The Westall Festival

International Film and Animation Competition Official Rules

1. General Overview

This competition invites students to produce a short film or animated piece that re-creates a documented UFO incident occurring in or before the occurrence of the Westall Incident of April 1966. The intention is to highlight the lead up of incidents prior to the occurrence of the Westall incident, with the intention of engaging the wider public fregarding the UFO / UAP reality, the involvement of serious research into the phenomenon, and to acknowledge the impact on witnesses. The work must explore the chosen event creatively, while remaining respectful to its original context and sources.

2. Entry Requirements

  • Duration: Each film must be no longer than 8 minutes, including opening and closing credits.

  • Format: Submissions may be live-action, animation, or a hybrid of both.

  • Participants: Must be enrolled students in a relevant tertiary education course such as: film and media production, animation and motion graphics, documentary filmmaking, cinematography and visual storytelling.

3. Content Criteria

  • Historical Focus: The film must depict a real UFO incident that took place on or before the anniversary of the Westall incident, April, 1966.

  • Eyewitness Component: The narrative must involve two or more witnesses to the event.

  • Documentation Preference: Incidents that involve official records, military or police reports, or scientific commentary are preferred.

  • Tone: Entries may be dramatised but should avoid parody or satire. Respectful interpretations are essential.

4. Research and Sources

Entrants are encouraged to consult respected international authors and researchers for context and inspiration, including:

  • Jacques Vallee

  • J. Allen Hynek

  • Stanton Friedman

  • Keith Basterfield

  • Moira McGhee

  • Jenny Randles

  • Leslie Kean

  • Diana Walsh Pasulka

  • Paul Stonehill

  • Donald Kehoe

  • Carol and Jim Lorenzen

  • Edward J. Ruppelt

  • Richard Dolan

  • Grant Cameron

Use of published books, interviews, and documented case studies is recommended. Proper acknowledgment of sources should be included in the credits.

5. Submission Guidelines

  • File Format: MP4, MOV, or other standard video formats.

  • Resolution: Minimum 720p.

  • Language: English or with English subtitles.

  • Deadline: 30 October 2025.

  • Submission Platform: [Insert platform/link].

6. Judging Criteria

  • Historical Accuracy and Research (30%)

  • Creativity and Storytelling (25%)

  • Technical Execution (20%)

  • Emotional/Intellectual Impact (15%)

  • Adherence to Theme & Rules (10%)

7. Disqualification Grounds

  • Exceeding the time limit.

  • Focusing on events after 1966.

  • Lacking multiple witnesses or using purely fictional cases.

  • Misrepresentation or disrespectful portrayal of real individuals.

  • Infringing copyrighted material.

8. Awards & Recognition

Awards will be presented in categories such as:

  • Best Animation

  • Best Research Integration

  • Audience Choice

  • Judges Choice

Finalists will be screened at the Westall 60th Anniversary celebration and featured on [Insert platform].
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