Among the main objectives of the Cinewave Youth Film Festival are to identify aspiring filmmakers in the
Sri Lankan youth community, promote their abilities, introduce young creative people to enter the film
industry at the national and international level.
This film festival, which is organized annually by the National Youth Service Council.
Young filmmakers from Sri Lanka can apply for this film festival, which is judged by a recognized jury and
held as a short, documentary and AI Short film competition.
This National youth Film Festival in Sri Lanka is a grand festival held the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, where
valuable cash prizes and certificates are awarded.
As the National Youth Service Council is a state institution, this festival is a full state sponsored film festival.
🏆Awards & Prizes
Trophies and certificates are awarded for all awards
🎬 Short Film (National Competition)
- 🥇 Award for Best Film (First Prize) with cash prize of SL Rs. 150,000.00
- 🥈 Award for Best Film (Second Prize) with cash prize of SL Rs. 100,000.00
- 🥉 Award for Best Film (Third Prize) with cash prize of SL Rs. 75,000.00
🎭 Ancillary Awards for Short Film
Trophies and certificates are awarded for all ancillary awards
- 🎬 Award for the Best Young Promising Director
- 📝 Award for Best Script
- 📷 Award for Best Cinematography
- ✂️ Award for Best Editing
- 🔊 Award for Best Sound Design
- 🎭 Award for Best Young Promising Actor
- 🎭 Award for Best Young Promising Actress
- ⭐ Special Jury Award / Special Mention (If needed)
📽️ Documentary (National Competition)
- 🥇 Award for Best Film (First Prize) with cash prize of SL Rs. 150,000.00
- 🥈 Award for Best Film (Second Prize) with cash prize of SL Rs. 100,000.00
- 🥉 Award for Best Film (Third Prize) with cash prize of SL Rs. 75,000.00
🎭 Ancillary Awards for Documentary
Trophies and certificates are awarded for all ancillary awards
- 🎬 Award for the Best Young Promising Director
- 📝 Award for Best Script
- 📷 Award for Best Cinematography
- ✂️ Award for Best Editing
- 🔊 Award for Best Sound Design
- ⭐ Special Jury Award / Special Mention (If needed)
🤖 AI Short Film (National Competition)
- 🥇 Award for Best Film with cash prize of SL Rs. 50,000.00
- ⭐ Special Jury Award / Special Mention (If needed)
📋Rules & Regulations
- Applicants must be within the age limits 16-40 years. This condition is for the fields of Directing, Script-writing, Editing, Cinematography and Audio Effects and not for the Acting. However, age limits for the Best Youth Actress and Best Youth Actor awards in the Short Films category will be the same.
- Short films and documentaries in the international category are 30 minutes or less.
- Short films and AI Short films in the National category are 10 minutes or less and documentaries in the National category are 15 minutes or less.
- Films Completed between 2023 and 31 October 2025 are eligible to apply.
- All applicants must complete and submit the application form and send the downloadable link of the movie along with it.
- Deadline for submissions is 31th October 2025.
- Applicants should submit a soft copy of the film along with the application form. The photograph should be submitted in the requested quality. Completed applications along with should be submitted to the NYSCO Video Unit of Maharagama National Youth Service Council or sent by registered post.
- All films screened in the Festival will be in the Original Language with English subtitles.
⏰ Submission Deadline: 31th October 2025
💻Application Submission
🌟 Online Application Available! We encourage all applicants to use our convenient online application system for faster processing and immediate confirmation.
Complete your application online and upload your film directly through our digital platform. This is the recommended method for all submissions.
📋 Manual Application: If you prefer to fill out a manual application form, you can download the PDF version below. However, we strongly recommend using the online system for a smoother experience.
Manual forms require physical submission to NYSCO office
📍Festival Address
Cinewave Youth Film Festival
NYSCO Video Section
National Youth Services Council
No: 65, High Level Road
Maharagama, Sri Lanka
Telephone: +94112847562