QUEENSLAND’S next generation of filmmakers is preparing to roll out the red carpet, with talented high school students from across the State earning nominations for the inaugural Essential Screen Skills Awards in Brisbane next week.
More than 100 submissions from aspiring filmmakers in Years 10 to 12 have produced 22 nominees representing 14 high schools across Queensland, with students from Ipswich, Logan, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Mackay and Cairns among those recognised.
The inaugural Essential Screen Skills (ESS) Awards, held on November 13 and 14, will celebrate the creativity, technical expertise and storytelling abilities of young Queenslanders hoping to make their mark on Australia’s growing screen industry.
Among the emerging stars is Ripley Valley State Secondary College student Joseph Tsg, whose animated production Haunted House has earned a nomination for Best Animation.
The awards will recognise excellence across eight filmmaking categories, including Best Film, Direction, Editing, Cinematography, Performance, Production Design, Sound and Animation.
Essential Screen Skills Director Laura Clelland said the overwhelming response to the inaugural awards demonstrated the depth of young filmmaking talent across Queensland.
“We are excited to launch the Essential Screen Skills Awards, championing the next generation of talented filmmakers from across Queensland,” Ms Clelland said.
Judging panels feature experienced directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, casting specialists and animators.
The celebrations have already delivered success for Ipswich, with Bremer State High School student Charlotte Frelicot named the 2026 Screen and Media Gateway Student of the Year.
