We are BACK and celebrating our 5th Anniversary!

Big Dreams Youth Film Festival is an annual film festival exclusively for New Jersey students in Grades 1 through 12! Selected films will screen at our 5th Annual Big Dreams Youth Film Festival at the James Ward Mansion in Westfield, NJ on May 7, 2022.

Join us for the full red carpet treatment! You'll be treated like a bonafide celebrity at a real-life mansion in the heart of downtown Westfield, NJ.
You'll get to pose on the red carpet, interview with our media correspondents, enjoy a talkback with your fans, and take advantage of our open (juice and soda) and popcorn bars!

Click here for a video recap: https://vimeo.com/315481909
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Are you a New Jersey student? Do you have a story to tell? Share it with us!

Submissions are FREE, FREE, FREE!

Parents and/or teachers may submit on the behalf of students. All contact will be conducted with whomever submits the film.

PLEASE BE CERTAIN TO CHECK YOUR E-MAIL. This is how festival directors will communicate with all accepted filmmakers.

**This festival is for students in New Jersey, USA ONLY! Applicants must submit to ONE category only. All others will be disqualified.

For more information, follow our website at https://www.bigdreamsandsilverscreens.org/youth-festival.

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COVID-19 FAQS
For the safety of our children, we request that all attendees be vaccinated and/or masked. Should things change in the months leading up to the event, we will make the appropriate adjustments. We will continue to monitor the situation and the CDC's guidance.

All selected filmmakers will receive a live screening of their film at the James Ward Mansion, a OFFICIAL SELECTION laurel, and a $5 gift certificate to Selfie Stations NJ!

Grand prize winners will also receive a trophy for their accomplishments in the categories listed below.

Eligible students: Grades 1-12. Must be a resident of New Jersey, USA.*.

**This festival is for students in New Jersey, USA ONLY! Applicants must submit to ONLY ONE category. All others will be disqualified.

Films must be under 15 minutes in length.

Movies may be filmed on a smartphone, digital camera, camcorder, or other device.

NO foul language, violence, or sexual content. - Applicants who ignore these requirements will be disqualified.

Deadline: No films will be accepted after April 1, 2022.

By submitting through our FilmFreeway platform, parental consent is implied. Links to YouTube or Vimeo will be accepted.

Hi Res digital files only - we will not request a DVD or Blu Ray for submission or acceptance.

**Parents and/or teachers may submit on the behalf of students. All contact will be conducted with whomever submits the film.

PLEASE BE CERTAIN TO CHECK YOUR E-MAIL. This is how festival directors will communicate with all accepted filmmakers.

Submissions to this festival are free however, selected filmmakers will be required to purchase a ticket to attend.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Cephace Zakayo

    All is Good, Thanks for this festival hope to be here next time.

    June 2021
  • Chris Cullen

    Love this festival, they always do an amazing job and support the students so much. Will submit again next season.

    May 2019
  • The festival was awesome!!!! There was a red carpet, interviews, and free popcorn!!!!

    June 2018
  • Carli Platt

    Great Festival for NJ kids! Nice venue, good screening, with professional projection and sound. Well organized, with red carpet interviews and photos.

    May 2018
  • JAMES DOWD

    Awesome fest. Kids enjoyed it. Can’t wait until next year.

    May 2018