Filmmaking Competition

The AFF Youth Filmmaking Competition is a rewarding opportunity for South Australian school students and young people to create, produce and share their films on the big screen as part of the internationally acclaimed Adelaide Film Festival, held 15 – 26 October 2025. It’s a chance for budding filmmakers to embrace their creativity, meet new people and make industry connections in the buzzing South Australian film industry.

The shortlisted films are judged by our AFF Youth Jury, made up of students from South Australia who nominate films from this list to be presented at the AFF Youth Gala. Young filmmakers will have the chance to walk the red carpet, get their photo snapped, and see their work on the big screen in front of a full cinema before the winners are presented.

AFF Youth Jury

The AFF Youth Jury comprises six young film fanatics selected by AFF staff. Jury members judge short films entered by students from across South Australia in the AFF Youth Filmmaking Competition under the guidance of Adelaide Film Festival’s programming staff.

2025 AFF Youth Jurors

Anika Hiriyanna

Freya Garrett

Marren Garrett

Nina Daniel

Samara Al-Hilli

Xavier Paulson

Awards & Prizes

The competition cash prize categories are:

• Best South Australian Primary School Film ($500) – presented by The Mercury

• Best South Australian Middle School Film ($500) – presented by AFTRS

• Best South Australian Senior School Film ($500) – presented by Adelaide University

• Audience Award ($1000) – presented by Westpac