Dennis O'Rourke received the 2005 Don Dunstan Award[2][3][4] for his contribution to the Australian film industry.

The poster this year depicts two children shining a light on the festival theme, Image is Everything.

[5] The festival opened with Look Both Ways[6][7] directed by Sarah Watt, the first feature to be funded through the Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund,[8] and closed with Ten Canoes[6] directed by Rolf de Heer.

The event’s integration with local and regional industries brought it into line with the model adopted by several major Asian festivals such as Hong Kong and Pusan.

It has been so successful it has been exported to other parts of Europe and North America, including Los Angeles, where actor Jon Voight is involved.