Lights, camera, action! Entries open for COscars Youth Film Festival

Published on 06 May 2025

COscars winners 2023

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

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