Young filmmakers from the Ranges Academy of Performing Arts (RAPA) Inc. are stepping into the spotlight this month as the Lantern and Light International Children’s Film Festival (LLICFF) returns to Belgrave’s Cameo Cinemas on Saturday 13 and Monday 15 September.
The festival, now in its seventh year, celebrates storytelling through the eyes of young people, with short films created by emerging filmmakers from the hills, across Victoria and around the globe, among them are a group of talented local youth who have worked for months to bring their stories to the big screen.
Rebecca Gillett, the 16-year-old student at Mater Christi, has created her third film, ‘A Date With Time’, which follows two boys who discover a time machine, until their past selves show up.
“It’s my best work so far,” she said.
After joining RAPA on a whim with a friend, she quickly realised how much she enjoyed the process.
Her earlier film, Karma, explored the pain of friendship breakdowns.
“Most of the time I create it not really knowing what the deeper meaning is, until after I watch it,” she said.
“Then it all makes sense.”
As well as creating her own work, Rebecca has supported four other student films behind the scenes and will also take part in RAPA’s live Pop-Up TV Studio, streaming interviews and festival coverage throughout the weekend.
She’s already developing a new dystopian concept for her next film.
“I like the challenge of creating something that hasn’t been made before,” she said.
For director Maeve Hepburn, her first film ‘Alienated’ is deeply personal.
Now 16, Maeve returned to RAPA after a few years away, inspired by friends and a longing to reconnect creatively.
Her film centres on the experience of growing up non-verbal and the difficulty of connecting with others.
“I didn’t talk to anyone until I was about eight years old when I started RAPA,” she said.
“So it was really important that my film showed that.”
Coming back felt like a homecoming.
“When I first joined, I was still finding myself, but now I feel like I’m fully developed in who I am.” she said.
A highlight for Maeve was working with the lead actor in her film, someone she had acted with eight years ago.
“They just brought it to life,” she said.
Maeve said she sees herself continuing in the film industry, particularly in directing.
Her next idea aims to explore the harmful beauty standards placed on young girls.
“I’d like to talk about the image we’re creating for young girls,” she said.
For 19-year-old Jeremy Doyle, his film ‘Beast’ is a magical reimagining of Beauty and the Beast with a unique twist.
Jeremy plays two characters: Johnny, a cafe worker, and the Beast himself.
The story begins in a vintage-style cafe and gradually transforms into a Judy Garland-inspired Hollywood musical.
The film was partly shot at Proserpina Bakehouse in Sassafras, where Jeremy also works.
The experience for him has been “very fun”.
Jeremy has been part of RAPA since he was a child and is also involved in the senior performance ensemble.
While he’s passionate about the stage and dreams of Broadway, this was his first time creating a film.
“Yes, I enjoy making films,” he said. “It’s exciting.”
Behind the scenes of the festival is mentor and producer Mary Salem, one of the founding members of RAPA.
She helped establish the organisation in 2016 as a not-for-profit committed to youth creative development.
“Our motto is giving voice for our children, for their future,” she said.
“There’s just nothing like this film festival.”
Over the years, she’s watched students grow in confidence, creativity, and leadership.
“They support each other and evolve together. It gives them entrepreneurial skills and a voice. It’s quite remarkable.” Ms Salem said.
She said the festival regularly receives over 100 short film submissions each year, with about 50 selected for screening across the weekend.
The judging process includes a youth jury, often made up of local and international young people with an eye for storytelling.
“We get films from across Victoria, Mansfield, Kew, as well as international entries from China, Japan, Ukraine and the US,” she said.
“But regionally, we have some incredible young voices.”
Mary said it was essential for the community to show up and support the festival. “They need to feel held and supported,” she said. “This is a regional festival, and it belongs to the community. Everyone should come.”
This year’s screenings at Cameo Cinemas will include international entries, animated shorts, student-led productions, and the highly anticipated RAPA film showcase.
The weekend also features live streamed Q and As’, interviews from RAPA’s Pop-Up TV Studio, and the announcement of award winners across a range of categories.
Tickets and more information are available at: www.cameocinemas.com.au/events/lantern-light-international-childrens-film-festival-2025
Whether it’s a story about time travel, growing up in silence, or a modern take on a fairytale, this year’s festival is packed with raw talent, powerful voices, and boundless imagination – all from the next generation of filmmakers.
