Today, student filmmakers have more ways to get their films seen and recognized than ever before. Whether you're interested in environmental storytelling, innovative AI technologies, or traditional narrative film, there's a competition that fits your skill and interests. Below, I have put together a list of ten great student film contests and competitions that will help propel you into a career in filmmaking.
1. One Earth Film Festival Young Filmmakers Contest
Location: International
Program Dates: Film screenings in September 2025, potential inclusion in One Earth Film Festival April 2026
Cost: Free - no submission fees
Eligibility: Students grade 3 through 25 years of age, international submissions accepted
Deadline: May 25, 2025, at 11:59 PM CDT
This environmental storytelling contest focuses exclusively on sustainability content, requiring films that inspire solutions rather than just showcase problems. Films must be 3-8 minutes long (45 seconds minimum for animations) and cover topics like Climate, Infrastructure, Food, Transportation, Waste, Water, and Wildlife for younger students, while older participants can explore broader environmental activism themes. Winners receive cash prizes, special event screenings, and potential website features, with partner organizations offering additional $500 Environmental Activism Awards.1
2. International Short Film Contest 2025 (IIFC)
Location: India (organized by Director Vetrimaran International Institute of Film and Culture)
Program Dates: Dedicated film festival dates not specified
Cost: Not specified
Eligibility: Filmmakers from India and worldwide, first-time submissions only
Deadline: June 15, 2025
This prestigious international competition accepts 15-20 minute films and provides excellent opportunities for cultural exchange and international networking. The program features a jury of respected filmmakers who award cash prizes to first and second place winners, while all shortlisted films receive screenings at the dedicated IIFC film festival. This competition serves as an ideal transition platform for student filmmakers seeking professional recognition and international exposure.
3. International Student Film and Video Festival (ISFVF)
Location: Beijing, China (Beijing Film Academy)
Program Dates: November 2025
Cost: Not specified
Eligibility: Current students enrolled in degree programs, films maximum 40 minutes, completed from August 10, 2024
Deadline: Not specified
Operating since 2001 with official authorization from CILECT and UNESCO Chair support, this comprehensive festival offers 12 awards including Best Fiction, Best Documentary, Best Animation, and various technical categories. The competition provides exceptional international networking opportunities with students and faculty while promoting cultural exchange. Winners receive prestigious recognition that significantly enhances young filmmakers' industry career prospects through the festival's established reputation and professional connections.
4. WAVES: Young Filmmakers Challenge
Location: Part of World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit (location not specified)
Program Dates: Not specified
Cost: Not specified
Eligibility: Young creators aged 12-19 years
Deadline: Not specified
This one-of-a-kind challenge asks contestants to tell interesting stories through 60-second films, highlighting creativity, audience engagement, clarity, and impact. This opportunity embodies the essential nature of short-format storytelling that has grown in importance in our modern digital world. The challenge will have judges from the industry, educators, and the summit organizers. This contest is extremely beneficial to young, aspiring filmmakers interested in social media content creation, marketing and advertising, or careers in digital storytelling, due to the rising importance of these same skill sets in today's entertainment business.
5. Reply AI Film Festival
Location: Venice, Italy (Première event at 82nd Venice International Film Festival)
Program Dates: Coincides with Venice International Film Festival timing
Cost: No entry limits mentioned
Eligibility: Filmmakers using AI technologies in their productions
Deadline: June 2, 2025 (extended deadline)
The first competition linking artificial intelligence with video production, this extraordinary festival signifies the frontier of filmmaking technology. Top finalists will be offered the opportunity to premier their work at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival event, which is a truly unique opportunity to be showcased at one of the most recognized film festivals in the world. This competition is perfect for students interested in technology, navigating the boundaries between creativity and AI, as they will gain visibility with industry professionals working with AI within entertainment.
6. All-American High School Film Festival (AAHSFF)
Location: Global (accepts worldwide submissions)
Program Dates: Submissions open November 1, 2024
Cost: Free until March 3, 2025; small fee until June 30, 2025
Eligibility: High school age filmmakers worldwide, including recent graduates
Deadline: March 3, 2025 (free), June 30, 2025 (with fee)
Recognized as the world's largest high school-specific film festival, AAHSFF provides immersive educational experiences connecting tomorrow's filmmakers with industry recognition and respect. The festival features multiple categories including Animation, Broadcast Journalism, Sports Features, and Diversity and Social Impact. Participants gain access to scholarship opportunities, technology prizes, and lifelong networking relationships with fellow passionate filmmakers while learning from industry leaders and exploring higher education opportunities.
7. National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY)
Location: Seattle, Washington
Program Dates: April 3-6, 2025
Cost: Not specified
Eligibility: Filmmakers 24 and under
Deadline: Not specified
In its 18th year, NFFTY showcases approximately 240 short films from 31 countries and 28 states, making it one of the world's largest displays of young filmmaking talent. The four-day festival provides comprehensive professional development through masterclasses, finishing fund pitch competitions, crowdfunding workshops, and editing sessions. Notable alumni include Sean Wang (director of Dìdi) and pop sensation Chappell Roan, demonstrating the festival's ability to recognize emerging talent across creative disciplines while offering networking opportunities through opening galas and Museum of Pop Culture events.
8. Newport Beach Film Festival - Youth Film Showcase
Location: Orange County, California
Program Dates: 8-day festival (26th year, specific 2025 dates not provided)
Cost: $10 submission fee
Eligibility: Ages 18 and under, short films 10 minutes maximum
Deadline: Not specified
This major international festival's youth component integrates young filmmakers into a prestigious 8-day event featuring over 350 films, red carpet premieres, and industry seminars. The beachside California location enhances the festival experience while providing numerous interaction opportunities with audiences, filmmakers, industry professionals, and media. Unlike standalone youth contests, participants experience a full major festival environment with professionally-run Q&A sessions, gala parties, panel discussions on film technology, and international premiere content across all genres.
9. Busan International Kids and Youth Film Festival (BIKY)
Location: Busan, Korea
Program Dates: July 8-14, 2025
Cost: No submission fees
Eligibility: Young directors aged 18 years and younger
Deadline: Not specified
In its 20th year, BIKY is Korea's only youth-focused film festival, providing unparalleled international exposure through its main competition "Ready~Action!" exclusively for young filmmakers. The festival creates an age-appropriate competitive environment where young directors compete against peers rather than professionals, featuring multiple sections for different age groups. Located in Korea's second-largest city and connected to the prestigious Busan International Film Festival, BIKY offers unique cultural exchange opportunities and serves as an excellent introduction to Asian film markets.
10. CineYouth Festival
Location: Chicago, Illinois (live at Facets) with virtual streaming component
Program Dates: April 25-27 (live), April 28 - May 4 (virtual)
Cost: Not specified
Eligibility: Filmmakers 22 and under worldwide
Deadline: Not specified
CineYouth is an important movement from a student filmmaker environment to a professional industry, part of the Chicago International Film Festival. In order to allow for international reach while adding value in terms of in-person engagement, CineYouth has chosen a hybrid format with both virtual and live elements. The festival is a complete professional development experience with filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, networking receptions, and mentoring with experienced industry professionals. CineYouth's ties to one of North America's longest-running competitive film festivals provides additional access to distributors, producers and industry contacts.
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!
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