About
G’day
From The Australia Youth Film Festival
Our Roots
Our story didn’t start in a boardroom - it started with a "lightbulb moment" in a classroom! Back in late 2022, our Festival Director, social entrepreneur Ryan Chow, was a university student in New Zealand pulling double duty with business and media studies. Ryan noticed a massive gap: he saw firsthand how much untapped talent was waiting for a spotlight!
Instead of waiting for someone else to fix it, Ryan decided to do something about it. He first launched the not-for-profit New Zealand Youth Film Festival (NZYFF) in 2022, which immediately began shaking things up across the country.
After seeing that creative explosion in Aotearoa New Zealand, we decided to take that same creative fire across the ditch to Australia. With the legendary backing of His Majesty’s King’s Trust and our amazing partners, we officially launched the Australia Youth Film Festival (AUYFF) in 2023. We’re the "bold younger sibling" of the family, and we’re here to make some serious noise!
Our Pedestal
Our Festival is a part of our parent group - Pedestal. Our name is our mission: we are here to lift you up! We believe your work belongs on a premier platform, not just a hard drive. We’re here to help you showcase your creative work, earn that industry exposure you deserve, and access learning and experiences that help you level up your craft.
As a not-for-profit, we’re obsessed with breaking down barriers. Whether you’re creating with a professional rig or using your everyday smartphone, and whether you’re in a bustling city or a remote town, we’re here to ensure every aspiring creator has a voice. If you’ve got a story, we’ve got the pedestal for it!
Our Mission
We aren’t just here for the popcorn; we’re here to find, celebrate, and empower Australia’s next generation of creators! We’re obsessed with creating opportunities that are accessible, electric, and perfectly tuned to the wild, fast-paced world of modern media.
By cheering you on today, we’re making sure Australia’s creative scene stays vibrant, diverse, and unstoppable for years to come. We’re building the future of creativity together, one epic frame at a time. Let’s make magic! Who knows, you could very well be Australia’s next Margot Robbie or Baz Luhrmann!
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!
Our 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 Adobe and Sony, 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.
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.
What People Are Saying
About Our Programs
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Tom Batchelor
The Walt Disney Company - Vice President, Content Operations, EMEA
“Australia Youth Film Festival is an awesome platform” -
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Katie Hinsen
Marvel Studios - Director Of Technology & 2024 Final Judge
“I had the pleasure of being able to watch and judge a number of entries submitted to the inaugural Australia Youth Film Festival. They’re really good!” -
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Hon James Meager
New Zealand Government - Minister For Youth (New Zealand)
“The New Zealand Youth Film Festival is all about backing young people to dream big, work hard, and make things happen” -
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Grant Petty
Blackmagic Design - Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
“The Australia Youth Film Festival is vital because it connects emerging creatives, helping them grow and be seen” -
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Jun Yoon
Sony Australia and New Zealand - Head Of Digital Imaging ANZ
“Our support for the Australia Youth Film Festival reflects Sony’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of Australian filmmakers. We are proud to be supporting” -
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Hon David Seymour
New Zealand Government - Deputy Prime Minister (New Zealand)
“The New Zealand Youth Film Festival is an awesome platform for young people” -
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Mayor Tory Whanau
Wellington City Council - Mayor Of Wellington (New Zealand)
“The future of our film industry relies on the support of our younger filmmakers coming through and developing new talent. And that's what New Zealand Youth Film Festival is all about, and that's why I love it!” -
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Charlie Tait
Wētā FX - Visual Effects Supervisor & 2023 Final Judge
“It was amazing to see the work, I was very grateful to be asked to be involved. Looking at the work, I was so inspired, and I've been inspired by the Festival. We are very interested in you youth, and we need you.”
4.7 Stars By Our National Participants
“This is such a wonderful festival. It’s very well organised and is a wonderful opportunity to meet with young people in the Australian film and television industry as well as passionate and talented filmmakers. Would recommend, especially for first time filmmakers.”
— Quoc T (Nominee & Attendee)“I loved the tour of the ABC, and I really appreciate that this is possibly the only festival that provides an industry day for individual development, and allows for the attendees to create their own community”
— Danni F (Nominee & Attendee)“Brilliant festival that allows the perfect opportunity for young filmmakers to network in Australia”
— Max S (Nominee & Attendee)
Our Entries (2025)
Entries
The total number of entries received across Australia and New Zealand
1,188
Includes all types of entries
774
414
Australia
New Zealand
Geography
Where our entries have come from in Australia
Geography
Where our entries have come from in Aotearoa New Zealand
