The AFF Youth Jury, comprising 12 South Australians high school students, will judge films from our main program across shorts, live-action, documentaries and VR.

The Youth Jury awards prizes based on the following categories:

Films by professional filmmakers

  • Best Film for 5–12-year-olds
  • Best Film for 13–15-year-olds
  • Best Film for 16+
  • Best Overall Film 2021

Films by young people

  • Best Film by an Australian young filmmaker
  • Best Film by an International young filmmaker

 

Statewide Schools Filmmaking Competition

AFF Youth had 41 submissions to the Statewide Schools Filmmaking Competition, with 21 selected as finalists.  These short films will be celebrated and screened at a Red Carpet Gala event on Thursday 16 September from 6pm at Palace Nova Eastend.  The full list of finalists is available here.

An experienced panel of South Australian screen professionals will judge these student-made films, with audiences able to watch the entries online and vote for the audience favourite.
Four prizes will be awarded:

  • Best South Australian Primary School Film (Cash Prize: $500)
  • Best South Australian Middle School Film (Cash Prize $500)
  • University of South Australia and Rising Sun Pictures Best High School Film (Cash Prize: $1000)
  • SA Power Networks People’s Choice Award (Cash prize: $1,000) for the audience favourite film created by South Australian students (available to high, middle or primary school).

Criteria

All films must be for children and young people, and be able to meet appropriate ratings.

AFF looks for bold and original storytelling encouraging young people to embrace a diverse and complex world where they can make a courageous contribution.

Works by young students and classes must show a good grasp of storytelling and a developing technique.

Submissions closed 24 May 2021 for all categories:

  • Professionally made screen works
  • Short works by Australian and international school children
  • Short screen works from South Australian students eligible for the Statewide School Filmmaking Competition