Nextwave, presented by the Screenwave International Film Festival (SWIFF), now in its ninth year is host to Australia’s largest regional youth short film competition and is free to enter for young people aged between 10 – 25 years, living anywhere in Australia.

Short films can range from a variety of genres, including comedies, dramas, thrillers, sci-fi, animation, documentary and personal essays. All that is needed to enter is to make a short film under five minutes (including all credits) and to creatively include the 2023 unique theme and item of STRENGTH and TORCH!

Along with an array of awards and prizes across a variety of age categories, short film finalists will have their films premiere at the SWIFF in Coffs Harbour in 2024. Lucky creatives will also have the opportunity for their films to screen at venues across Australia for Youth Week in April 2024.

The Promoter of SWIFF’s Nextwave Youth Film Festival (known as Nextwave – formerly [REC] Ya Shorts Youth Film Festival) is the Screenwave International Film Festival (SWIFF). Nextwave is open to all entrants living anywhere in Australia between the ages of 10 and 25 years.

Entries for 2023 are to include the theme and item somewhere in their film TORCH and STRENGTH.

All films entered must have a rating recommendation of G or PG. Films with excessive violence, language or nudity will not be accepted.
Nextwave entrants must submit their film by the close date. The final date for all entries will be announced soon (‘close date’).
Films entered into Nextwave must have been made after Jan 1st, 2023.

Each entrant must create a short film of no longer than 5 minutes in length and 10GB in size, abiding by the terms and conditions of entry.

Full terms and conditions available at nextwavefilm.com.au.
Nextwave is proudly supported by Southern Cross University.