Great Film Festivals for Young Filmmakers

Posted August 27, 2018

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If you are a young filmmaker it can sometimes seem that you are just waiting to be old enough to be taken seriously. That really isn't the case anymore. With so many people producing and consuming video around the world it almost doesn't matter how old you are -- as long as the video is good and you get it in front of the right people anyone can make money and get recognition for their work.

The best place to start if you are a young filmmaker is with a film festival. While many local and regional film festivals may have an age requirement, here are some amazing, and well known, film festivals with categories just for you.

CineYouth Festival

Chicago, IL

Created in 2005, Cinema/Chicago’s CineYouth Film Festival is designed to encourage youth filmmakers in their creative endeavors. CineYouth provides opportunities for young filmmakers to articulate themselves artistically, and have their voice heard. Held annually in Chicago, CineYouth is a three-day festival celebrating and fostering the creativity of filmmakers 22 years old and younger by screening officially selected work and encouraging their creative endeavors by presenting a filmmaking workshop, discussions and panels.

Apply here.

Deadline: February 12.

LA Film Festival

Los Angeles, CA

High school shorts must be works shot, directed and produced by high school or secondary (pre-college) students. Adult supervision must be limited to an advisory capacity.

Apply here.

Deadline: February 12.

Seattle International Film Festival - Futurewave

Seattle, WA

FutureWave is the perfect way for high-school and college students to access the Festival. Many of the films are stories about youth told with a vitality and style that will be a stepping stone to exploring more extraordinary films across the Festival.

Apply here.

Deadline: March 2.

Film Now

Ambler, PA

The Film Now Festival was founded in 2015 with a mission to guide young people to the art of filmmaking. Taking inspiration from the Media Arts program at Germantown Academy, Film Now offers high school students from all over the world the chance to submit original short films to be juried by a panel of industry experts. With more than 150 submissions considered in its first two years, Film Now has succeeded in growing a diverse and talented community of filmmakers.

Apply here.

Deadline: March 11.

All American High SchoolFilm Festival

New York City, NY

The All-American High School Film Festival (AAHSFF) is the premier destination for talented high school filmmakers and media arts enthusiasts from around the world. Our Mission is to provide immersive education with a profound impact, connecting the filmmakers of the future with the rewards, respect and recognition they deserve.

We believe in the voices of our youth, we invest in the stories they have to tell, we empower young artist to share their stories and we transform their world through digital media. We believe in the voices of our youth, we invest in the stories they have to tell, we empower young artists to share their stories and transform their world through digital media.

Each year, in the heart of New York City, we present the world's largest high school film festival. We offer a grand stage for the next generation of talented filmmakers where they can: screen their amazing creations, learn from top industry professional, connect with the latest technology, explore myriad higher education opportunities, receive scholarships and technology prizes, and perhaps most importantly, create a community of shared passions and lifelong relationships. 

Apply here.

Deadline: April 15.

Know about other festivals for young video producers? Let us know in the comments.