Youth Photographic Award & Short Film Prize
Samantha Yu, Dreaming, Yr 9, Ascham School
Youth Photographic Award and Short Film Prize 2026
Calling on all high school students from year 7 to year 12 in the local area, it’s time to unleash your creativity and submit a photo or short film entry to our Youth Photographic Award and Short Film Prize 2026. Our competition has been running since 1994, showcasing a broad range of images and short films from thousands of students over the years. The annual competition and exhibition, with cash prizes totalling more than $2,000, is a local celebration of creative expressions by our young and talented high school students. This year also introduces the Creative Hoardings Prize, with winners joining the 2027–2030 Creative Hoardings Program.
The Woollahra Youth Photographic Award and Short Film Prize 2026 will be exhibited at the Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf from Wednesday 26 August to Sunday 20 September 2026.
View entry conditions information(PDF, 230KB)
Enter here
Key dates
- Entries open: 22 April
- Entries close: 6 July at 4pm
- Awards Night: 26 August
- Exhibition dates: 26 August - 20 September
Categories and Prizes
Photography
Junior category (Years 7, 8, 9)
First prize: $300
Highly Commended: $150
Senior category (Years 10, 11, 12)
First prize: $300
Highly Commended: $150
Open Categories (Years 7–12)
Mayor’s Choice
First prize: $300
Highly Commended: $150
Creative Hoardings Prize
Theme: Magic
First Prize: $400
People’s Choice
Voted by the public: $150
Short Film
Open category (Years 7–12)
First Prize: $400
Highly Commended: $200
Additional Prize for all winners
Movie ticket vouchers at Ritz Cinemas
View entry conditions information(PDF, 230KB)
Enter here
Judges
Photography: Alex McClintock, Photographer and Author
Short Film: Hannah Hilliard, Director
Alex McClintock
Alex McClintock is a writer and street photographer based in Sydney. His photography has been exhibited around the world, and he has been a finalist and winner in various international street photography competitions. He is also the author of On the Chin (Text Publishing).
Hannah Hilliard
Hannah Hilliard is a multi-award-winning AFTRS directing graduate working across film, television, and commercials. Her short films have been critically acclaimed internationally, with Franswa Sharl winning the prestigious Crystal Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, Best Short Film at the Melbourne International Film Festival, and Most Popular Film at Flickerfest, before going on to receive several other accolades.
Hannah is known for her natural storytelling ability and keen eye for performance direction. She cast Mia Wasikowska and Callan McAuliffe in their early short film roles, and directed Margot Robbie in Neighbours.
As a commercials director, Hannah has worked internationally with global transmedia company @radical.media on high-profile brands including Intel, Adidas, and Dettol.
Hannah was the inaugural recipient of Screen Australia’s Director’s Acclaim Fund. She is currently developing her feature Mimesis, a sci-fi drama produced by Kristian Moliere (The Babadook) and supported by Screen Australia. Hannah is represented by RGM Artists.
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