Calling all aspiring filmakers: TAC launches 2025 Split Second Competition with bumper budget boost – deadline Sunday, 9 November

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is offering young Victorians the chance to make a life-saving difference, with its Split Second Competition returning to inspire young people to play a role in reducing road trauma.

In its seventh year, the initiative is designed to engage young creatives aged 18-30, calling for compelling short films that capture the devastating consequences of a split-second decision on the roads.

The competition is open to filmmakers and content creators, with two winning entries each receiving a $5,000 cash prize, while a budget of $45,000 is allocated to produce each winning film. The two winners will also receive mentorship from Truce Films and creative agency TABOO.

For the second year, one of the winners will be selected from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background, ensuring road safety messages resonate across Victoria’s multicultural communities.

Last year’s winners were Olivia Hartanto (above left), the competition’s first CALD winner and Rhys Delios-Callanan (right).

Entrants are asked to focus on one of two risky behaviours: low-level speeding or not wearing a seatbelt – both behaviours that disproportionately affect young drivers and passengers.

Speeding – a new theme for this year – is a major factor contributing to trauma on Victorian roads, even at lower levels. Approximately 25 per cent of deaths and serious injuries on our roads involve people travelling 1-10 km/h over the limit. TAC research shows that people aged 18-25 are most likely to exceed the speed limit by 10km/h.

Seatbelts are a focus of the competition for the second consecutive year, with road trauma data showing around a quarter of young drivers and passengers killed on the roads in the past decade were not wearing a seatbelt.

“By engaging young filmmakers and content creators, we’re inviting fresh, authentic perspectives that can shift attitudes and save lives. We’re especially proud to continue highlighting voices of multicultural creatives, ensuring our messages reach and reflect the diversity of young Victorians” says TAC Chief Executive Officer, Tracey Slatter.

Last year Hartanto showcased the power of seatbelts, with her film featuring seatbelt wielding superhero ‘Captain Buckle’.

Says Hartanto: “Split Second gave me the chance to tell a story that felt personal and powerful. It was a huge step forward in my creative journey – and knowing it could help save lives made it even more meaningful.”

Delios-Callanan’s short film, ‘Fashionably Late’ took a nostalgic nod to the simple days of the horse-and-carriage era to highlight the dangers of driving tired.

Says Delios-Callanan: “The competition was a great experience. It challenged me to think differently, work with industry mentors, and create something that really mattered. It’s opened doors I never expected.”

If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, emerging creative, or social media whiz who wants to make a difference to the lives of young Victorians, visit www.splitsecond.au to learn more.

Aspiring filmmakers and emerging creatives who want to make a difference to the lives of young Victorians, are encouraged to visit tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety/split-second. Competition entries close at 11.59pm, 9 November. 

Previous winners:

2023: ‘Gadgets’ by Sati Ocal

2021: ‘To Die For’ by Felix Barnett

2020: ‘A Trial Before The King’ by Alex Lowe