Submissions Open!
The Inspired Dance Youth Film Festival is a unique and vibrant platform that celebrates the intersection of dance and filmmaking, specifically catering to the creative endeavors of dance students aged 13 to 17, as well as part-time and full-time dance schools, and secondary schools. As Australia’s only international dance on film festival dedicated to this age group, it serves as a beacon for emerging talent in the field of dance filmmaking.
This festival is not just a competition; it is a nurturing ground for the next generation of dance filmmakers, encouraging them to explore the fusion of movement and cinematography. It provides an international stage for young dance filmmakers and schools from various corners of the world, fostering cultural exchange and showcasing diverse perspectives in the realm of dance on film.
The festival proudly boasts 12 award categories, each meticulously crafted to recognise and honour outstanding achievements in dance filmmaking. IDYFF has also introduced 2 special award categories specifically designed to spotlight the talents of Australia’s First Nations People and Disability Dance Artists. This inclusive approach reflects the festival’s commitment to diversity and the acknowledgment of unique voices within the dance community.
A distinguished panel of judges, experts in the fields of dance and filmmaking, has the challenging yet exciting task of selecting the winners across the 13 student and school award categories. Their expertise ensures that the most exceptional and innovative contributions are recognised and celebrated, contributing to the ongoing evolution of dance on film.
In essence, the Inspired Dance Youth Film Festival is not just a showcase of talent but a testament to the creative spirit and boundless potential of young dance filmmakers. It serves as a catalyst for artistic growth, fostering a global community of passionate individuals who are shaping the future of dance on film.
Submission Dates
Submissions Open – Now
Early Bird Deadline – 31st March 2024
Final Deadline – 25th August 2024
Festival Date
11 – 20 October 2024
Entry Fees
Students
$20 (early bird deadline), $30 (final deadline)
Schools
$55 (early bird deadline), $65 (final deadline)
Award Categories
Student Awards
Best Student Dance Film Award – 13 to 15 yrs
Best Student Dance Film Award – 16 to 17 yrs
Best Student Mobile Device Dance Film Award – 13 to 15 yrs
Best Student Mobile Device Dance Film Award – 16 to 17 yrs
School Awards
Best Part-Time School Dance Film Award
Best Full-Time School Dance Film Award
Best Secondary School Dance Film Award
Best School Mobile Device Dance Film Award
Diversity Awards
Best Australian First Nations Dance Film Award
Best Disabled Dance Film Award
Overall Awards
Best of the Fest
Best Technical Production Award
* Full Time Dance and Filmmaking Students (18+) can submit to
Inspired Dance Film Festival
Official Selection
*Films chosen by our judging panel for official selection will be screened within the festival season. Finalists will be showcased at the Gala screening and awards ceremony. All films selected will receive our ‘Official Selection’ laurel. Award winners will receive a trophy, and “Award Winner” laurel to add to the title/credits of their film.
**All selected films will become a part of our permanent archive.
Download Our Submission Guides
Award Descriptions
Best Student Dance Video Award
Awarded to the best dance video conceived and/or choreographed by, or created for part-time student/s. Films in this category are filmed by traditional filmmaking techniques and can be filmed by an external filmmaker. Time limit – 5 minutes.
Best Student Mobile Device Dance Video Award
Awarded to the best dance film conceived and choreographed by a part-time student/s. Videos in this category must be filmed solely on a mobile device. Films can be edited on any software. Time limit – 5 minutes.
Best Part-Time School Dance Film Award
Awarded to the best dance film created by a part-time school. External filmmakers may be used in the creation/editing of the film. Time limit – 10 minutes.
Best Full-Time School Dance Film Award
Awarded to the best dance film created by a full-time school. External filmmakers may be used in the creation/editing of the film. Time limit – 10 minutes.
Best Secondary School Dance Film Award
Awarded to the best dance film created by a secondary school. External filmmakers may be used in the creation/editing of the film. Time limit – 10 minutes.
Best School Mobile Device Dance Film Award
Awarded to the best dance filmed solely on a mobile device – eg iPhone, iPad, mobile phone, by a part-time school, full-time school, or secondary school. Films can be edited on any software. Time limit – 10 minutes.
Best Australian First Nations Dance Film Award
Award to the best dance films featuring Australian first nations artists.
Best Accessible Dance Film Award
Awarded to the best film that showcases dancers with disabilities and is open to any style, form, or genre. Films may include able-bodied performers.
Best of the Fest
Awarded to the best film of the 2024 season.
Best Technical Production Award
Awarded to the film with the best film production.
GENERAL RULES
1) We encourage dance films from every style and genre.
2) All student films have a time limit of 5 min and all studio and secondary films have a time limit of 10 min or under, including title and credits.
3) To qualify as a student you need to be turning 13 in the year that you create and submit your video, or 17 at the time you create and submit your video (you can be turning 18 in that same year).
4) You can use any software to edit video and audio.
5) Submissions accepted via FilmFreeway exclusively.
6) EXHIBITION FORMATS – If your film is selected as a finalist for our Inspired Dance Youth Festival Gala it must be submitted in 16:9 ratio and in a non-compressed format. We recommend a ProRes or .mov, files in the largest size possible, with a constant frame rate of 24 fps and Stereo 48kHz sound so it will look good on the big cinema screen and an HD mp4 for online presentation.
7) All submissions must have secured permission/s for the music used in your film for worldwide release.
8) We will not accept films that are publicly available online. Please ensure your film remain PRIVATE until after the closing of the festival.