne Planetarium this summer, presenting the newest and most innovative, immersive films from around the globe.
From Friday 30 January to Sunday 1 February 2026, this year’s program spans the cosmic to the playful; there are astronomy highlights such as Unseen Earth, revealing how space science is reshaping our view of the planet, and One Step Beyond, an inspiring look at humanity’s next giant leap towards Mars. Families and younger audiences can look forward to children’s favourites including Hermy’s Secret Full-Moon Hideout and the fast-paced space adventure Radiance: A Journey to the Edge of the Galaxy.
Now in its sixth edition, DUFF has grown into a highlight of the international fulldome calendar since launching in 2020. The 2026 festival will feature nine curated sessions across three days, each running between 75 and 120 minutes, with each film being screened once only.
Festival Schedule – 2026
Friday, 30th January
- 7:30pm – 8:45pm: Session 1: Astronomy
- 9:00pm – 10:30pm: Session 2: World Stories
Saturday, 31st January
- 2:30pm – 3:45pm: Session 3: Kids
- 4:00pm – 5:15pm: Session 4: Astronomy for Families
- 6:15pm – 7:45pm: Session 5: Future Visions
- 8:00pm – 9:45pm: Session 6: Mind Blowing Art
Sunday, 1st February
- 2:30pm – 3:45pm: Session 7: Science of Life
- 4:00pm – 5:15pm: Session 8: In Orbit
- 6:45pm – 8:30pm: Session 9: Fabulous Fulldome & Awards
DUFF is a founding partner of the International Cooperation of Fulldome Festivals (ICoFF), a global network formed in 2021 to expand collaboration between fulldome festivals in Germany, the UK, USA, Australia, Canada and Czechia. The partnership has strengthened international film exchange, talent development and audience reach.
The 2026 festival will include a competitive section judged by an independent jury of three international experts, with awards recognising excellence in immersive storytelling and technical innovation.
Warik Lawrance, festival founder and Museums Victoria curator, said, ‘Fulldome cinema is evolving at an incredible pace, and the Dome Under Film Festival has become a place where that innovation truly shines. This year’s festival will bring together some of the most creative voices in the field, offering audiences a rare chance to see ground-breaking 360-degree immersive films from around the world.’
Dome Under Film Festival is a prestigious annual event that brings together filmmakers, industry professionals and movie buffs for a vibrant showcase of cinema.
Dome Under Film Festival
When: 30 January – 1 February 2026
Where: Melbourne Planetarium, Scienceworks, 2 Booker Street, Spotswood, Melbourne
Tickets: Available in person at Scienceworks and online here
Price per session: Adult $20 / Child $12 / Concession $17 / Member Adult $15 / Member Child $10
