Q: When is the competition submission deadline?
A: 2022 competition is open from May 1st to October 25th.
Q: I live in the Sydney metro area, can I enter the festival?
A: Yes! Nextwave is now open to ALL Australians between the ages of 10-25!
Q: Is there a theme and item for this year’s competition?
A: Yes! The 2022 Theme is TRANSFORMATION and the Item is GREEN. Films need to reflect themes of TRANSFORMATION or change, and include something GREEN in order to be eligible. This can be as literal or as abstract as you like. Get creative!
Q: Do you provide any filmmaking tutorials or workshops?
A: Yes! The Nextwave team have developed Nextwave Online – a video workshop program that teaches the basics of short filmmaking, all in one place! Check it out HERE
Q: Can I make a film on my own?
A: Absolutely! Some amazingly creative films are made by small teams or solo filmmakers. Think outside the box about ways you can do all the different roles of a film crew – consider animation or video essay style short films as options!
Q: Can my parents and friends help me make my film?
A: Yes. You can have all the help you need – just make sure all the main roles (Director, Writer, Cinematographer, Editor) are all done by a young person.
Q: How do I submit my film to Nextwave?
A: First you fill out your Entry Form, then head over to our profile on Film Freeway to submit your film to us!
Q: Are there any submission fees?
A: No, Nextwave is free to enter. Yay!
Q: Is Nextwave a competitive film festival?
A: Yes! There are a bunch of great prizes to be won. Submit your film, win prizes, and get your film seen by an audience.
Q: When will I get to see my film and can I bring friends and family along?
A: All finalists will have their film screened during the Screenwave International Film Festival, held in Autumn in Coffs Harbour. After the screening there will be an Awards Ceremony. This will be a ticketed event for family, friends and members of the public to attend. To keep up with Nextwave Youth Film Awards news, join the Nextwave e-news.
Selected films will also have their films screened around venues for Youth Week celebrations across Australia.
Q: So what are you looking for? What kind of films stand out?
A: Films that are creative, original, innovative and tell a great story. Film is a visual medium so it’s best to show instead of tell.
Q: How do I get in touch if I have other questions?
A: You can send us an email to contact@nextwavefilm.com.au, and a member of the team will be happy to help.