Festival organiser John Richards said he was pleased with the level of entries for the international and local categories.

"The international category is incredibly strong," he said. "We have selected mostly Australian films, which are really good but we also have entries from Germany and the UK.

"The Bendigo competition category is adorable. Half are really fantastic and half are a bit rough and ready but really fun.

"There is some amazing creativity and it is going to be a really top night."

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Mr Richards said the selection of directors has also been very diverse.

"Half films in each category are directed by women," he said. "So, by chance, we have got a balance in gender.

"The films coming in are more diverse than what you see on Australian television or in Australian feature films.

"It is really exciting to see how much more reflective short films are on the real world."

Tickets are still available for the festival which sees the international program screen at 6pm and the Bendigo competition showing at 8.30pm.

"It's going to be a good audience and a lot of the filmmakers are coming which is exciting," Mr Richards said.

"There is some low level horror and mature themes so children aged between 15 and 18 will need an adult with them."

Mr Richards launched the festival in September after winning a grant from the City of Greater Bendigo.

"I'm hoping it will build and one day we can talk about having a full weekend (of films)," he said.

He is also an experienced filmmaker having written the BBC radio series Night Terrace and the ABC sitcom Outland, which began its life as short film.

The Bendigo Short Film Festival is on Saturday, November 23, at The Engine Room. Tickets are $15 per session or $24 for a festival pass.

For more information visit https://bendigoshortfilmfest.com