The festival will feature the work of young regional filmmakers and the screening of a timeless classic.

Headspace Bendigo community development worker Ben Keath said side activities such as street busking, an NBA 2k competition on the big screen and a taco van would complement the film festival.

“After putting the word out to young filmmakers in and around Bendigo, we have around 40 minutes of short film footage to feature in the festival,” Mr Keath said.

“We will also show STI-Mulation – a short film made by young Castlemaine filmmaker Conor Moore for Bendigo Community Health Services to get rid of the stigma and myths surrounding young people going to a sexual health clinic for an STI test.

“The film uses humour and a storyline featuring two young people who meet at a party to get the message across. It’s great.

“We are going to play a feature film as well … most likely a timeless classic.”

Mr Keath said a National Youth Week grant had allowed headspace Bendigo to host the event with City of Greater Bendigo support as a celebration of the important contribution young people make to the community.

“National Youth Week is a great way for services to show appreciation to young people living in our community,” he said.

Mr Keath said the headspace Bendigo youth group had played a major role in organising the festival.

“The National Youth Week grants from the State Government allow us to also give young people an opportunity to collaborate with services to plan and host events – it’s such a valuable experience,” he said.

The April 7 event will be hosted by headspace Bendigo from 5pm to 9pm with support from the City of Greater Bendigo.

For information go to www.yobendigo.com.au, call headspace Bendigo on 5434 5345 or visit the site at 78-80 Pall Mall in Bendigo.