The Inspired Dance Youth Film Festival is a unique and vibrant platform that celebrates the intersection of dance and filmmaking, specifically catering to the creative endeavors of dance students aged 13 to 17, as well as part-time and full-time dance schools, and secondary schools. As Australia's only international dance on film festival dedicated to this age group, it serves as a beacon for emerging talent in the field of dance filmmaking.

This festival is not just a competition; it is a nurturing ground for the next generation of dance filmmakers, encouraging them to explore the fusion of movement and cinematography. It provides an international stage for young dance filmmakers and schools from various corners of the world, fostering cultural exchange and showcasing diverse perspectives in the realm of dance on film.

The festival proudly boasts 12 award categories, each meticulously crafted to recognize and honor outstanding achievements in the field. Furthermore, the event has taken a commendable step by introducing 2 special award categories specifically designed to spotlight the talents of Australia's First Nations People and Disability Dance Artists. This inclusive approach reflects the festival's commitment to diversity and the acknowledgment of unique voices within the dance community.

A distinguished panel of judges, undoubtedly experts in the fields of dance and filmmaking, has the challenging yet exciting task of selecting the winners across the 13 student and school award categories. Their expertise ensures that the most exceptional and innovative contributions are recognized and celebrated, contributing to the ongoing evolution of dance on film.

In essence, the Inspired Dance Youth Film Festival is not just a showcase of talent but a testament to the creative spirit and boundless potential of young dance filmmakers. It serves as a catalyst for artistic growth, fostering a global community of passionate individuals who are shaping the future of dance on film.

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Overall Awards
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Best Of the Fest Award
(Awarded to the best dance video of the festival)

Best Video Production Award
(Awarded to the film with the best technical video production)

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Student Awards
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Best Student Dance Film Award - Aged 13 to 15 yrs
(The films in this category must be conceived and choreographed by the student/s.)

Best Student Dance Film Award - Aged 16 to 17 yrs
(The films in this category must be conceived and choreographed by the student/s.)

Best Student Mobile Device Dance Film Award - Aged 13 to 15 yrs
(The film must be filmed entirely on a mobile device - eg iPhone, iPad, mobile phone...)

Best Student Mobile Device Dance Film Award - Aged 16 to 17 yrs
(The film must be filmed entirely on a mobile device - eg iPhone, iPad, mobile phone...)

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School Awards
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Best Part-Time Dance School Film Award
(Awarded to the best film created by a part-time dance school)

Best Full-Time Dance School Film Award
(Awarded to the best film created by a full-time dance school)

Best Secondary School Dance Film Award
(Awarded to the best film created by a secondary school)

Best School Mobile Device Dance Film Award
(The film must be filmed entirely on a mobile device - eg iPhone, iPad, mobile phone...)

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Diversity Awards
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Best Australian First Nations Dance Film Award
(Award to the best dance films featuring Australian first nations artists)

Best Accessible Dance Film Award
(Awarded to the best film that showcases dancers with disabilities and is open to any style, form, or genre. Films may include able-bodied performers.)

*Full-Time Dance and Filmmaking students 18+ must submit to Inspired Dance Film Festival - www.inspireddance.com.au/film-festival

**Award winners will receive a trophy and the official “Award Winner” laurel to add to the title/credits of their film.

N.B. - All selected films will become a part of our permanent archive.

1. Films for Inspired Dance Youth Film Festival must be no longer than 10 minutes for all categories, including titles and credits. There is no minimum time limit.

2. Inspired Dance Youth Festival accepts any and all dance styles and genres.

3. You can use any software to edit video and audio.

4. You can use any software for colour correction or special effects.

5. The festival is open to filmmakers aged 13 yrs and above.

6. The submission deadline is 11:59 pm (AEST), July 17, 2022.

7. Entrants must agree to their film being uploaded to the Inspired Dance website and shown online, and on the Inspired Dance Youtube/Vimeo channel at the festival organiser’s discretion, unless stated otherwise and/or discussed with Inspired Dance Youth Film Festival. Please email us at schools@inspireddance.com.au if you have any concerns about this.

8. All content submitted must be in accordance with the law and any perceived illegal activity will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

9. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

10. If your film is selected as a finalist for our Inspired Dance Youth Film Festival Gala it must be submitted in 16:9 ratio (landscape) and in a non-compressed format. We recommend an MP4 or .mov, files in the largest size possible, with a constant frame rate of 26 fpm and Stereo 48kHz sound so it will look good on the big cinema screen.

11. Your film can have screened in other film festivals, just as long as you have never entered it into Inspired Dance Youth Film Festival (unless approved by festival directors at their discretion).

12. Submissions are exclusively through FilmFreeway.

13. You can enter as many films as you like.

14. Inspired Dance Youth Film Festival takes no responsibility for the use of copyright material in your video. Legal authorization from the musician, artist, writer, or record label is the sole responsibility of the entrant. We may ask for this documentation at any time. Most schools have a license to cover the use of copyrighted music.

15. It is unlikely, but you may also be required to provide Dancer Release Forms to be signed by the people appearing in your film.

16. If anyone is found to have broken any of the rules then you may be disqualified from the festival at the discretion of the panel.

17. By entering Inspired Dance Youth Film Festival, you agree to allow your film to be screened as part of our festival if selected as well as any subsequent tours of our program and any marketing for upcoming events.

18. By entering, you agree to allow Inspired Dance Youth Film Festival to distribute your film to a third party. Your film’s producer will be consulted on any deals and we will never distribute your film without complete permission and agreeance to do so. If no suitable agreement can be found, then we will not include your film in the distribution. This in no way impacts your entry into Inspired Dance Youth Film Festival itself.

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