Competition
The Adelaide Film Festival Youth Filmmaking Competition is a rewarding opportunity for South Australian school students and young people to create, produce and share their films on the big screen as part of the internationally acclaimed Adelaide Film Festival. It’s a chance to embrace your creativity, meet new people and make industry connections in the buzzing South Australian film industry.
AFF Youth is seeking submissions across the three categories of Primary School, Middle School and Senior School films. We are looking for bold and original storytelling and encourage young people to embrace a diverse and complex world where they can make a courageous contribution.
Shortlisted films will screen at Adelaide Film Festival in our Schools Screening Day, with nominated films going on to screen at our Youth Gala, a pink-carpet event.
Awards and Prizes
Prizes will be awarded for:
Best Primary School Film - $500 presented by The Mercury
Best Middle School Film - $500 presented by AFTRS
Best Senior School Film - $500 presented by Adelaide University
People’s Choice - $1,000 presented by Westpac
Submissions are now closed.
Youth Jury
What can you have in common with Jacob Elordi, Kristen Stewart and David Lynch? Be on a film festival jury! Alongside the competition, AFF is seeking young film lovers to sit on our Youth Jury. The Youth Jury is a fantastic opportunity for young people to engage with screen culture by viewing, discussing and assessing short films made by their peers in South Australia. Jury members will watch all shortlisted Youth Filmmaking Competition films and meet (online and in person) to select the nominees and winners for Best Primary School Film, Best Middle School Film and Best Senior School Film.
All interested students are encouraged to apply. Applications should demonstrate analytical and communication skills, understanding of film form and an interest in the screen industry. Applicants must be secondary school students in South Australia and 15 years or older by 1 August 2026.
Expressions of Interest now closed.