Inspired by Australia's first film crew
Equipping the next generation of storytellers.
A short film competition for students - winners announced Term 4
Introducing the Legacy Film Comp...
A competition to celebrate emerging filmmakers.
Submissions are now open to secondary students in AU & NZ.
Format
Short Film
Max duration
3 minutes
Based on the theme
Pioneering hope
Rating suitability
G or PG
Groups from grades
7 - 12
And there's one rule...
Light must play a meaningful role in the story.
Prizes
1st Place
$2,000 equipment package
One-on-one industry mentoring
National broadcast on Wonder streaming
Trophy & press release
2nd Place
Industry mentoring
National broadcast on Wonder streaming
3rd Place
National broadcast on Wonder streaming
Most Engaged School
Masterclass from an industry pro
Streaming access to the Top 10 films nationally
Trophy & press release
Give your students a real creative challenge - one that builds confidence, critical thinking, and storytelling skills.
Just three easy steps
How it works
All registrations come with access
to the Limelight film along with
teaching resources to deepen the
experience for everyone.
1. Register
Fill out our quick Registration Form and you'll get instant access to everything you need.
For teachers:
$350 covers your first 20 entries + the documentary license + all resources. Additional entries are $20 each.
For homeschool parents:
Homeschool groups can enter with the Single Pass for $40. This covers one entry - you can buy as many as you need for the group you have. All entries include access to the film and all teaching resources.
2. Make films
Use the classroom kit, run workshops, let your students run wild.
3. Submit & celebrate
You will be given a unique link for your school that can be used to submit films. Winners will be announced in Term 4, 2026.
Free Limelight Education License
The Limelight documentary is a cinematic deep-dive into Melbourne's Limelight Department, one of the world's first film studios.
Your license includes:
12 months' free access to the film
A curated teaching resource pack to help students find their stories before they ever pick up a camera.
Plug-and-play lesson guides for English, Film/TV and Social Studies.
$149
$0
With your entry
Key Dates
Early bird pricing ends
May 30, 2026
Submissions close
October 3, 2026
Winners announced
Term 4, 2026
Brought to you by Heritage Films
We’ve been connecting great stories to audiences since 2004. Find out more about us here.
With roots in our oldest film history
The Legacy Comp is being delivered alongside the new release feature documentary Limelight
Limelight tells the extraordinary true story of Melbourne’s Limelight Department, a pioneering force in early film projection, music, and performance. Discover the film here.
Got Questions?
Find FAQs, entry guidelines, and teaching resources below or contact us.
1. Who can enter the Legacy Comp?
The competition is open to students in Years 7 to 12 from schools across Australia and New Zealand. Schools can register and enter up to 20 student films per registration, with options to add more entries. Homeschool students are also welcome to participate.
2. What are the key requirements for film entries?
Each film must be an original work (no use of AI), no longer than 3 minutes, suitable for a G or PG audience, and a visible light source must appear at least once, clearly integrated into the story. The theme for this year is “Pioneering Hope”.
Pioneering Hope invites students to explore what it means to lead change, in big or small ways, in the world around them.
This could be a story of innovation, courage, community, or simply choosing a different path when it matters most. Whether it’s grounded in local issues across Australia and New Zealand, shaped by culture, environment, or everyday life, we’re looking for films that reflect fresh thinking and a sense of possibility. There’s no single way to interpret this theme, just a chance to tell a story that moves things forward and points toward hope.
3. How does my school register and submit entries?
Teachers or school coordinators register their school via the competition portal and pay a flat fee that covers up to 20 entries. We will then provide an Education License and 12 months' access to the film as well as all the information you need to help your students create and submit their films. You will be given a unique link for your school that your students can used to submit the film. Students submit their films by uploading an unlisted YouTube link along with a transcript and release forms at the link given by the submission deadline. Films only need to be submitted once per group.
4. What prizes can students and schools win?
Prizes include:
1st Prize (Student): $2,000 professional equipment package, one-on-one mentoring with the Director of Limelight, and a trophy and press release to celebrate their win. The winner will also be featured on Wonder.watch.
2nd Prize (Student): One-on-one mentoring with the Director of Limelight + a feature on Wonder.watch.
3rd Prize (Student): Featured on Wonder.watch.
School with the most participation: Filmmaking masterclass for media students run by an industry leader, streaming access to the final 10 films, and a trophy and press release celebrating the school as a champion of creative arts.
5. Can schools participate in other ways if they don’t enter the competition?
Yes! Even schools that choose not to enter the competition can purchase the LIMELIGHT educational license and access the documentary for classroom use, providing a valuable learning resource on Australia’s pioneering film history and heritage storytelling. Get your Education License here.
6. If we use up all of our entries, can we submit more films?
Of course! You can purchase more entries by getting in touch here.