Lights, camera, action! Entries open for COscars Youth Film Festival
Published on 06 May 2025
Entries are now open for the fifth COscars Youth Film Festival, a competition for filmmakers aged 10-20 years.
The competition celebrates the talent and creativity of Mount Alexander Shire’s young community members.
There are three categories open to filmmakers – Snapshot, Short and Short Film.
“That film you’ve been thinking about making, or that assignment you had to do for your media class don’t have to sit in obscurity – you can show them off at the COscars!” said Lucia Amati, 2023 COscars winner.
“Pretty much anything goes (as long as it’s within the time limit and age restrictions) – it really doesn’t matter what the genre or production quality is.
“I’ve seen all sorts of films ranging from stop motion animation on a whiteboard to a zombie apocalypse!
“The judges want to see a clear, engaging and original story, and they don’t mind if it’s filmed on your parents’ ten year old phone.
“This is a way for you tell the story you want to tell. And you might even win a prize for your hard work. You’ve got nothing to lose!” said Lucia.
Categories
Snapshot
Runtime of less than or equal to one minute
- 10-14 years ($50 cash prize)
- 15-20 years ($50 cash prize)
Short
Runtime of between one and five minutes
- 10-14 years ($100 cash prize)
- 15-20 years ($100 cash prize)
Short Film
Runtime of between 5 and 10 minutes
- 15-20 years ($150 cash prize)
Entries are now open and close at midnight on Sunday 2 November.
Winning films and a selection of entries will be screened at the COscars Youth Film Festival on Wednesday 26 November at the Theatre Royal in Castlemaine.
For entry forms and guidelines visit www.mountalexandershireyouth.com.au/coscars.
The COscars are a Council initiative, supported by a Victorian Government Engage grant.
For more information contact Shannon Lacy, Council’s Youth Development Officer, on 5471 1700 or youth@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.
Stay up to date with youth events, activities and training opportunities by following @MountAlexandershireYouth on Facebook and @mountalexandershire_youth on Instagram.
Image: 2023 COscars winners