If you're a wannabe filmmaker who's yet to turn 25, this just might be the opportunity you've been waiting for. The Ministry of Youth Development is inviting young Kiwis to pick up a camera, make the most of summer, and enter the ID360 Short Film Competition. Open to all New Zealanders aged 12-24, ID360 gives young people the chance to tell their stories and let the country know what identity and diversity means to them.If you're a wannabe filmmaker who's yet to turn 25, this just might be the opportunity you've been waiting for. The Ministry of Youth Development is inviting young Kiwis to pick up a camera, make the most of summer, and enter the ID360 Short Film Competition. Open to all New Zealanders aged 12-24, ID360 gives young people the chance to tell their stories and let the country know what identity and diversity means to them."Over the next 10 weeks, consider making a short film about what it means to be YOU, a young person from Aotearoa/New Zealand," says Minister of Youth Affairs, Hon Nanaia Mahuta. "Everyone has an identity. All the different parts of you tell the world what you are like, what you connect with and in the end define who you are. It could be your family, your culture, your favourite sport or pastime that gives meaning to your life. Make sure you check out the website, pick up a camera and get filming!"

ID360 Short Film Competition opens on 10 December 2007 and closes on 29 February 2008. With great prizes up for grabs, young people may enter either, in teams or individually in the three age categories 12-15 years, 16-18 years and 19-24 years. Entry is free.

Fifteen short-listed films, five from each age category, will be displayed on the ID360 website from 17 March 2008. Online voting for the People's Choice Award, worth $1000, will be open until 11 April 2008.

The winners will be announced by the Minister of Youth Affairs at an awards ceremony at the New Zealand Film Archive on 21 April 2008.

For more information about ID360, including competition rules, a toolkit, tips and ideas on how to make a short film, visit the ID360 website.