Nextwave Youth Film Fest Returns in 2019
Returning for a fifth year of inspiring, teaching and promoting young regional filmmakers, the Nextwave program (previously known at REC Ya Shorts), has kicked off 2019 this Youth Week.
Hosting almost 20 screenings across Regional Australia, audiences were treated to the very best of the 2018 competition, with all 20 finalist films screening.
This also launched the 2019 competition, inspiring young audiences to give filmmaking a try, and create an original work by September 23rd’s deadline for entries.
Each year filmmakers are given a theme and item to get inspired by and include in their short. In 2019 the theme DISCOVERY will provide a jumping off point, and the item GAME must be included in some way within the film. Films must also be under 6 minutes, and appropriate for all audiences.
This year’s program will also involve the Nextwave team travelling to schools across Regional NSW providing interactive filmmaking workshops, covering writing, filming and editing short films. Working with Headspace Coffs Harbour, workshops also promote maintaining a healthy headspace through creativity, collaboration and storytelling.
With thousands of dollars in filmmaking equipment and awards up for grabs for filmmakers and their schools, films will be judged by a panel of emerging Australian filmmakers, with the finalists hitting the screen next January as a part of the 2020 Screenwave International Film Festival on the Coffs Coast.
Close to 200 original short films have now been produced over the last four years of the program, opening exciting pathways for young creatives to share their stories on screen and explore potential study options, as well as discuss themes and topics important to them. 2019 will see the introduction of a new Documentary Prize at the Nextwave Awards, which will acknowledge accomplishment in documentary filmmaking, alongside existing prizes for writing, editing, acting, direction and cinematography.
Nextwave is possible with thanks to Southern Cross University, SWIFF and local councils.
More information is available at nextwavefilmfest.com.au, or email contact@screenwave.com.au.
