WELCOME TO 'WHAT THE FILM' FESTIVAL
A Festival by Independent Filmmakers for Independent Filmmakers
OUR FESTIVAL ENTRANCE CATEGORIES
All entries via Film Freeway
ALL FILMS MUST HAVE BEEN MADE WITHIN THE PAST 24 MONTHS
YOUNGEST STARS - 12 to 16 years
This category is for all those young filmmakers who have perhaps thought about making a film, but never got around to doing it (or maybe you have), let alone entering a festival. Young people have great imaginations and we want to make sure that this category supports them!
This is open to any genre (just keep it clean) of film up to 7 minutes in length. We can't wait to see what our young film makers create!
Films entered into this category are automatically eligible for the Emerging Filmmaker Award.
STUDENT FILM/UNDER 18 years
Films of any genre up to 7 minutes in length made by film students of any age. Share your vision, share your passion. Bring some depth to your story, wow the audience! Films entered into this category are automatically eligible for the Emerging Filmmaker Award.
DOCUMENTARY
Documentary no longer than 10 minutes. Any subject!
MUSIC VIDEO
Music Video, any genre no longer than five minutes.
SCI-FI
Our sci-fi category is open to interpretation. Whether it be sci-fi, or your own take on the title. Open to film makers in Australia, or internationally. Films not to exceed 10 minutes in length.
Films in this category are eligible for the Spaced Out Award.
HORROR
Whether it's straight out horror, terror, or schlock, we want to see it! We especially love those films produced using a limited budget, allowing the filmmaker to be innovative in the way the horror is presented. We want you to have freedom, be free, explore and create within the horror genre (but keep it under 10 minutes)! Open to film makers anywhere in Australia, and internationally.
Films in this category are eligible for the Spaced Out Award.
UNIQUELY CANBERRA DISTRICT
This is not just a Canberra District category. It's a unique Canberra and Canberra District category! What do we mean? We want you to tell stories that are uniquely Canberra or Canberra District, filmed here, and using only Canberra and Canberra District cast and crew. We don't care what the genre is. We don't care what the story is. Just show us lots of our fabulous region in your film!
We define our immediate district as anything out to the towns of Yass, Goulburn, Braidwood , Jindabyne, Tumburumba and Tumut. If you're not sure, just send us an email.
Films no longer than 10 minutes in length, any genre. Films entered into this category are automatically considered for additional awards (highlighted below).
OPEN MINI (UP TO 10 MINS)
Open to any filmmaker who wants to tell their story in under 7 minutes! Any genre of film, our judges will look for films that tell a story through the filmmakers eyes, films that have the stamp of the directors vision. We want to see the passion in your film making. Challenge us and feel free to push the boundaries. Don't let past festival failures hold you back. Stop worrying about the equipment you don't have, use the equipment you do have and tell the story, tell the story well!
Films entered into this category are automatically considered for additional awards (highlighted below).
OPEN SHORT (UP TO 20 MINS)
Open to any filmmaker who wants to tell their story in under 20 minutes! Any genre, our judges will look for films that tell a story from the filmmakers eyes, films that have the stamp of the directors vision. We want to see the passion in your film making, challenge us, and feel free to push the boundaries. Don't let past festival failures hold you back. Stop worrying about the equipment you don't have, use the equipment you do have and tell the story, tell the story well!
Films entered into this category are automatically considered for additional awards (highlighted below).