Qantas today announced Gracie Otto as the winner of the Film and Video category in the 2013 Spirit of Youth Awards (SOYA 365), which recognises outstanding young Australian artists.

Over a hundred participants entered SOYA 365 for a chance to win the prestigious title as well as $5,000 in cash, $5,000 in Qantas flights and a rare 12-month mentorship opportunity with internationally renowned Australian film director and twice Golden Globe Nominee Robert Luketic.

Gracie Otto is a well-known Australian film director, as well as an actor, writer and editor. She graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Film from Sydney Film School in 2006.

Since graduating Gracie has created several short films including Seamstress, La Meme Nuit and Tango Trois which have been screened at recognised international film festivals from Flickerfest in Sydney to Berlin, Palm Springs and Cannes. While working overseas Gracie created three short web-films for Francois Champsaur, a legendary French interior designer in Paris, Deauville and Marseille. Recently, Gracie made her first two-minute TVC in Australia for Westfield Fashion titled Fashion Lust.

Gracie Otto is thrilled to receive a SOYA award that recognises Australian filmmakers.

“I have worked very hard since graduating, making films to build my directing profile in Australia, Paris and Los Angeles. Winning this award is a fantastic opportunity to finance my travel to develop my films.”

“Apart from the excellent prizes, I’ve always seen SOYA as a great opportunity to get my work seen by industry professionals, peers, other creatives and the general public. I would encourage all young filmmakers to enter SOYA. Dreams do come true!”

“A mentorship with Robert Luketic is inspirational and an opportunity of a lifetime!”

Robert Luketic, whose feature film directing debut was marked by his 2001 comedy Legally Blonde,   said the standard of entries this year was extremely high and selecting a winner proved a challenging task.

“Winning SOYA will put Gracie in a position to see her really break through the industry and I look forward to working with her as she moves into the next exciting phase.”

Gracie’s current major film project is the feature documentary The Last Impresario on legendary British theatre producer and playboy Michael White which is now in post-production.

The runners up in the Film and Video category include Benjamin Dowie and Katzki, both exceptional artists. Robert Luketic urges both inspirational artists to keep developing their craft.

Now in its ninth year, SOYA 365 rewards and encourages the work of a new generation of creative talent, giving young Australians the financial and professional support they need to share their work with the world.

The new SOYA 365 hub is open for submissions with new creative categories closing every month.

For more information on SOYA 365 and Gracie Otto visit: http://www.soya.com.au/entrant/gracieotto/