Calling all aspiring young Kiwi filmmakers – the submission deadline for the International Youth Silent Film Festival New Zealand Nationals 2023 is fast approaching, with entries closing this Friday!

Not only does the IYSFF give young filmmakers the chance to showcase their creativity, storytelling skills, and passion for film on the national stage, they also stand to win a share of NZD $3000 in cash prizes and 10 category awards, as well as go on to represent Aotearoa at the IYSFF Global Awards held in the US in 2024.

“If film is something you’d like to do in the future, this experience is life changing. You just have to get out and do it, set yourself a goal and aim high!” says IYSFF Global Awards 2023 winner Ben Young.

The 13-year-old Auckland filmmaker was announced supreme winner of the international filmmaking competition at June’s IYSFF Global Awards in Portland, Oregon, US, for his film Crash.  

He secured his spot at the Global Awards after Crash won first place at the IYSFF New Zealand National Awards Final 2022, along with a raft of ‘Best Of’ awards for direction, editing, cinematography and production design.

It was the second year in a row a Kiwi filmmaker won top honours at the global competition, and on top of being crowned ‘best of the best’ internationally, Ben also walked away with a cool cash prize of USD $3000 (NZD $4200).

“Being in the audience at the Global Awards was amazing. I was blown away by the creativity, storytelling, and sheer production value of all the other filmmaker’s projects. From my time on the red carpet, to seeing the outstanding intro showcasing snippets from all the films from around the world, I loved every second of it!

“The producers and directors I met in Oregon also showed me what film could look like as a career, and I cannot thank them enough.”

The IYSFF challenges filmmakers, aged 22 years and under, from across the United States, Europe, Australia, United Arab Emirates and Aotearoa New Zealand to create a three-minute silent film, set to one of 10 musical scores composed specifically for the festival.

Once submissions close a panel will select the top 10 films to be screened and celebrated at the IYSFF NZ National Awards Final at Baycourt Community & Arts Centre in Tauranga on Thursday, November 2.

“We love it when the entries start rolling in, and we’re blown away every year by the superb quality of the films. Ever since the IYSFF’s New Zealand debut at our venue in 2016, the films and their stories have gotten bigger and bolder every year,” said Baycourt manager Reena Snook.

“Ben’s win at the Global Awards in June confirms the future of filmmaking in Aotearoa is brighter and stronger than ever. With two consecutive global wins under our belt, a New Zealand ‘threepeat’ at the 2024 Global Awards is a very real possibility. Aotearoa is bursting with talent so it’s not surprising that our rangatahi are making serious waves on the world stage.”

Submissions for the IYSFF New Zealand Nationals 2023 competition close at 11.59pm on Friday, Septembe 1. For rules, soundtracks, or to make a submission, visit www.makesilentfilm.com. To find out more about the NZ Nationals visit www.baycourt.co.nz/youth/iysff-nz-nationals 

The IYSFF NZ Nationals 2023 is proudly delivered with support from major sponsors Priority One Tauranga, Tauranga City Council, and Bay of Plenty Actors Studios, and major media partner MediaWorks.