Young filmmakers from around the region have been selected as finalists to have their original short films screened in front of a live audience with an awards presentation to follow. 

The screening of 17 films will start from 6pm and has been made free for the community to attend, thanks to ETC’s Transition To Work program, a program that helps young people aged 15 to 21 years old find their path in life. 

“Young Kempsey filmmakers have put in a particularly strong showing at this year’s festival,” Screenwave Festivals Director, Dave Horsley said. 

“The films coming out of the region have been of very high quality this year.

“It will be great to see the community come and celebrate the next generation of filmmakers,” 

REC Ya Shorts Youth Film Festival’s Kempsey screening is the culmination of over 40 in-school filmmaking workshops presented by Screenwave and Headspace Coffs Harbour across Kempsey Shire, Bellingen Shire, Clarence Valley, Nambucca Valley, Kyogle, and Coffs Harbour. 

“As a community, we owe it to our young people to do all that we can to help them find and keep a job,” ETC’s Transition To Work Program Manager Billy Unsworth said. 

“It’s great to have a film festival dedicated specifically for young people, coming out of the Mid North Coast.” 

To secure free tickets to the screening, patrons can RSVP for the free screening tour at www.recyashorts.com.au

Light refreshments will be available for purchase beforehand.

[REC] Ya Shorts Youth Film Festival shines a spotlight on young filmmakers throughout the Mid North Coast of NSW, giving young people aged 12-25 an opportunity to tell their stories, to have their voices heard, to develop as a filmmaker, to be recognised, and win some amazing prizes.

You don’t have to have made a short film before.