These days we see that teenagers or youth in general are more attracted towards creative work which involves filmmaking as well, there are a lot of young people trying to make their name in this field. From brief dramas and personal documentaries to offbeat animations, teenagers are grabbing cameras to create meaningful content and express their views to the world. What's better than that?. There are great international film festivals now that actually need to see what young filmmakers have to offer. These festivals are a great place to show what you got, get feedback from people who have done good work in filmmaking and make connections with same minded people from around the globe.
1. All American High School Film Festival (AAHSFF)
Location: New York, USA
Program Dates: October 18–20, 2025
Cost: $25–$50
Eligibility: Ages 13–19
Deadline: July 15, 2025
One of the largest and most recognized youth film festivals in the world, AAHSFF includes finalist screenings in Times Square and has panels with award-winning filmmakers. Genres include comedy, drama, PSA, animation, and more. Finalists also have access to scholarships and networking events with college representatives and media professionals.
2. Giffoni Film Festival – GEX Doc
Location: Giffoni Valle Piana, Italy
Program Dates: July 18–27, 2025
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Ages 10–19
Deadline: April 30, 2025
This legendary Italian festival reunites young filmmakers and judges from all over the world. GEX Doc emphasizes social or environmental documentaries. Participants take part in workshops, screening, and cultural exchange while discovering southern Italy's film culture.
3. National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY)
Location: Seattle, USA
Program Dates: October 2025
Cost: $30
Eligibility: Under age 24 (high school students encouraged)
Deadline: May 31, 2025
This is one of the biggest youth film festivals in the world. Young filmmakers are featured in competitions such as shorts, experimental features, and documentaries. The festival also will provide mentorship for these young creators.
4. FutureWave Shorts – Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF)
Location: Seattle, USA
Program Dates: May 2025
Cost: $15
Eligibility: Ages 13–18
Deadline: February 15, 2025
An intensive youth division of the larger Seattle International Film Festival, FutureWave presents high school student films during the main SIFF event. Innovative, socially conscious, and emotionally engaging work is prioritized.
5. Cinemagic Young Filmmaker Competition
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
Program Dates: October 2025
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Ages 4–25
Deadline: August 2025 (TBA)
This global competition is organized under the Cinemagic Film Festival and accepts submissions from a wide age group. Students in high school can submit short narrative, animated, or documentary work. The winners are offered an invitation to the Belfast screening and access to career development workshops.
6. Schlingel International Film Festival
Location: Chemnitz, Germany
Program Dates: October 5–12, 2025
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Under 18
Deadline: June 2025
This film festival for young people in Europe features shorts and feature films from student filmmakers. With submissions from more than 30 nations, Schlingel is a wonderful site for cross-cultural interaction. The participants can be present at Q&As, interact with other directors, and attend international workshops.
7. Wildlife Conservation Film Festival – Youth Video Competition
Location: New York City, USA & Online
Program Dates: October 2025
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students
Deadline: August 1, 2025
This festival is global and it focuses on wildlife, climate change, and conservation. High school filmmakers have to create short films or animations that raise awareness. Selected entries are screened both in-person and online.
8. Toronto Youth Shorts
Location: Toronto, Canada
Program Dates: August 2025
Cost: $15 CAD
Eligibility: Under 19
Deadline: May 2025
This is a festival limited to Toronto only where youth filmmakers submit their work and this helps spread awareness and also works as an entertainment thing. Filmmakers are invited to participate in public screenings and receive constructive jury feedback. It’s an ideal entry point for Canadian and international high school students.
9. Reel Youth Film Festival
Location: Touring (Canada & International)
Program Dates: Year-round
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Ages 10–19
Deadline: May 31, 2025
This program gathers or collects films from around the world and then use these films to screen them in festivals. Topics range from personal stories to social issues. Its hybrid in-person and digital model ensures wide exposure across different communities.
10. Fresh International Film Festival – Ireland’s Young Filmmaker Awards
Location: Limerick, Ireland
Program Dates: March 2026
Cost: €15
Eligibility: Ages 7–18
Deadline: January 2026
This is an event that is about creators submitting their work, and it is then judged by professional filmmakers and educators. The finalists of the event will go to Limerick for live screening and award ceremonies. This is very prestigious and good for any teen looking for a good experience.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE Research helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!
Read More