LOCALS hosts Tony Jackson and Suzanne Donisthorpe.
Sold out LOCALS Session 2024.
FILMS BY LOCALS
Now heading into its fifth year, the LOCALS Program is a flagship initiative of the Castlemaine Documentary Festival, dedicated exclusively to showcasing regional & locally made short documentaries. It provides a platform for storytellers with a meaningful connection to Central Victoria to share their unique perspectives and creative voices.
Open to filmmakers at all levels from emerging and first-time creators to established filmmakers, LOCALS invites storytellers to engage, inform, and inspire. LOCALS welcomes all documentary styles, including observational, experimental, historical, personal narratives – and hybrids of them all! Whether set in our region or exploring themes beyond, each film reflects the richness and depth of our region’s storytelling and offers audiences a powerful lens into regional life, ideas, and identity.
At the heart of the LOCALS program is a commitment to supporting authentic, creative, and community-driven storytelling. The initiative was established to provide a platform for local voices from emerging filmmakers to seasoned documentarians to share real, compelling stories that reflect the experiences, concerns, and creativity of our region.
LOCALS 2026 Submission Process
As part of the Castlemaine Documentary Festival, the LOCALS program invites individuals with a meaningful connection to Central Victoria whether they live, work, or have strong ties to the region to submit short films of up to six minutes in length. The initiative continues to serve as a platform for diverse storytelling, community engagement, and emerging talent in the documentary field.
Submission Criteria and Guidelines
- Films may be submitted in any documentary style, including observational, personal, experimental, historical, or informative non-fiction.
- The maximum duration, including titles and credits, is six minutes.
- There are no restrictions on the production year of the film.
- Rough cuts are considered eligible for submission. However, please note that ‘notes to completion’ that include the filmmakers clarity of intention, how they plan to complete the film, and the estimated final submission date are required.
However, there are a couple of exemptions:
Eligibility
To ensure fairness and uphold the integrity of the LOCALS program:
- CDoc staff and Board members who are credited as a key creative (e.g. director, producer, or writer) are not eligible for awards. However, they may participate in a technical or support capacity on other films without affecting the film’s eligibility.
- LOCALS is not a platform for advertising or commercial marketing; all submissions must align with the program’s commitment to authentic, community-focused storytelling. Sponsors are welcome to submit films, provided the content is not promotional in nature. Sponsor-submitted films will not be eligible for awards. To preserve the integrity of the program, it is essential that sponsorship does not influence the selection or programming process in any way.
Charities and community organisations may also submit films. However, these works should not function as donation appeals or fundraising tools. Submissions must prioritise storytelling over promotion to remain in the spirit of the LOCALS program.
Submissions are accepted via an online form, which requires the following materials:
- Film title and duration
- Short synopsis (under 50 words)
- Contributor and participant credits
- Filmmaker biography
- Social media handles and promotional links
- Up to five still images from the production
- Viewing link (Vimeo or YouTube)
- Confirmation of copyright ownership and screening consent
- Contact information
Final screening files are requested only after the film is shortlisted, allowing the selection panel to assess works efficiently through online viewing links rather than handling large media files at the outset.
Hear from past LOCALS participants
“Being part of the CDoc locals event in 2022 was such a positive experience. Not only was it great to have the local people I’d filmed be able to attend and see themselves on the big screen, but it was inspiring to see just how many other creative people are making work and with this event, have a chance for it to be seen publicly in such a celebratory way.”
Mitch Nirvalis
Creative Director
‘Equal the Contest’
WINNER: Audience Favourite Award
Fred & Lucy hosting Locals 2025.
“As an entrant into the Castlemaine Documentary Film Festival (CDoc) and receiving the honour of coming in third place, it has been a transformative experience for my career as a filmmaker.
Being a part of the CDoc festival has allowed me to connect with fellow filmmakers, industry professionals, and an engaged audience who share a passion for the art of documentary filmmaking. Both at viewings and industry events. The platform you provided has not only increased the visibility of my work but has also opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations. This has led to new and exciting commercial prospects locally, as well as being invited to work on bigger projects nationally in positions I could only dream of with national broadcasting and streaming services.
The festival’s commitment to celebrating and promoting documentary filmmaking has had a profound impact on my journey as a filmmaker. The feedback, support, and recognition I received from both the festival organizers and the audience have been invaluable in shaping my growth and development in this field. It truly is a wonderful experience and the invaluable platform that CDoc has provided. I look forward to continued engagement with the festival and contributing to the documentary filmmaking community.”
Fred Farquhar
Creative Co-Director
‘What make a Local?’
WINNER: Audience Favourite Award
JUDGING CRITERIA
The Judging Criteria to ensure the process is comprehensive, fair and transparent.
The Judges’ Choice Award
The Judges’ Choice Award will be given to one outstanding film that reflects excellence in the following areas:
Clarity of Vision & Storytelling
Does the film convey a clear message with a unique perspective? Is the story told in a compelling, focused, and thoughtful way?
Creative Expression & Style
How does the filmmaker utilise visuals, sound, editing, or structure to enhance the story? We value originality and inventive approaches, no matter the budget or experience level.
Connection to the Core Values of Documentary
Does the film demonstrate curiosity, care, and a genuine effort to engage with real people, places, or ideas? We’re looking for work that reflects the honesty, respect, and exploration that define documentary filmmaking.
Exemptions: Films created by CDoc staff or Board members, where they are a key creative (e.g. director, producer, or writer), will be exempt from the Judges’ Choice Award to ensure fairness and avoid any potential conflict of interest. However, films where CDoc members have participated in supporting or assisting other films (such as through technical or logistical support) will still be eligible for the award.
Recognition for Encouragement
Beyond the Judges’ Choice, we also recognise filmmakers whose work shows promise. One film will be presented with this Encouragement Award.
A film may be highlighted for encouragement if it demonstrates creative risk-taking, a strong voice, or thoughtful intent – even if the technical aspects are still developing. We want to support filmmakers who are learning, growing, and contributing to the documentary field. We also reserve the right to award a Special Mention to another film of merit.
The Audience Choice Award
The Audience Choice Award will be determined by the audience’s vote on the night of the festival. Attendees will have the opportunity to cast their vote easily using a QR code provided at the event. This award celebrates the film that resonates most with the viewers, giving them a chance to have their say in recognising their favorite documentary.
All films are eligible for this award.
Prizes and Recognition
Three awards were presented at the LOCALS 2025 screening:
- Judges’ Choice Award
- Encouragement Award
- Audience Choice Award
Audience voting is conducted via a real-time Google Form, with the winner announced at the end of the screening.
FAQs
Why don’t you want 2gb film submissions file on the entry form?
We will email you to ask you to submit the film file after we have received your submission form, viewed the link and know the film is not going to be re-edited. It’s a lot easier for our team to assess films via a link than each of us having to download large files.
Will you email me a confirmation of my submission?
Yes, we will email you within 7 days. If you haven’t heard from us within that timeframe, then assume something got lost in transit and contact us at locals@cdocff.com.au
Can you give me advice on filmmaking?
We run yearly Filmmaking Workshops to help those entering LOCALS. We can also give limited advice on your project while it’s in development/production and offer feedback on how to finesse your film, or get it down to 6-minutesin length.
Do I get free tickets if my film is selected for the screening?
Yes! We give you two complimentary tickets and invite you to say a few words about the film on the night.
Do you offer a prize for the best film?
On the night of the screening, we offer two prizes; audience choice and judge’s choice. The winners receive a DaVinci Resolve studio package, valued at $500 — but really, everyone who screens their work at LOCALS is a winner!
I have an awesome film but it’s longer than 6-minutes…
Most films look and flow better with a bit of ‘slash and burn’ – and if your film is close ‘to time’, then we can offer advice on what to cut. If your film is longer form and perfect for our Castlemaine Documentary Festival audience, then email us and we can talk about potentially screening it elsewhere in the festival.
Does the film have to have been made in the past year, as with other film festivals?
No, it can have been made any time.
I have a question that is not answered here…
No Problem, drop us an email at locals@cdocff.com.au.