The Aster Film Festival celebrates and connects emerging U.S. student filmmakers. We welcome submissions from students from the U.S. across various disciplines, including narrative, documentary, animation, and experimental films, with a runtime of under 20 minutes.

Our two-day festival, held in-person in the vibrant community of Ithaca, NY, is curated by a dedicated team of Cornell University students. Films are carefully selected for screening, and a panel of non-student judges evaluates each submission, awarding the top films in their respective categories.

Awards & Prizes

1st place (per category): $200

Best Narrative
Best Documentary
Best Experimental
Best Animation
Audience Choice

Rules & Terms

We accept submissions of narrative, documentary, animation, or experimental student films.

1. Film must be 20 minutes or less in length.
2. Film must be made while a student in the United States (proof of enrollment in year that it was made required) .
3. Maximum one submission per person.
4. Films must have been completed no earlier than Jan 1, 2024.
5. Earlybird submissions are guaranteed to be reviewed for the festival; any submissions after the Earlybird submission deadline will be reviewed at the discretion and availability of the screening committee.
6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Johnny Yager

    Didn't attend, but looked cool in pictures. Thanks for showing our movie.

    February 2026
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  • Ephraim Ryan Pranata

    Grateful to have the US premiere for our short film, Diminuendo, at Aster Film Festival. The staff were communicative, effective, and quick to respond to our queries! Looking forward for next year.

    April 2025
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  • Michal Kracmer

    Basically a school festival with local importance run by students. They dont have updated web or IG or FB. No photos from the event. Neither the selected films nor the winners where ever announced, so there is no proof our film was ever screened there.

    June 2024
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  • Trevor Anderson

    Great event, and we're happy to have screened at such an amazing festival!

    May 2024
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  • Kofi King

    Wonderful staff, wonderful area. Fitting for the eclectic town of Ithaca.

    May 2023
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