How to enter

All films should be in .mp4 format, 1920 x 1080 (landscape), 25fps and submitted via the Film festivals application form.

Sound levels in films need to maintain a consistent level. Films with sound levels that are distorted or disturbing to an audience cannot be accepted. This includes children screaming and poorly recorded speech that is difficult to understand. 

Films may be selected to reflect the greater participation of submitting schools. Judges’ selections will include variety and originality, among other considerations and all decisions are final. 

The following will be considered when viewing films:

• originality 
• cinematography 
• technical elements
• design elements
• storyline 
• student performances.

Films may include action, comedy, drama, fantasy, mystery, romance, thriller, documentaries, mockumentaries, animation, stop motion and digital storytelling. 

Successful films: 

• are entertaining to a broad audience 
• are clear in their purpose, narrative and structure 
• use effective editing techniques 
• have a quality sound recording where levels are consistent, there is no feedback, distortion, or wind interference and all dialogue is clear and audible 
• are creative and collaborative. 

The department works closely with the Office of the Children's eSafety Commissioner to ensure student online safety. As part of the Digital Citizenship program, students learn how to stay safe and healthy while using digital technologies, appropriate and inappropriate online behaviour, and how to contribute online positively. All submitted films must adhere to the PG rating.

Literature Classification. Information about classification is available at What do the ratings mean?

All films require the Authority to publish form (talent release) for every student participating. Any adults who may appear in the film as 'actors' or 'supporters' must also have a signed talent release form. All forms are to be signed and provided to the school upon application.

• Authority to Film and Record Form - CApture Film Festival 2025 (PDF 248.97 KB)

All films submitted should: 

• be between 3 and 5 minutes in duration
• be age appropriate and conform to a PG rating
• be appropriate to the skill level of the participating students
• only include students’ first names in the credits
• be original works created in accordance with copyright laws
• represent the department's values and beliefs
• be created by NSW Department of Education teachers and/or students
• have a script submitted
• include a poster to advertise the film that has been made
• include the signature item ‘clip’
• have had participants sign an Authority to film and record (talent release).

In line with the greater film industry, the CApture Film Festival will accept films that incorporate AI technology. The film submission rubric that addresses the key elements of: story development, audience engagement, technical aspects and originality and authenticity remain central to the judging of all films.

With the use of AI, the CApture Film Festival judges will be looking at:

• Does AI really need to be used? 

Is there a way the audio and or visual content can be completely created by students without using generative software? If it is used, the amount of AI should be limited to where it is absolutely necessary to the project.

• Does the AI overshadow the craft? 

The creator needs to be in control of their creative project and therefore the use of AI should be carefully designed by the creator as a bespoke tool, not simply dragged and dropped from pre-generated options.

• Is it obvious that AI is being used?

Does the use of AI enhance the story and creative project in a seamless way? The best use of any technological tool in a creative project is when it goes unnoticed and adds to the story in an authentic and integrated way.

AI has limited licensing restrictions, which generally means it’s free to use in a non-commercial context such as the CApture Film Festival. It remains essential that all third party content including AI is credited in the film's credits. The name of the audio and or visual media work and the source from where it was created must be listed.

The use of AI is an exciting opportunity to explore new ways to express ideas in creative projects and the ethical responsibilities of using this technology. The CApture Film Festival judges look forward to seeing how students tell their stories using innovative and emerging technologies while remaining true to the creative process.

Use the following links to upload your film to Hightail:

• CApture.

When you upload your file into Hightail  please ensure your file is labelled correctly:  

• Media file name – Name of film.MP4
• Full name – Teacher’s name
• Email – Teacher’s email
• Message – Write the name of your school

Quick guide to uploading to Hightail

• Hightail - Quick guide for Film Festivals (PDF 227.33 KB)

All films will be assessed by a panel and marked against a marking criteria against a variety of elements including:

• Story development
• Audience engagement
• Technical aspects
• Originality and authenticity

Please see the rubric for further details of each success criteria.