BBFF25 Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year

The Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year Competition has been part of the Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF) since 2007, and it continues to shine a light on the voices of tomorrow. Each year, the competition gives emerging filmmakers a platform to share their vision and be recognised for their talent, passion, and fresh ideas. For 2025, BBFF will showcase the top 10 finalists, all under the age of 25. These young creatives bring a mix of skill, energy, and originality to their work, offering audiences a glimpse into the future of Australian cinema. Their films tell diverse and powerful stories - each one shaped by the unique perspective of its creator and the creativity that thrives in our film community. The 2025 nominees include A Hundred Bucks by Tallulah Louis Remond-Stephen, Consume by Aliyah Knight, In The Cold Of The Sun by Cleo Helena Baldwin, Lateral by Max Cadzow-Smith and Hugo Parrish, and Mother Tongue by Lavanya Wickramasinghe. Joining them are Say by Chloe Kemp, Snap by Lily Lunder and Koko Crozier, The Mediator by Roman Anastasios, The Tinsel Years by Milla Rovere, The Wake by Tadji Ulrich, and Wake by Luca Ferraiuolo. Together, these films reflect a wide spectrum of voices and styles - from sharp-edged drama to playful experimentation - united by the courage of young filmmakers eager to test the boundaries of story and form. With many nominees attending in person to share their perspectives, this screening offers a rare and inspiring opportunity to encounter the next generation of cinematic storytellers. It’s a celebration of emerging talent, bold ideas, and the future of film. Don’t miss your chance to see these stories first.