A SOUTH-EAST Queensland film festival is helping to bring to light the views of young people on important environmental issues.
Entry is now open for the 2020 Cicada Film Festival, which allows people up to the age of 24 create short films about a local environmental issue important to them.
Started by the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland Bayside Branch in 2011, the festival has attracted films on topics from Toondah Harbour at Cleveland to eco-friendly travelling.
Branch spokeman Steve Homewood said young people had the most at stake in the actions and decisions of today so it was important their views were heard.
"Cicadas are small but noisy and we want youth to be make a lot of noise about the environment," said Mr Homewood said.
The festival encouraged Queensland youth to join the chorus of young voices speaking out for the environment, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, and Victorian students Harriet O'Shea Carre, Milou Albrecht and Callum Neilson-Bridgfoot, who were instrumental in the climate strike movement.
The festival has two themes, oceans and general. People can enter in the under 14 or open (14 to 24) age group.
More than $4000 in cash prizes is up for grabs.
Films are judged by a panel, including the 2019 winners.
They must be under three minutes long and focus on a south-east Queensland environmental issue.
Entries close on Threatened Species Day - the day the last Tasmania tiger died in a Hobart Zoo - September 7.
Winners will be announced on Friday, October 30.