The Transport Accident Commission has reopened entries for its annual Split Second Competition, inviting young Victorians to use their creativity to highlight the dangers of risky behaviour on the roads.
Now in its seventh year, the competition calls for short films that capture how a single moment’s decision can have devastating consequences. It’s open to creators aged 18 to 30, with two winners to be selected to bring their ideas to life through mentorship with Truce Films and creative agency TABOO. Each will receive a $45,000 production budget and a $5,000 cash prize.
The initiative includes the Multicultural Youth Prize, which gives young people from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to share their perspective on road safety. Indonesian international student Olivia Hartanto, who won the inaugural prize, said the experience was transformative.
“It was eye-opening to learn all the steps in the creative process. Taboo and Truce Films taught me the inner workings of the industry before I stepped into it. I learned how the professionals work,” Olivia said.
For her, the journey was as personal as it was professional. Her winning short film, Captain Buckle, shone a light on seatbelt safety—a simple act still ignored too often on Victorian roads. TAC data shows that around a quarter of young drivers and passengers killed in the past decade were not wearing a seatbelt.
“When I first arrived in Australia, I always forgot to wear my seatbelt. When I was in the backseat, the driver always told me off. So I think that’s where it started!” she said.
The competition also boosted her confidence as she began her career in animation.
“Entering the industry, I was intimidated! I was a newbie and I don’t know what was going on. But I learned everyone is friendly and they loved my work, so I gained so much confidence,” Olivia said.
Winning the Multicultural Youth Prize was also a moment of pride and affirmation.
“It felt really good to win! As an international student, I feel I can achieve as much as anyone else living in Australia!” she said.
Her message to this year’s entrants is simple: take the leap.
“If you are creative, you should do it. You will learn from the best in the business!”
Entries for the 2025 Split Second Competition close on 9 November. More information is available here.
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