Youth Film finalists 2026
This year’s Youth Showcase brings together stories, ideas and perspectives from young filmmakers, and gives them the chance to see their work on the big screen.
Dubiety (G)
Directed by Jude Caudeville. A struggling poet, shattered by a coworker's casual ridicule, must confront the physical manifestations of his own creative doubt before they destroy his art completely.
I Think, (PG suicide references)
Directed by Gracie Moodie and Jupiter Horo. A unique look into 15-year-old Theo’s life as he comes to terms with his transgender identity. It explores Theo’s struggles with both himself and his peers, asking audiences to recognise the value of family over "fitting in” and what empathy looks like even when we don’t understand other people's experiences.
Paperclips (G)
Directed by Gracie Moodie. A short LGBTQIA+ focused film that explores what self-acceptance means through the lens of two teenage girls. Told completely through the setting of the school bus stop, Paperclips urges audiences to not only spread kindness and understanding, but choose kindness and understanding for themselves.
Skip (G)
Directed by Kayla Cache and Jemima Park. When a teenage girl gains the power to skip the moments she doesn’t want to face, she fast-forwards through her life and misses everything that truly matters.
The Time Elevator (G)
Directed by Neil Lin. A LEGO animation about protecting the environment and caring for our planet. The story shows how small actions can make a big difference and encourages everyone to work together to keep the Earth clean, healthy, and green.
Trash (G)
Directed by Charlotte Swain. A simple rubbish collection turns into an unexpected lesson in friendship, responsibility, and looking after the world around us.
Trash Pickup Day (G)
Directed by Sadra Fathi Loshani. Three kids — James, Thomas, and Carlos — decided one day to help the environment by picking up trash in a nearby area.
Bonus Watch
These two films, Fishy Business and The Party Invitation, came out of a recent Youth Filmmaking Workshop and are heading to the Misty Flicks screen. Directed by Sadra Fathi Loshani, they’re included in this year's Youth Film Showcase screening.
