Calling filmmakers of the future - it's Screen It time again!

Want to be the next big director, animator or game developer? Screen It is a great way to test your creative and research skills and showcase them on a national scale.

The filmmaking competition, run by the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is open to school-aged students enrolled in primary and secondary education around Australia. Over 160 school groups and individual entrants from around Australia have already registered to take part in this year's challenge. Registration is free, but be quick as there's only two months, or one term, left before entries close at on Friday September 17.

Screen It's young filmmakers learn about interesting topics by researching current issues such as this year's theme, The Environment. Who Cares?, which has been designed to resonate with Australian students, particularly their concern about the state of the environment and issues of global sustainability. It also coincides with the International Year of Biodiversity, declared by the United Nations.

For teachers, this is a great addition to the curriculum, developing skills in the areas of filmmaking, creative thinking, team work, research techniques and presentation tricks. ACMI makes it easy for teachers to get individual students or classes involved by providing a free Education Resources Kit, written by a team of experienced educators.

Of course, it wouldn't be a competition without great prizes (including a state-of-the-art portable projector from Mitsubishi Electric for the primary and secondary schools with the Best Overall Entries), and the rewards extend to being featured at the annual awards ceremony in Melbourne and having work showcased online and to visitors of ACMI via the Australian Mediatheque.

To find out how to enter, see the conditions of entry or to be inspired by past entries, visit the portal to all things Screen It at acmi.net.au/screenit Hurry - the environment needs you!

Get your films, animations or games in by 5pm on Friday September 17. The future of the world depends on you!