LANTERN & LIGHT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – YOUTH
A festival of films made by young people aged 6-25
11th-13th September 2026
“Giving voice to our children for their future”
SUBMIT YOUR FILM
CALLING ALL YOUNG FILMMAKERS
SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW OPEN
Submissions open for the prestigious 2026 Lantern & Light International Youth Film Festival. A festival of films MADE BY YOUNG PEOPLE.
This is a showcase of young filmmakers under 25 years of age from around the globe with prizes in many categories, including the LANTERN & LIGHT GRAND PRIX AWARD for BEST SHORT FILM.
We’d love to see your work. Share it by submitting via FILMFREEWAY, LLICFF official submission platform.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
Early deadline for short films in all categories
31st May 2026
Final deadline for short films in all categories
23rd August 2026
FESTIVAL ON THE BIG SCREEN
SCREENINGS
12th-14th September 2025
POP-UP TELEVISION AWARDS CEREMONY – Yarra Life TV and Rapa LLICFF channel
16th September 7PM 2025
LLICFF MAJOR AWARDS
LLIYFF – NEXT WAVE award Under 12
LLIYFF – NEXT WAVE award 12 – 18
LLIYFF – NEXT WAVE award 18 – 25
BABA DESI AWARD for BEST ANIMATION
JOBY award for BEST DOCUMENTARY
CAMEL HUMP & CROW – SCREENPLAY AWARD
BENDIGO BANK – FILM IN SCHOOLS AWARD
LLIYFF STUDENT JURY AWARD
LLIYFF BEST PERFORMER AWARD
PRODUCER’S CHOICE AWARD
LLIYFF RUNNER-UP GRAND PRIX AWARD
LLIYFF GRAND PRIX AWARD
CATEGORIES & OTHER AWARDS
The Lantern & Light Trophy awarded for each of the following:
GOLDEN FLAME AWARD
LLIYFF GOLDEN FLAME AWARD. This category is our only category for professional filmmakers working with young people. Either helping them make films, or helping to bring to light the needs of young people – that is inspirational and inclusive? The motto of the LLICFF is GIVING VOICE TO OUR CHILDREN FOR THEIR FUTURE, so if you are a filmmaker working with young people, we want to hear from you. Gain recognition of your work. Contact us and submit your work to be eligible for the prestigious Golden Flame Award.
NO BULLIES HERE
SPECIAL CATEGORY THEME
NO BULLIES HERE – This is a special LLIYFF category for individuals and schools that can choose to use this as their film’s theme. There is no obligation to do so, entries will be accepted for all concepts. However bullying is not nice and you might have a creative idea that can unveil some of the issues around bullying.
NO BULLIES HERE
Imagine there were no bullies anywhere!
Have you had an experience about bullying? Have you or one of you friends been bullied? This is an opportunity to make a film and tell your story so that others can understand.
And…your film could be seen on the BIG SCREEN and even win the SPECIAL LIGHT AWARD ‘NO BULLIES HERE’ prize and be seen around the world.
Use your imagination to place it in your story somehow.
Oh, and the film must be under 15 minutes in length.
