2019’s National Youth Film Awards (NYFA) announced its nominees on 9 June 2019, with many films diving into controversial topics such as public nudity, sugar dating, and pitfalls of being a social media celebrity. Others took to exploring the intricate complexities of familial versus personal identity, as well as Singaporean experiences such as National Service. NYFA saw 446 unique submissions this year, and a record number of 303 submissions were received in the Media Student category, an increase of close to 20% from 2018.

Furthermore, several award-winning directors are returning to participate in NYFA, such as Shoki Lin and Jerrold Chong, who are past NYFA winners.

“The subject matters our youth filmmakers have chosen to portray reflects the Gen Z and millennial mindset with themes that are current and tackles a search for identity. This is truly exciting as it reaffirms NYFA as a safe place that encourages youths to pursue their passions and to tell stories that they want the world to hear,” says Goh Kok Wee, Executive Director at *SCAPE.

Currently in its fifth year, NYFA also announced its refreshed award categories this year, along with a new National Youth Inspiration Award which was awarded to Nicole Midori Woodford, a Singaporean director, writer and editor. Shortlisted entries from the Media Student and Open Youth categories will each compete for 10 different awards, with Best Overall School unique to the Media Student category. Additionally, both categories will also be judged for Best Actor and Best Actress.