Now in its 20th year, the Bond University Film and Television Awards (BUFTA) are continuing to unearth some incredibly talented young film makers from across Australia, with 192 entries received this year.
In the lead up to the Gala Awards night on Saturday November 28, Bond University is calling out to film buffs, students and members of the public to help crown Australia's best young filmmakers by voting for their favourite short film at www.bufta.com.au.
A shortlist of 20 films by 18 senior high school students have been nominated across six categories - best animation, best comedy, best documentary, best drama, best experimental and best music video.
These films are all eligible to win the coveted People's Choice Award, which includes a $1,250 gift voucher from Videopro to further the filmmaker’s talent.
A host of other awards, including City of Gold Coast Filmmaker, Best School, Dean's Choice, Jury Prize and Best Overall Filmmaker will also be announced at the Gala Awards Evening.
The winner of Best Overall Filmmaker will receive a full scholarship to study a Bachelor of Film and Television at Bond University on the Gold Coast.
The winner of the Jury Prize will receive a 25% scholarship to study a Bachelor of Film and Television at Bond, plus a complimentary 12 month membership to the Australian Cinematographers Society (ASC) Queensland Branch, which will entitle them to participate in workshops, product demonstrations and networking events to further their careers in the film industry.
Bond University Director of Film and Television Dr Michael Sergi said BUFTA provided a unique platform for young filmmakers to launch their careers and was a great way for Bond to celebrate new and emerging talent.
“For 20 years BUFTA has been unearthing creative young filmmakers from across the country and giving many of them fantastic opportunities to kickstart their careers by providing scholarships, cutting-edge filmmaking equipment and exposure to a broad and enthusiastic audience,” Michael said.
"The quality and creativity of the submissions we receive continues to improve year on year, and 2015 was no exception.
“Several of our nominees this year had been entrants in previous years, so the fact their filmmaking is improving through participating in BUFTA is wonderful.
“Also, it was great to see more female entrants and nominees in 2015 than we have ever had before.
“Our judging panel of industry experts really had their work cut out for them this year and are very excited to share the best films nominees with the public to view and vote on.
"This is your chance to help gifted young filmmakers get a start in the industry. There are so many talented young filmmakers coming through Australian high schools, we want to do everything we can to inspire and motivate them to pursue a career in film and television.
“We also wish to thank all the high school media teachers who play such an important role in identifying, nurturing and encouraging young students to take an interest in filmmaking; their role has never been more important.”
BUFTA is organised by Bond University's current Film and Television students as part of their course, and is like a ‘mini Oscars’, with all nominees flown in from their hometowns to receive the full red carpet treatment at the gala evening event.
The Awards will be hosted by Oscar winning Australian 'clayographer' Adam Elliot - who is best known for his animation film Harvie Krumpet - ensuring nominees and invited guests receive a real taste of Hollywood and what it is like to work in the film industry.
For more information, to book a ticket to BUFTA or vote for your favourite film, visit www.bufta.com.au.
Below is a full list of nominees:
BEST ANIMATION
Syncoinised, Chase Brockett, Lourdes Hill College, QLD
SuperTed, Connick Cheung, Huntingtower School, VIC
Thief, Daniel Phillips, Huntingtower School, VIC
BEST COMEDY
Milk, India Stewart, Presbyterian Ladies College, VIC
Teacher Wars, Jayden Teekens, Huntingtower School, VIC
ILY, Kelvin Chan, Varsity College, QLD
BEST DOCUMENTARY
My Future, Olivia De Jonge, Presbyterian Ladies College, VIC
Acting in Adelaide, Rachel Black, Glenunga International High School, SA
Run for Your Life, Richard Barron, Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie), QLD
BEST DRAMA
The Artist, Elizabeth Cullen, Cairns State High School, QLD
Alone, Elizabeth Cullen, Cairns State High School,QLD
Rotten Monster, James Nolan, Xavier College, VIC
After Tracy, Nathaniel Kelly, Darwin High School, NT
The Two Faces of Evil, Richard Barron, Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie), QLD
BEST EXPERIMENTAL
Bleach, Isaac Howard, Anglican Church Grammar School, QLD
Eclipse, Jack Hammonds, St Peters Lutheran College, QLD
Tedium, Liza Read, St Peters Lutheran College, QLD
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
Drop the Game, Calum Carty, Mandurah Catholic College, WA
Nonsense Speaker fan MV, Christie Giang, Ringwood Secondary College, VIC
Fooled Me Once, Jamie Carter, Coomera Anglican College, QLD