About
The Australia Youth Film Festival (AUYFF)
is a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to finding, celebrating, and empowering the next generation of Australian filmmakers and creators. Open to young creatives aged 15-24, the festival provides a national platform for emerging talent to showcase their work, gain industry exposure, and access invaluable learning opportunities.
Founded by Ryan Chow in 2023, AUYFF is the Australian counterpart to the New Zealand Youth Film Festival (NZYFF). Together, the festivals serve as a launchpad for young filmmakers, supporting the long-term sustainability of the screen industry by nurturing new talent and creativity. The program is entirely free to enter, ensuring accessibility to aspiring filmmakers across the country.
What People Are Saying
About Our Festival
Tom Batchelor (Vice President, Content Operations, EMEA) | The Walt Disney Company
"Australia Youth Film Festival is an awesome platform”
Katie Hinsen (then-Marvel Studios Director of Technology) | 2024 Judge
“I had the pleasure of being able to watch and judge a number of your entries submitted to the inaugural Australia Youth Film Festival. They’re really good! It’s truly inspiring to see you get out there and create films of which I’m so impressed by.”
Jun Yoon (Head of Digital Imaging) | Sony Australia and New Zealand
“Our support for the Australia Youth Film Festival (AUYFF) reflects Sony’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of Australian filmmakers. We are proud to be sponsoring the Festival and the Sony Best Documentary award category - and look forward to seeing what young Australians come up with.”
Grant Petty (Chief Executive Officer) | Blackmagic Design
"The Australian Youth Film Festival is vital because it connects emerging creatives, helping them grow and be seen."
Bradley Hogan | 2025 Nominee & Attendee
“I decided to submit our film to The Australia Youth Film Festival as it is breaking ground for the next generation of filmmakers in Australia. I truly believe not enough is being done to support our industry in its next iteration, however the great initiative of this festival is helping break that ground for some of the most talented and creative people in the industry”
Brie Bartleet | 2024 & 2025 Nominee & Attendee
“I was apart of AUYFF last year and it was one of my favourite festivals I have ever been to. They go above and beyond to support young filmmakers, not only giving them a huge platform and opportunity to display their work but the support they provide through their industry day and connections. So I was very excited to enter into the festival again this year!”
Lachlan Sonnemann | 2025 Nominee & Attendee
“Many Swinburne students who had submitted films in the past strongly recommended AUYFF, not only the festival but also the Industry Day experience it offers.”
Max Stanner | 2025 Nominee & Attendee
“Brilliant festival that allows the perfect opportunity for young filmmakers to network in Australia!”
Danni Fenech | 2024 & 2025 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”
Quoc Huy Tran | 2025 Nominee & Attendee
“This is such an awesome festival. It’s very well organised and is a wonderful opportunity to meet with people in the Australian film and television industry as well as passionate and talented filmmakers. Would recommend, especially for first time filmmakers”
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
