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Bond University Film & Television Awards (BUFTA)

Australia’s premier filmmaking competition for high schoolers

The Bond University Film & Television Awards, often known simply as BUFTA, is Bond’s answer to the Oscars – a competitive, fun and fast-paced filmmaking competition open to Year 11 and 12 students across Australia. Since its inception in 1996, BUFTA has established a national reputation as the best way to flex your writing, directing, editing, and production skills with a short film. It’s also been the starting point for many of Bond’s film and television alumni, who are now pursuing incredible, global careers in the industry.  

As well as the experience you’ll gain and the people you’ll meet, one of the best parts of BUFTA is the grand prize. Every year, one student is awarded a full scholarship to study the Bachelor of Film and Television here at Bond. But that’s not all – there are a host of other awards you could win, ranging from category awards to craft awards.  

Ready to get creative, kickstart the filmmaking process, and go into the running to win a scholarship to Bond? Visit the BUFTA website for key dates, handy hints, and more.

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Could a BUFTA scholarship change your life?

All about the BUFTA scholarship

Each year, there are a number of prizes offered to the top filmmakers recognised at BUFTA – with the number one accolade, a full scholarship to study the Bachelor of Film and Television at Bond, going to the winner of the Best Overall Filmmaker award.  

The winner of the Jury Prize will receive a 25 per cent scholarship to study the same program.

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Top tips for entering BUFTA

Just like everything we do at Bond, BUFTA is all about you – your idea, your vision, and your final product. Simply let imagination and ambition be your guide! There are a number of categories to enter that cover key film genres – drama, comedy, sport, documentary, animation, experimental, music video, and art film.  

Head over to the BUFTA website to access helpful resources for making your short film, including a series of videos from the academic staff behind the Bachelor of Film and Television.

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Step onto the red carpet

EXPLORE MORE BUFTA

Step onto the red carpet

key dates

Key dates for 2023  

Keen on entering BUFTA 2023? Here are some key dates to mark in your calendar.  

Entries open: Monday, 1 May, 2023

Entries close: Friday, 15 September, 2023

Finalist films announced: Monday, 16 October, 2023

Judging day: Wednesday, 18 October, 2023

BUFTA Nominees announced: Monday, 23 October, 2023

People’s Choice voting opens: Wednesday, 25 October, 2023

Hopes & Dreams Video Deadline: Friday, 27 October, 2023 (midnight AEST)

(Please note: You are not required to provide a Hopes & Dreams submission until you are named in the BUFTA nominee announcement. You will receive instructions via email as to how to submit your Hopes & Dreams video.)

Winners announced: Saturday, 25 November, 2023 at the annual Bond University Film & Television Awards (BUFTA) ceremony. 

Hear from our students

Home Alone 2: Austin’s pandemic sequel

The pandemic has taken Austin Macfarlane back to where his filmmaking began -- stalking around home shooting short films, minus the light sabre.

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Read more about Home Alone 2: Austin’s pandemic sequel

Tips, tricks and creative inspiration from 2021 BUFTA winner, Ryan Thwaite

We sat down with Ryan to hear all about his experience of creating his award-winning original animation Veronica while completing Year 12, and what challenges he overcame to apply for the BUFTA scholarship competition.

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Read more about Tips, tricks and creative inspiration from 2021 BUFTA winner, Ryan Thwaite

Discover the Bachelor of Film and Television