Aspiring high school filmmakers from around Australia are encouraged to chase their dream of seeing their name up in lights by entering the Bond University Film and Television Awards (BUFTA).
This short-film competition, aimed at providing a platform for young talent to showcase their work, is the only one of its kind in the country for Year 11 and 12 students.
Now in its 21st year, BUFTA draws hundreds of entries annually and has been a launch pad for young filmmakers, such as last year's winner Elizabeth Cullen. Her winning films were metaphors for the feelings and state-of-mind she experienced during her final years in high school.
Elizabeth, originally from Cairns, was awarded a full scholarship to study Film and Television at Bond University on the Gold Coast as part of her prize package.
The 18 year old encourages all budding filmmakers to enter BUFTA.
"Studying at Bond on the BUFTA scholarship has been an absolutely life changing experience, and I would recommend it to anyone," said Elizabeth.
"I have been given so many incredible opportunities and am inspired each and everyday. Without it I would not be as close to achieving my dreams as I am.
"BUFTA is a wonderful opportunity to meet talented students from around Australia and it really opens your eyes to the calibre of filmmaking in the younger generations.
"The competition is a great way for budding filmmakers to showcase their work on a national level, because these films deserve to be seen after all of the hard work and dedication put into making them.
"I have always been, and always will be, a lover of stories, so making films is my way of sharing stories with the world and giving back through breakthrough artistic practices.
"The Australian film industry has a very bright future and I look forward to seeing the amazing work showcased at this year's event."
Elizabeth said her advice to promising film and television students was to take the leap and enter the competition, because unexpected opportunities could arise.
"The real joy comes from watching your idea come to life on the big screen and competitions like BUFTA provide a platform to showcase your ideas to others," she said.
"Putting a film together requires a great deal of hard work and heart, so don't be scared to put yourself out there and show the world what you are capable of.
"Just go for it, don't think winning is impossible because if I can take out such a prestigious competition, then you can too."
Bond University Director of Film and Television Associate Professor Dr Michael Sergi said students interested in a career in film and television should enter the awards.
"BUFTA is the premier film and television competition in Australia for senior high school students and is a great event to showcase young talent to a national audience," he said.
"With multiple categories available including animation, comedy, documentary, drama, experimental film and music video, there are opportunities for students interested in a whole range of film genres.
"The standard of films produced by students who enter BUFTA is amazing, and we anticipate this year's entries will be no different.
"BUFTA also provides a great chance for entrants to challenge themselves and take their art to the next level."
The winners will be announced at a Gala Award Ceremony at Bond University on November 26, hosted by James Mathison.
Entries for the 2016 BUFTA competition close on October 7 (2016).
For further information on BUFTA, visit www.bufta.com.au and LIKE Bond University Film & Television (BUFTA) on Facebook.