2025 Categories

ANIMATION

Animation provides a whole new type of canvas from which artists can explore and alter the boundaries of storytelling. Films entered into this category can be entirely animated or can combine live action filmmaking with animation. In the latter case, note that a substantial part of the film must be animated.Traditional animation is welcomed, alongside CGI.

Films of any length can be entered into this category.
Films entered into this category can also be entered into other categories.

BRANDED CONTENT

This category is open to long-format branded films. Entries into this category must be longer than 120 seconds. Entries in the category can be any film that is highlighting a brand, such as Fashion Films, NGOs, etc.

Films entered into this category can also be entered into other categories.

CHANGING THE WORLD FRAME BY FRAME

“So how do we move forward in these uncertain times? The only answer …is to embrace more creativity.”

Advertising legend, Sir John Hegarty, created the concept of ‘Changing the world frame by frame’ over a decade ago. Originally focused on advertising’s potential for positive societal impact, this category now expands to greater dimensions, encompassing all formats.

Whether a documentary, a short-film or a commercial, we want to see films which hold a mirror up to the social and environmental preoccupations of the world today.

In the spirit of Hegarty’s words, filmmakers must embrace creativity to propose an artistic vision of the future.

Films of any nature or length can be entered into this category.

CHARITY COMMERCIAL

This category is open to films commissioned to promote public service, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), fundraising, public health, and public awareness promotions. Through compelling and compassionate storytelling, these films contribute to positive change, fostering a ripple effect of understanding and engagement in their wake.

Films of any length can be entered into this category.

COMMERCIAL

This category is open to the diverse landscape of commercials commissioned by a brand which encapsulate creative excellence. Submissions can be produced for platforms such as television, cinema, social media, or online campaigns. Eligible entries should have a maximum length of 120 seconds.

Films entered into this category can also be entered into other categories.

COMEDY

Humour has been used to sell everything from beers to beds, from peanuts to political parties… and we want to see the finest, fiercest and, of course, funniest use of comedy!

Films entered into this category can also be entered into other categories.

CREATIVE USE OF SOUND

From compelling music, to expressive use of sound effects or even an original song, this category is dedicated to the artistry of audio.

Films of any length can be entered into this category.
Films entered into this category can also be entered into other categories.

DOCUMENTARY

This category is open to directors who can use film to create an authentic representation of reality, and who use different cinematic techniques to evoke a subject. These films should seek to bring the reality of the subject closer to its audience.

Documentaries with a maximum running time of 60 minutes can be entered into this category.
Films entered into this category can also be entered into other categories.

FILM SCHOOL

This category is open to the work of students, of which there are two sub-categories based on film length:
– Up to 10 minutes
– 10 minutes and over

For submissions exceeding the 10-minute mark, an accompanying teaser, trailer or clip (5 minutes or less) must be provided which may be showcased at the winners ceremony in place of the full film.

Films entered into Film School can also be entered into other categories

MUSIC VIDEO

Music is the melody for creative expression and takes centre stage in this category. Entries must have been commissioned by an artist, management or label to promote music projects as this category is not dedicated to music driven video art or personal passion projects (please see the Passion Project and Video Art categories for this).

Films entered into this category can also be entered into other categories.

PASSION PROJECT

Personally-inspired and NOT commissioned, this category is open to young directors and/or creative teams whose passion for filmmaking shines through in their projects. The filmmaker has complete freedom to be experimental and imaginative.

Films of any length can be entered into this category.
Films entered into this category can also be entered into other categories.

SERIES

This category is dedicated to the rising art-form of the series. There are two sub-categories when entering; Best Original Series and Best Series Pilot. In both cases we want to see ingenious concepts which have been brought to life thanks to masterful direction.

SHORT FILM

The short film format is both the playground for emerging storytellers, and the stepping stone for artists to sculpt their vision.. This category is open to fiction and non-fiction films, including documentaries.

There are two sub-categories based on film length:
– Up to 10 minutes
– 10 minutes and over

For submissions over 10 minutes you MUST also supply a teaser/trailer, edited or cut version (5 minutes or less) which may be shown at the winners ceremony, in place of the full film.

Films entered into Short Film can also be entered into other categories.

SUPER SHORT (reduced entry fee)

This category is open to works that are compact and compelling. Films should not be longer than 60 seconds, therefore, content created for social media naturally falls within this category.
Although films can be branded, they should prioritise storytelling over branding.

Films entered into this category can also be entered into other categories.

VIDEO ART

The video art category is open to non-branded, purely artistic work. This work can be an independent project or can have been commissioned by a patron.

In this category, we want to see daring expressions of video art. Work should move the viewer like a painting, and realistically can be imagined as part of an art installation.

Films of any length can be entered into this category.
Films entered into this category can also be entered into other categories.

DREAMPITCH

At the centre of every good film is a great idea that has come ahead of anything else, and a truly great idea doesn’t need an essay to explain it. For this category, firstly, shape your narrative magic into a compelling LOGLINE, capturing its essence in a concise one or two sentences. Dive deeper with a SYNOPSIS, illustrating your story’s vivid journey in a maximum of 100 words.

Your Logline and Synopsis are the keys to unlocking opportunities with producers, film studios, agencies, brands, streaming platforms and fellow visionary creators. Submissions are not just pitches; they are spotlights for young storytellers to progress in the vast world of content creation. Your film pitch should include the following key, concise elements…

Logline: A brief, one or two-sentence summary that encapsulates the core concept of the film.
Synopsis: A more detailed overview of the plot and characters (no more than 100 words).
Genre: Identifying the genre (such as short film, TV show, music video, commercial etc) to help convey the intended tone and audience.
Target Audience: Describing the demographic the film aims to appeal to.
Visual Treatment**: Including visuals or mood boards to give a sense of the film’s look and feel.
Comparable Films**: Referencing successful films that share similarities to help convey market potential.
Director’s Vision**: If a director is attached, their vision for the project may be highlighted.

**optional elements

Please note, the purpose of this category is to judge an idea not a script, so your answers should be accordingly very concise. In this way, our jury can clearly and quickly understand the essence of the idea that could develop into a great film.

ADDITIONAL AWARD

PRODUCERS AWARD 2025

The Producer’s Award celebrates the production company that has contributed the most to developing young directorial talent over the last year. Any production company (excluding educational institutions) that has submitted work to any of the YDA 2025 categories will automatically be entered for the award.
The winner will then be decided based on the points awarded for entries they are credited on, across ALL their entries:
2 points for each shortlisted entry
5 points for each Silver winner
8 points for each Gold winner
10 points for the Special Jury award.

Where the same film is awarded more than once then only the highest scoring award will count towards the overall winner.
The entrant with the highest total score will be given the YDA Producer’s Award 2025.

Go to Entry Site