Who WE ARE
Mountain of Youth is a youth mentorship program based in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales.
Founded in 2022, we’re training the next generation of filmmakers. We support young storytellers to develop practical and creative skills, build confidence and bring their stories to life through film.
Young people. Their stories. Their films.
We are here to ensure that those stories are heard.
We believe all young people, regardless of circumstance, have unique stories, perspectives and experiences that deserve to be seen and heard. Where circumstances can create barriers, we aim to create opportunities for young people to access filmmaking, mentorship and creative expression.
We turn ideas into stories, and stories into films.
Mountain of Youth provides practical filmmaking experiences, creative mentorship and supportive spaces where young people can develop skills, explore their ideas and create stories that reflect who they are and where they come from.
What We DO
Filmmaking Workshops
Hands-on workshops introduce young people to the filmmaking process, from developing an idea and writing a script to filming, directing, costume design, editing, sound design and more.
Youth Empowerment
Our programs are designed to empower young people by building creative skills, confidence to express their ideas and connection with their community and peers, particularly for young people who may face barriers to creative opportunities.
Ongoing Opportunities
Our alumni are employed on our filmsets in entry level positions and are given ongoing work opportunities on external film productions.
Storytelling
We empower young people by helping them explore their own lived experiences, ideas and perspectives and turn them into stories that can be shared with others.
Community
We work with young people, schools and community organisations across Australia (and soon, the world) to bring filmmaking opportunities to local communities.
Mentorship
Young people work alongside professional, industry level filmmakers who provide guidance, encouragement and practical knowledge.
Want to learn more?
Watch
Our Films
SOLES (2022)
‘Soles’ is the creative product of a 6-month film mentorship program with 12 students aged 13-17 from Katoomba High School.
In Katoomba there is a myth that if you throw your shoes over the powerlines at the exact moment the train passes, a wish is granted that can bend time and space. In a desperate attempt to save their friendship, Jude and Ez call upon the power of the myth and set out to find the shoes with the most memories so they can change their fate.
Dreamlink (2023)
'DreamLink’ is the creative product of a 6-month film mentorship program with 12 students aged 14-16 from Springwood High School.
Jesse, a troubled teenager seeks solace in DreamLink, a revolutionary app merging dreams and reality that promises to connect them with the person they need the most.
QUEENSTOWN (2024)
'Queenstown’ is the creative product of a 3-month film mentorship program with 15 students aged 14-16 from Katoomba High School.
Trapped in the chaos of her family home, Jasper a withdrawn teenager is swept away by her unexpectedly wild grandmother for a night of colour, dancing and freedom, discovering a version of herself she didn’t know was there.
STILL WITH YOU (2026)
‘Still with you’ is the result of a 3 week holiday program in collaboration with the WASH house in Mt Druitt. We worked with young people aged 13-15 in Mt Druitt and Bidwill.
On Christmas Eve a recovering Father spends one fleeting night with his estranged teenage daughter.
Keep up to date
@mountainofyouthproject
