has kicked off with a red carpet event at the State Theatre.
Twelve productions have been selected to compete for this year's prize of $60,000 dollars.
The head of the judging panel admits it's going to be a tough choice.
"I've been in many competitions myself so I know what it's like weighing yourself up against another film and really what I want to make sure is that we respect and enjoy every film," Hong Kong-based film director Jonfan told SBS.
Included in this years entries are two highly political Iranian films both banned in their home country.
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There is also going to be a seminar called "against the odds" about the plight Iranian alternative cinema, an industry that consistently produces high quality films despite facing censorship and subterfuge for challenging the proscribed Islamic boundaries.
runs until the 14th of June.
