NAVIGATORS YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL
Empowering the Next Generation of Storytellers
Navigators Youth Film Festival is an annual youth creative initiative presented by HLC – Higher Learning Collective, creating a platform for young people to discover, develop and share their voice through film.
Established in 2026, Navigators launched in Western Sydney with a full house, bringing young filmmakers, families, educators, creatives and community together for a night of film, performance and celebration.
More than a film festival, Navigators is about giving young people a genuine platform to tell stories that matter.
Through short film creation, storytelling and public screening opportunities, young people are encouraged to explore themes of identity, culture, community, purpose and personal experience, while developing confidence, communication and creative skills.
WHY NAVIGATORS?
Young people have stories worth telling.
Navigators was created from a simple belief: young people deserve opportunities to be heard.
The festival creates a space where creativity can become a tool for confidence, connection and positive expression.
Navigators aims to:
Encourage youth voice and self-expression
Develop communication and storytelling skills
Build confidence and leadership through creativity
Create pathways into film, media and creative industries
Celebrate stories created by young people
Connect schools, families, creatives and communities
Provide young filmmakers with the opportunity to see their work on the big screen
NAVIGATORS 2026
THEME: VOICE
Every Story Matters. Every Voice Counts.
Our inaugural festival brought together five finalist films from young filmmakers across Western Sydney.
The evening featured film screenings, live performances, audience voting, judging, awards and opportunities for young filmmakers to share their work with a live audience.
The response from the community was incredible, with the 2026 festival reaching full house capacity.
But this was only the beginning.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2027
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES.
Following the success of our inaugural festival, Navigators Youth Film Festival will return in 2027.
We are now preparing for the next chapter and looking forward to welcoming a new generation of young storytellers.
2027 EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Expressions of Interest for Navigators 2027 are expected to open in early 2027.
Young filmmakers, schools, youth organisations and community groups will be invited to register their interest and find out more about the 2027 festival.
Join the Navigators mailing list / Register your Interest navigatorsfilmfestival@gmail.com
2027 festival dates, theme and submission guidelines will be announced.
We honour those who navigated before us.
We support those navigating now.
And we prepare the next generation to navigate what comes next.
