We are excited and honoured to be showcasing incredible stories of courage, resilience and sacrifice at the 2026 Red Poppy Film Festival. Films made by veterans and by filmmakers exploring the experiences of war and service.
We have moving documentaries that explore life after service. The Gift of a Second Wind looks into recovery, identity and strength beyond the battlefield through the lens of sport. While Peace Wilderness Man follows Australian veteran, Lex Reilly, deep into Norway’s remote Arctic Circle as he rebuilds his life after serving in Afghanistan.
The Comfort Dogs of Uganda has humans and animals recovering together as survivors of Uganda’s brutal conflict are paired with rescue dogs to help heal their trauma.
In Bringing His Spirit Home, Gomeroi man, Peter Milliken, travels to France to visit the grave of his great-uncle, an Aboriginal WWI soldier, and performs a traditional ceremony to bring his spirit back home to his family and Country.
In My Husband the Child Soldier, we see former Khmer Rouge soldier, Aki Ra, dedicate his life to clearing the unexploded landmines that are still threatening the communities of Cambodia long after the war. A documentary that speaks of the lasting impact of conflict.
These are just some of the films that will screen at the 2026 Red Poppy Film Festival from 6-8 March at the Art Gallery of NSW. Entry is free to past and serving members of the Australian Defence Force. Not part of the ADF? Purchase your general admission tickets today to secure your seats.
