Young filmmakers put the Future in Focus at Ipswich film festival
15 April 2025
Budding filmmakers’ insights into the future of our city and beyond will be showcased at the 2025 Ipswich Film Festival for Youth.
Now in its 12th year, the festival encourages young people aged 7 to 25 to tell stories based on this year’s theme – Future in Focus – in short-film format.
Ipswich City Council Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said the festival has highlighted the filmmaking skills of young creatives from Ipswich and across the country since 2013.
“When it comes to the future, young people must be at the centre of the conversation, so I’m excited to see how entrants explore, adapt and interpret the Future in Focus theme,” Cr Augustine said.
“As a city with a third of our population aged under 25 and a median age five years lower than the state and national level, young people are the heart and soul of Ipswich communities and we have a responsibility to encourage their creativity and self-expression.
“The sheer talent and enthusiasm of festival entrants over the years never ceases to amaze me and I’m sure this year will be no different.
“Some of our past entrants have gone on to have flourishing careers in the film industry after receiving exposure and building their confidence after entering the festival.
“I’m proud that council continues to invest in our young residents through initiatives like Ipswich Film Festival for Youth and Ipswich Youth Advisory Council, which recently welcomed a record 61 members.”
Filmmakers in the 12 to 17 years and 18 to 25 years age groups can enter in the following categories:
- Documentary
- Animation/stop-motion
- Music video (music rights must be sourced and included in the application to be eligible)
- General entry
Those in the 7 to 12 age group are invited to submit entries in the general entry category.
Cr Augustine said the Ipswich Film Festival for Youth gives a voice to young residents.
“Council is incredibly passionate about strengthening our communities by supporting and nurturing our future leaders, particularly in the realm of the arts,” Cr Augustine said.
“The youth of Ipswich are bursting with creativity and ideas, so I’m sure the festival’s Future in Focus theme will provide some fascinating interpretations, both conceptually and technically.
“I’m proud that council has provided an outlet for more than a decade for young people to express themselves artistically at the Ipswich Film Festival for Youth.
“This festival adds to the incredibly strong and vibrant creative scene in Ipswich, where local talent is supported by council’s range of assets and initiatives, whether it be Ipswich Art Gallery, Ipswich Art Awards, SPARK Ipswich festival and our support for public artwork.”
Creators are invited to submit their films now until 15 August. Winners will be announced at a later awards ceremony.
Entries are judged on storyline, editing techniques, use of effects and alignment with theme and are to be no longer than five minutes.
For more details, visit the Ipswich Film Festival for Youth.
Notable past entrants and winners of the Ipswich Film Festival for Youth:
- Jenae Hall – 2018 overall winner for Remaining Grandad: Jenae is an animator whose works have been shown internationally.
- Enrico Lerda and Eugenio Tarantola – 2019 best documentary for A World's Tale: Enrico and Eugenio run production company Long Story Short Productions.
- Radheya Jegatheva – 2022 overall winner for Pacing the Pool: Radheya is now a professional filmmaker.
- Jack Hinz – 2024 best documentary and best short film in the 12-17 age group for Foundation: Jack has gone on to win multiple other film and photography competitions for the same film.
- Jiawen Cheng – 2024 winner for best animation/stop-motion for Joule: Jiawen is working as an animator while pursuing a Master’s degree in Animation, Games, and Interactivity at RMIT University in Melbourne.