About
The Australia Youth Film Festival (AUYFF)
A free-to-enter national program dedicated to finding, celebrating, and empowering the next generation of Australian creators.
Open to young creatives aged 15-24,
our Festival provides a premier platform for emerging talent to showcase their work, gain vital industry exposure, and access high-level learning opportunities. As a non-profit organisation, we are committed to removing barriers to entry, ensuring that every aspiring creator - regardless of background or location - has a voice.
Our roots - We were founded in 2023 by Ryan Chow with support from His Majesty’s King’s Trust. Our Festival was built on the success of our older sibling program, the New Zealand Youth Film Festival (NZYFF), which launched a year earlier in 2022.
Our mission - We strive to deliver opportunities that are accessible, inspiring, and deeply connected to the evolving needs of Australia’s screen and media industries. By nurturing new talent today, we are supporting the long-term vibrancy and sustainability of the creative sector.
Our Values
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We believe everyone has a story worth telling. We champion emerging creators and provide them with the platform, visibility, and support to share their work on a national stage.
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We build meaningful relationships between youth and industry - forging connections that create opportunity, unlock potential, and inspire lasting impact.
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We remove barriers so that talent - not postcode or background - defines success. Our programs are free-to-enter and designed to reach youth from all walks of life.
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We go beyond recognition. Through funding, mentoring, and professional development, we help young people take tangible steps toward careers.
Experience Our Events
A nomination at the Australia Youth Film Festival is your invitation to our acclaimed events program. We partner with industry giants like the ABC to provide our finalists with invaluable exposure, hands-on learning, and networking opportunities. Watch the video above to see our most recent Industry Day tour in action—this could be you!
Your National Platform
We’re the premier stage for the next generation of creators to showcase their talent to a nationwide audience. Through our links with partners like the ABC, we help our nominees gain the industry exposure needed to launch sustainable careers in the professional industry. See firsthand how our Festival elevates young creators from across the country.
One-Of-A-Kind
Experience the highlights from one of our recent events - the 2025 New Zealand Youth Film Festival. Our one-of-a-kind events serve as a vital launchpad for young creators, offering them the chance to win prestigious awards from our industry partners. Whether you are a director, editor, or actor, this is where your journey toward professional recognition begins.
What People Are Saying
About Our Festival
Our Entries (2025)
Entries
The total number of entries received
774
Includes all types of entries
Geography
Where our entries have come from
Gender
Genders our nominees identify with
