The ground-breaking teen drama series More Than This has been recognised for its excellence with first prize wins in two categories at the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival.

The series won first prize by the Professional Jury in the Best Live-Action Television category, and was also awarded first prize by the Youth Jury, made up of voters aged 14-19.

The ACTF-supported animated series Space Nova was also recognised, tying for second prize by Professional Jury in the Best Animated Television category.

Now in its 39^th year, the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival is the largest children’s film festival in the world, showcasing content from over 50 countries.

The CICFF aims to set an internationally recognised standard of excellence in film and television production for children.

ACTF Head of Content Bernadette O’Mahony said: “The Chicago International Children’s Film Festival presents the highest quality, most innovative international content for kids, teens and young adults, and it is wonderful to see Australian children’s content represented with three wins. More Than This is an authentic, world-class drama series for a teen and young adult audience, written by those living it and we’re immensely proud to see it get the recognition it deserves. Space Nova is a clever series that fuels the imagination of young viewers, and we’re thrilled to see it recognised in Chicago.”

More Than This is a Baby Banksia production, produced with the assistance of Big Finish Creative, Shapeshifter Studios and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. It is produced by Charmaine Gorman and Kate Gorman and executive produced by Jason Haigh-Ellery, David Devjak and Bernadette O’Mahony. Directed by John Sheedy and Kate Gorman. Written and created by Olivia Deeble and characters created by Olivia Deeble and Luka Gracie.

Space Nova is an SLR Production for Super RTL, the NINE Network and ABC ME. The series is financed with the support of Screen Australia in association with Giggle Garage, Create NSW and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. ZDF Enterprises distributes the series worldwide (excluding ANZ). The ACTF distributes the series in Australia and New Zealand.

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