REC Ya Shorts Youth Film Festival has stepped up a gear this year, giving even more young filmmakers in regional NSW an opportunity to get their stories on the big screen.
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The festival, produced by Screenwave and Headspace Coffs Harbour along with festival partners, is for people aged 12 to 25 and offers a filmmaking workshop program, screenings, short film competition and awards.
“REC Ya Shorts Youth Film Festival’s aim is to find and develop the next generation of filmmakers from regional NSW,” festival director Dave Horsley said.
“We’re excited this year to open up submissions for the first time to all young people around regional NSW.”
The workshops take place between May and July at high schools, universities, TAFEs, and youth centres around the region.
School prize packs, valued at more than $2,000, include:
Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera
DaVinci Resolve 14 Edit software
Samyang 20mm lens
Rode VideoMic
Individual young entrants from around regional NSW also have an opportunity to win:
Australian Film Television and Radio School film-making courses
Filmmaking equipment prize packs totalling more than $25,000
Their short film to be screened at the Screenwave International Film Festival
Screenwave International Film Festival Take 5 Film Passes
Film Ink DVD and Blu Ray movie packs
As well as opening pathways for budding film-makers, REC Ya Shorts creates a space to destigmatise the wider conversation about youth mental health – offering themes which past entrants have explored via short films full of wit, melodrama, twists, reflection, suspense, and even song and rap.
This year’s theme is “connection” and the signature item is “phone”, to be incorporated into all films submitted.
All films must also be under six minutes long, including titles and credits.
Gary Maher, community engagement officer of Headspace Coffs Harbour said:
“Film is such a powerful medium and a fantastic way for young people from the regions to tell their stories.
“REC Ya Shorts helps provide a platform for young voices. The quality of films last year was extraordinary and covered some tough topics like bullying, domestic violence and homelessness.”
Submissions are now open until August 21st and will be followed by a regional screening tour of the winning films in September.
For details on how to enter, sign up for a workshop or festival information, visit www.recyashorts.com.au.
