How To Apply

Please read the guidelines below before submitting your film.

Film Length

  • Your film must be between 5:00 to 10:00 minutes in length (including credits).

  • If it creeps over… we’ll notice.

Eligibility

  • The writer and director must be aged 50 years or over.

  • At least 50% of your creative team must be aged 50 years or over. This can include cast, crew, or a mix of both.

  • The storyline must focus on the over 50s experience.

  • Films must have been completed after 1 January 2026.

Note: proof of age may be required at the discretion of the festival producers.

Creative Freedom

  • Any genre welcome: drama, comedy, documentary, experimental… surprise us.

  • Shoot on anything: phone, camera, film.

  • Non-English dialogue must be subtitled.

Original Work

  • Keep it original—your story, your voice.

  • We want to hear stories about, and from, the over 50s experience.

  • We accept Australian and International short films. 

The Spirit of the Festival

This festival exists to:

  • Champion creativity for those who’ve been in the game for eons or are late bloomers

  • Celebrate collaboration across the over 50s generation

  • Remind us that great stories don’t have an expiry date.

How To Submit

  • Upload your film to YouTube. Ensure you set it to UNLISTED.

  • Complete the application form.

  • Make sure the link and password to your unlisted film are included in your application.

  • Pay the application fee.

Submissions

  • We’ll contact all filmmakers to inform you of your status.

  • If selected, your film will only be used for the purpose of this festival.

  • If selected to screen at the festival, you’ll be required to supply promotional material such as posters, social media graphics and trailers. A 10-second non-spoiler clip from your film may be used as promo for the festival.

  • By submitting your project, you agree that you own the rights to your project and/or have received permissions of use including any music used. The festival is not liable for any copyright infringements.

  • By submitting to the festival, you agree to waiver all legal action against the festival, its organisers, venue, associates, stakeholders, families and or affiliates.

Key Dates

Entries Open: 1 July 2026

Deadline: 1 November 2026

Finalists Announced: 30 November 2026

Festival Screening: 6 December 2026

Fees

Entry Fee: $50

Prizes

The following prizes will be awarded:

  • Best Script

  • Best Director

  • Best Female Actor

  • Best Male Actor

  • Best Music Score

  • Best Set Direction

  • Best Film

Red Carpet Festival Screening

A Red Carpet Event will be held in Melbourne, Sunday 6 December 2026. Stay tuned for details!

APPLICATIONS OPEN 1 JULY 2026

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