Australia

Speaks

With The Australia Youth Film Festival

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Empowering Young Aussies To Tell Stories & Help Shape Australia

Australia Speaks is the Australia Youth Film Festival’s (AUYFF) flagship national social impact program - empowering young aussies to uncover, shape, and share the stories that matter most to them and to the country.

Designed for aspiring documentary makers, journalists, and factual storytellers aged 15–24, the program supports participants to develop compelling short-form content that addresses Australia’s most pressing social, cultural, and environmental issues - from identity and reconciliation to climate resilience, justice, and regional life.

Each year, selected participants receive access to micro-grants, mentorship from industry and civic leaders, real-world and in-studio experiences, and national exposure through the Festival’s platform. The journey begins with a call for proposals and unfolds over an 8-week development phase filled with expert-led workshops and mentoring.

Final works are showcased at the Festival’s annual Industry Day and Award Ceremony, where participants are recognised and a winner is awarded the Australia Speaks Award.

Backed by partners across media, enterprise, and technology, Australia Speaks is a launchpad for the next generation of purposeful storytellers - spotlighting the role young aussies can play in shaping the national conversation.

  • Australia Speaks invites proposals for short-form documentaries that explore socially, culturally, or environmentally significant themes. We’re looking for projects that are honest, community-minded, and grounded in lived experience or genuine insight.

    Participants are encouraged to consider questions such as:

    • What stories from your community or personal life aren’t being told?

    • What issues do you believe Australia needs to better understand?

    • How can media spotlight solutions, challenge injustice, or celebrate resilience?

    Projects might explore topics including (but not limited to):

    • Climate Resilience & Identity

    • Indigenous Voices & Reconciliation

    • Regional & Rural Perspectives

    • Youth Justice, Inclusion & Lived Experience

    • Migration, Disability, & Representation

  • Each selected participant develops a short documentary which is then showcased and evaluated as part of the Festival’s annual program. Final works compete for the Australia Speaks Award, presented at the Festival’s annual red carpet Award Ceremony.

    Over the course of an 8-week guided program, selected participants receive:

    • Small Grants - to support production costs.

    • Mentorship & Development Support - from journalists, producers, and growth advisors.

    • Access To Professional Equipment & Tools - through Festival partners.

    • Studio & Industry Immersion Experiences - during the program’s Briefing Day which includes TV studio engagements, workshops, and other activities.

    • Development Workshops - focused on storytelling ethics, documentaries, and audience.

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How It Works

  • Step 1

    Apply with a proposal for a short documentary that explores a real issue facing your community or Australia today. We're looking for fresh, purpose-led ideas with national or local significance. See our Criteria above.

  • Step 2

    If chosen, you’ll receive a grant, equipment access, and mentorship from leaders in media, enterprise, and content creation. You'll kick off with our Briefing Day and begin an 8-week supported development journey.

  • Step 3

    Final works premiere at the Australia Youth Film Festival’s main events, where you’ll receive professional feedback, national exposure, and the chance to win the Australia Speaks Award.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Australia Speaks. If you’ve still got a question you’d like to ask, please contact us.

  • Australia Speaks is open to Australia-based youth aged 15–24 with a passion for telling real stories - whether through film, journalism, or digital content. You don’t necessarily need prior experience, just a strong idea and the drive to make it happen.

  • We’re seeking bold, purpose-led proposals that explore issues of national or community importance - such as identity, reconciliation, climate change, regional life, justice, or inclusion. See our Criteria above.

  • Both solo applicants and small teams (led by a young person) are welcome. The main applicant must fall within the eligible age range.

  • Selected participants receive a grant, mentorship from media and enterprise leaders, hands-on workshops, access to professional gear, and national exposure through the Festival. See our Inclusions above.

  • Australia Speaks runs across 8 weeks in the lead-up to the Australia Youth Film Festival’s main events. Key stages include proposal selection, a Briefing Day induction, mentorship and production, Industry Day, and the Award Ceremony.

  • Your completed story will be showcased during the Festival’s main events and automatically compete for the Australia Speaks Award. Top works may also be featured by media partners.

  • Not at all! We strongly encourage submissions from regional and remote areas.