The filmmakers live in regional areas all over Australia, including the NSW South Coast, and their stories are told through drama, comedy, documentary, mockumentary and experimental film.

Stories range from the environment to social commentary, relationship crises, space odysseys and crime, while many speak to their particular community, giving an insight into the diverse experiences of Australian life.

One of the finalists is Bunaan, directed by Yuin elder Warren Ngarrae Foster and Hiromi Matsuoka.

The documentary focuses on how last December the people of the Yuin Nation gathered for a traditional healing ceremony at the foot of Gulaga Mountain.

The ceremony was attended by about 1000 people, who drove from across the South Coast for the event.

The film is Mr Foster's account of the meaning behind this bunaan, which is is the Djirriganj/Dhurga word for corroboree.

"The film was to let people know we still have culture here in Yuin country, and it's going strong," Mr Foster said.

"It's good we had a whole bunch of supporters from the wider community, all our allies; it shows how much support we have on the coast which is good."

He said he was surprised, but happy, to learn the film had made it onto the festival's shortlist.

"It took a bit of putting together, with all this stuff going on like the fires, the floods, COVID, then flood again," he said.

Mr Foster, who has many film credits including on ABC's Cleverman, said it was the first time he has directed a documentary and it "might be a new path".

He hoped Bunaan would be screened in theatres once restrictions around the coronavirus pandemic relaxed, "but we'll see what happens".

The film festival will be held online due to COVID-19, with films available on demand from Sunday, August 23 for 48 hours.

Musician, TV presenter and award-winning actor Frankie J Holden OAM and actress, singer and TV presenter Michelle Pettigrove will present the awards on August 23.

For more information and for tickets visit farsouthfilmfestival.com.

A pass for all short films, the Q&A and award livestreams is $70, or $50 for all the films.

You can also purchase tickets for collections of short films from $15 to $50, or for single short films from $5 to $30; pay-what-you can for both.

You will have 24 hours to watch the film from the time you start watching it.