• • • Double the Opportunities, Double the Fun! • • •
This year, we've partnered with the Starburst Film Festival and Symposium, bringing you an incredible 2-for-1 experience. Every official selection at The Next Level International Film Festival (TNLIFF) will also receive free entry into the Starburst Film Festival, giving you twice the chances to showcase your work and win big!

• • • Mark Your Calendars for 2025! • • •
Our 2025 festival will take place on the 12th July 2025 @ the iconic Penrith Panthers Leagues Club in NSW, Australia, home of the legendary four-time back-to-back rugby league premiers, the Penrith Panthers. Get ready to immerse yourself in an event that celebrates creativity and community in equal measure.

• • • For the Love of Filmmaking • • •
Every filmmaker knows the journey isn’t easy. It’s late nights, early mornings, countless cups of coffee, moments of triumph, heartbreak, and everything in between. It’s forging new connections, sacrificing time with loved ones, and pouring your heart and soul into your craft.

But what’s the point of all that effort if no one sees your masterpiece? Imagine if Da Vinci kept the Mona Lisa hidden away in his bedroom. Your work deserves to be seen, admired, and to inspire others.

• • • Why TNLIFF? • • •
The Next Level International Film Festival is built by filmmakers, for filmmakers. We’re here to encourage, challenge, and elevate you to reach your fullest potential. This isn’t just a showcase for local or national talent—it’s a stage for filmmakers to shine internationally.

Join us, and let the world see what you're capable of. This is your time to go Next Level!

• • • Awards • • •

--- Creative Excellence Awards ---

• The Next Level Award - The Festivals' overall winner.
• Rising Star Award

--- Genre and Format Awards ---

• Best Feature Film
• Best Feature Animation
• Best Documentary
• Best TV Pilot
• Best Short Film
• Best Short Comedy
• Best Short Horror
• Best Short Documentary
• Best Short Animation
• Best Short Adult

--- Specialised Categories ---

• Best Web-Series
• Best Trailer
• Best Music Video
• Best Poster Design

--- Performance Awards ---

• Best Lead Actor
• Best Lead Actress
• Best Supporting Actor
• Best Supporting Actress

--- Prizes ---

• The NEXT LEVEL AWARD (Overall Winner):
- A stunning Trophy.
- $200 AUD cash.
- An InkTip Script Listing, connecting them with InkTip’s network of producers, managers, and agents to promote their scripts.

• Runners-Up:
Two runners-up will receive;
- An InkTip Script Listing, connecting them with InkTip’s network of producers, managers, and agents to promote their scripts.

• Winners:
All winners receive an Official Certificate and Laurel, marking their achievement in their category.

• Finalists:
All finalists are awarded a Laurel in recognition of their outstanding work.

• Note: • Awards and categories may be adjusted at the judges’ discretion.

• • • Rules and Regulations • • •

--- Accepted Categories ---
• We accept Feature Films, Short Films, Trailers, TV Pilots, and Music Videos.

--- Usage Rights ---
• By submitting your film to TNLIFF, you grant us non-exclusive rights to showcase your film if selected as a finalist and to use related materials (e.g., trailers, teasers, posters) for festival promotion. If you wish to opt out of this, please let us know when you submit it.

--- Rating ---
• There are no rating restrictions for entries.

--- Prior Screenings ---
• Films that have been screened at other festivals are still eligible for submission.

--- Duration Limits ---
• Short Films: Maximum of 30 minutes (including credits).
• Feature Films: Minimum of 45 minutes (including credits).
• Trailers: Maximum of 5 minutes.
• Music Videos: Maximum of 5 minutes.

--- Production Date ---
• Films must have been completed on or after 1st January 2020.

--- Language Requirements ---
• Films must be in English or have English subtitles available.

--- Multiple Submissions ---
• You may submit more than one film, but each requires a separate entry form and fee.

--- Entry Fees ---
• Entry fees apply per film entered and cover all relevant categories (e.g., Best Actress, Best Director).
• Fees are non-refundable.

--- Submission Format ---
• Submissions must be available via the secure online screener function on FilmFreeway. If your film is password-protected, ensure the password is provided.

--- Rights and Clearances ---
• Entrants must obtain all necessary licenses, release forms, clearances, and permits for their work.

--- Completed Films Only ---
• Rough cuts will not be accepted.

--- Judging Decisions ---
• All decisions made by TNLIFF judges are final.

--- Festival Inclusion ---
• If your film is selected, you will be required to provide a downloadable version for inclusion in the festival.

--- Selection Notification ---
• All entrants will be notified of their submission status prior to the event. Unfortunately, not all submissions will be selected for screening.

--- Ownership Declaration ---
• By submitting, the film director (or submitter) confirms they are the rightful owner(s) of the submission and that it does not infringe on any intellectual property or personal rights.

--- Non-Discrimination Policy ---
• Submissions will not be judged based on country of origin, language, age, race, education, ideology, or economic resources.

--- Media Coverage ---
• TNLIFF is a public event open to media coverage. Participants acknowledge they may have their likeness or work featured in print, electronic, or digital broadcasts. TNLIFF is not responsible for media coverage or publicity during associated events.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Sinan Cevik

    Worthwhile Festival to be included. Thank you!

    September 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your feedback—it truly means a lot to us! Next year is shaping up to be our biggest year yet, so don't miss out on the early bird bonus: a special 2-for-1 entry fee!

  • William Vandry

    Awesome Festival for filmmakers! See you when we are finished with our next film

    February 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your feedback—it truly means a lot to us! Next year is shaping up to be our biggest year yet, so don't miss out on the early bird bonus: a special 2-for-1 entry fee!

  • We would like to whole heartedly thank The Next Level International Film Festival, We consider it a great honour being recognized by an esteemed organization such as yours. Special thanks to juries.

    January 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your feedback—it truly means a lot to us! Next year is shaping up to be our biggest year yet, so don't miss out on the early bird bonus: a special 2-for-1 entry fee!

  • Viraf Kekobad

    We are delighted that our multi award winning documentary Mission Safeer, 37 Days To Freedom was selected as quarter finalist at your esteemed festival. We take this opportunity to thank your team including the judges for running this event during very challenging times. Wishing you grand success for the future.

    January 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your feedback—it truly means a lot to us! Next year is shaping up to be our biggest year yet, so don't miss out on the early bird bonus: a special 2-for-1 entry fee!

  • We are beyond excited to have been selected as a Semi-Finalist for, “Was I Next? The Sean Cribbin Story” 🏅at The Next Level International Film Festival in Sydney, Australia 🎉 for Feature Documentary 🎬🎬🎬. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 🎉🏆🎉

    CHOOKAS to the iCogitate Productions team!! This is our first Australian festival and to be selected as a Semi-Finalist is ‘Next Level’ for us. ☮️🎉✨
    We were kept informed through the judging rounds and that good ol’ down under hospitality was evident, even this far away!! I can’t say enough about this festival, the quality, value and networking were huge for our team, especially as a first time producer - priceless!! Thank you for a great online festival experience - it truly was NEXT LEVEL! 🎞⚖️💎
    Billy Greer, Producer, iCogitate Prod. Inc.,
    “Was I Next? The Sean Cribbin Story”

    January 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your feedback—it truly means a lot to us! Next year is shaping up to be our biggest year yet, so don't miss out on the early bird bonus: a special 2-for-1 entry fee!