In 2023, filmmaking will be more accessible than ever for young people in Northern New South Wales.
Thanks to the Nextwave Youth Film Australia program (presented by SWIFF – the Coffs Coast’s Screenwave International Film Festival), and the support of the NSW Government’s department of Regional Youth, all high-school aged students from the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast regions can access completely subsidised film education online.
Nextwave Online is an education portal, with access to the current 10-episode course teaching the ins and outs of beginner filmmaking, from story and scriptwriting, to pre-production, filming, editing, sound design and beyond – everything you need to make your first short films. New courses are currently in production and will be available soon.
Easily taught in a classroom environment over one school term, with no prior teaching experience required, the program is aimed at high school students with no prior filmmaking knowledge.
Nextwave Online does all the heavy lifting by providing both theory and practical activities throughout. In addition to the course content, teachers can access companion guides, and teachers’ resources for each episode. Now in use across all Australian states and Territories, the Nextwave Team are taking teachers and students to an independent learning level – from ‘action!’ to ‘cut!’.
Linking young regional Australians to emerging opportunities in the film industry, through hands-on film education, Nextwave aims to prepare young locals for the screen jobs boom anticipated upon the opening and expansion of film studios based in both Ballina and Coffs Harbour.
Plus, they’re linking those new film skills to a competition and gala screening event that will debut new filmmakers onto the big screen, and into industry opportunities.
The 2023 national Nextwave competition is now open – with filmmakers and teams aged 10 to 25 invited to enter their original short films before October 25. All films must be under 5 minutes, include the item ‘torch’ and be inspired by the theme ‘strength’ – with creative interpretations encouraged.
Finalists in the competition will screen as part of the official program at SWIFF’24 in April at a gala screening event, awarding prizes and awards, and linking the next wave of film voices to audiences and industry.
Actor Damon Herriman, Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh, Nextwave Program Manager Saige Browne, SWIFF Festival Director Dave Horsley, and SCU Lecturer Uwe Turton at the 2023 Nextwave Youth Film Awards.
“My students this semester are getting really excited about making their films! I’ve been working through the Nextwave Online workshops with them, and they are really enjoying watching the previous entries that are included .” – Alison E, Secondary College Teacher, Victoria.
Nextwave is proudly presented by Coffs Harbour’s Screenwave International Film Festival, and supported by the NSW State Government via the Department of Regional Youth.
Visit nextwavefilm.com.au to register an individual, class or entire school today – free across Northern NSW and affordable Australia-wide.