The Bond University Film & Television Academy Awards, often known simply as the BUFTA Awards, is Bond’s answer to the Oscars – a competitive, fun and fast-paced filmmaking competition open to Year 11 and 12 students across Australia and the globe.* BUFTA provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase filmmaking talent on the national and global stage.

Since its inception in 1996, BUFTA has built a reputation as the premier launching pad for aspiring filmmakers, offering opportunities to develop writing, directing, editing, and production skills. Many of Bond’s Film & Television alumni got their start through BUFTA and have gone on to incredible careers in the global film industry.

At the heart of BUFTA remains its prestigious short film competition, with nominees selected each year to attend a red-carpet awards ceremony where their work is shortlisted for a range of prizes, including a full scholarship to study the Bachelor of Film and Television at Bond University!**

*See Terms & Conditions - International Category for details.
**See Terms & Conditions for scholarship eligibility.

Awards & Prizes

Major Prize
The Best Overall Filmmaker will receive a full scholarship* to study a Bachelor of Film and Television at Bond University – Sponsored by Bond University’s Faculty of Society & Design

Jury Prize
The Jury Prize winner will receive a 25% scholarship* to study a Bachelor of Film and Television at Bond University – Sponsored by Bond University’s Faculty of Society & Design

Special Awards:
Best Gold Coast Filmmaker Award
People's Choice Award
Dean's Choice Award
Best School Award

Category Awards:
Best Animation
Best Art Film
Best Comedy
Best Documentary
Best Drama
Best Experimental Film
Best Music Video
Best Sport Film
Best International Film

Craft Awards:
Best Cinematography
Best Directing
Best Editing
Best Screenwriting
Best Sound Design

All nominees who attend the BUFTA Ceremony will receive a prize pack.

*See Terms & Conditions for full details.
**This internship opportunity is conditional upon enrolling in a Bachelor of Film and Television at Bond University.
BUFTA.com.au

Rules & Terms

READ FULL T&C'S here: https://bond.edu.au/bufta/terms-conditions

You must read and agree to all terms and conditions. By entering your film into BUFTA, you have agreed to all terms and conditions.

Important Information for all BUFTA Entrants

Updates to Terms & Conditions
Please note: There have been changes to the BUFTA Terms & Conditions. You must read and agree to all terms and conditions.

To be formally entered into the BUFTA competition and eligible for judging, you must submit an application to study at Bond University. You will be asked to enter your Bond University Application Reference Number (from Studylink) when submitting your film
via FilmFreeway.

If you need help completing your application and would like to speak with our Office of Future Students, please contact us on 0482086130 or FutureStudents@bond.edu.au .

Submitting to BUFTA
The BUFTA Short Film Competition only accepts entries via FilmFreeway. When submitting your film/s to BUFTA, you will be asked to complete a series of questions, however a number of these questions are not applicable (N/A) for BUFTA entry.

Please be advised that BUFTA only requires the following information, all other form fields can be entered as not applicable (N/A), for a smoother, speedier and more seamless film submission experience. Please ensure you take your time to proofread spelling, grammar, and punctuation when entering your full name, film name, school name and details, as what is submitted is what will be published.

BUFTA Film Submission (compulsory fields):

Project Information
Film Title
Film Synopsis

Entrant Information
Name
Email
Phone
Address
Birthdate
Gender

Specifications (Film)
Genre(s)
Run Time
Completion Date
Country of Origin
Film Language
Student Project (Yes/No)

BUFTA-Specific Requirements
Year Level (11 or 12)
Highschool
Teacher’s details
Parent/Guardian details
Terms & Conditions
Application to Study
Application Reference Number

Entry Period (Key Dates)
The film submission entry period is 1 June - 1 September. Please be sure to take note of BUFTA Important Dates. Due to strict timelines, late submissions will not be accepted.