Submissions Open: 14^th Student Greek Film Festival

Submissions Open: 14^th Student Greek Film Festival

The 14th Greek Student Film Festival is now inviting Expressions of Interest from primary and secondary school students across Victoria to take part in one of Australia’s most unique student filmmaking competitions.

Presented as part of the 31st Greek Film Festival, the competition encourages students to explore storytelling through film while celebrating the Greek language in creative, imaginative and meaningful ways.

Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, storyteller, animator or simply have a great idea to share, this is your opportunity to collaborate, think creatively and bring your vision to life.

The competition is proudly presented by the Greek Film Festival, Greek Community of Melbourne, Education Office of the Consulate General of Greece in Melbourne, Victorian Department of Education, and the Modern Greek Teachers’ Association of Victoria. Selected films will premiere on the closing day of the 31st Greek Film Festival at Palace Cinema Como, where students, teachers, families and the wider community will come together to celebrate their achievements.

2026 Theme: Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming part of our everyday lives. It can help us learn, solve problems, create art, write stories and even make decisions. As AI continues to evolve, however, it also raises important questions about creativity, ethics, human connection and the future.

This year’s challenge invites students to create a short film in Greek exploring the theme of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Your film might be funny, emotional, adventurous, futuristic or thought-provoking. Whether you choose fiction, documentary or animation, we’re looking for original stories and fresh ideas.

Looking for inspiration?

Consider questions such as:

• What would happen if AI became your best friend?
• Could a robot understand human emotions?
• How might AI change schools, families or everyday life?
• Can machines be creative?
• What responsibilities come with creating intelligent technology?
• Imagine a future where AI makes every decision, or one where it suddenly disappears.
• How can humans and AI work together for good?

There are no right or wrong answers. We encourage students to think boldly, ask questions and tell original stories using both their imagination and the Greek language.

Competition Guidelines

Students may submit a film in one of the following categories:

• Short Fiction
• Documentary
• Animation

Films must:

• Be no longer than 5 minutes, including credits.
• Be primarily spoken in Greek.
• Include this year’s signature item: a pot plant. It can be central to the story or simply appear in the background—how you use it is entirely up to you.
• Be produced in MOV or MP4 format, HD 16:9.
• Be original work that does not infringe copyright.
• Include the participating school and student names in the closing credits.

Competition Categories

The competition is open to:

• Primary School students
• Secondary School students

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place in each category, along with the Audience Choice Award, which will be voted on live during the festival screening.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be assessed on:

• Creativity and imagination
• Effective use of the Greek language
• Originality of concept and storytelling
• Technical quality, including cinematography, editing and sound

Important Dates

Expression of Interest closes:
Friday, 21 August 2026

Final film submissions close:
Friday, 11 September 2026

How to Submit

Schools, classes and student groups wishing to participate are invited to submit an Expression of Interest by Friday, 21 August 2026.

Completed films should then be submitted via WeTransfer or MyAirBridge to:

Antonia Tsamis
📧 antonia@greekcommunity.com.au
📞 (03) 9662 2722

Parent Consent

A completed Parent/Guardian Consent Form must be provided for every participating student before entries can be accepted. The consent form authorises the screening and promotional use of the films across Greek Film Festival, Greek Community of Melbourne and associated educational platforms.

Relevant Documents

• Parental Consent Form
• Poster - 14th Student Film Festival