Announcements

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 [email protected] .

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. 

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. 

Latest BUFTA Announcements

Congratulations to our 2025 BUFTA Winners!

Please join us in celebrating this year's BUFTA winners for their outstanding creativity and filmmaking talent...

 

Category Awards

Best Animation | 'Captive' by Jules Leo from Pacific Pines State High School (QLD)

Best Art Film | 'GREED' by Magenta Stafford from Brisbane State High School (QLD)

Best Comedy | 'The story of Angelique' by Jessica Cross from Westside Christian College (QLD)

Best Documentary | 'Ruth' by Sophie Lai from Huntingtower School (VIC)

Best Drama | 'THE SOLO' by Ryan Ma from Highvale Secondary College (VIC)

Best Experimental | 'FOLDED' by Evie Philp from Miami State High School (QLD)

Best Music Video | 'Take Your Pick' by Evie Philp from Miami State High School (QLD)

Best Sports Film | 'To the Top' by Sophie Lai from Huntingtower School (VIC)

Best International Film | 'Sunrise Falling' by Alexander Salomon from The Buckley School (CA, United States)

 

CRAFT Awards

Best Cinematography | Magenta Stafford from Brisbane State High School (QLD) for ‘GREED’

Best Directing | Jules Leo from Pacific Pines State High School (QLD) for ‘Captive’

Best Editing | Magenta Stafford from Brisbane State High School (QLD) for ‘GREED’

Best Screenwriting | Eleanor Creevey from Mansfield State High School (QLD) for ‘The Glue Family’

Best Sound Design | Ryan Ma from Highvale Secondary College (VIC) for 'THE SOLO'

 

EXCEllence Awards

Best School | Huntingtower School, Victoria

Best Gold Coast Filmmaker | Jules Leo from Pacific Pines State High School (QLD)

Dean's Choice Award | Stella Hely from The Geelong College (VIC) for ‘Your Fault’

Jury Prize | Thomas Birkett from The Hutchins School (TAS) for 'Walk In Your Shoes'

People's Choice Award | Jaime Del Castillo Parejo from Varsity College (QLD) for 'The Great Balloon in the Sky’
 

Best Overall Filmmaker

Evie Philp from Miami State High School (QLD) received the 2025 Best Overall Filmmaker Award and was awarded a full scholarship to study a Bachelor of Film and Television at Bond University. 

Has your film made it to the next round...?

Could a BUFTA scholarship change your life?