Lights, Camera, and CCUFF 2026!

The Coastal Carolina University Film Festival is where creativity meets opportunity. This film festival shares the alumni and current students' short films on the large screen. Now in its second year, this film festival aims to provide a platform for emerging filmmakers to share their stories, network with professionals in the film industry, introduce audiences to diverse perspectives, and for filmmakers to take their first steps toward a professional career.

The 2026 festival is scheduled for April 16th, taking place in person on the Coastal Carolina University campus in the Lib Jackson Student Theater (LJSU A-110). The event will feature screenings, Q&As and will be followed by a reception.

If you are passionate about filmmaking, the CCU Film Festival 2026 is your moment!

Mark your calendars. Submit your stories. And be part of the magic!

***If you are not an alumnus/ current student at Coastal Carolina University, please submit your film into the "open/ international" category ***

Any questions, please email jcbruni@coastal.edu

Awards & Prizes

***Awards are only eligible to alumni/ current students at Coastal Carolina University***

BEST SHORT FILM

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM

BEST MICRO SHORT FILM

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

BEST EDITING

BEST SOUND DESIGN

BEST PERFORMANCE

***CIVIC INITIATIVE ($500 PRIZE)***
This year's theme is civic initiative, which is presented by Coastal Civic Initiative. Create a short film (minimum of 3 minutes) that has a key civic or community dimension, such as engaging in civic dialogue, participating in civic activities, or building friendships across political differences.

***LOVE LETTER TO MYRTLE BEACH ($500 PRIZE)***
This yearly submission category is presented by Visit Myrtle Beach. Create a short film (minimum of 2 minutes) that showcases Myrtle Beach through the eyes of a visitor---capturing the fun, beauty, and unforgettable experiences that inspire travelers to come stay. Films must focus on visitor experience (no references to relocating or living here). Content should encourage travel and exploration of Myrtle Beach. The winning entry earns $500 and a feature on Visit Myrtle Beach's official YouTube channel.

Rules & Terms

CCUFF SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

- Eligibility: Open to current Coastal Carolina University students or graduated from CCU. If not, please submit into the "Open/ International" category. The duration must be within 2-5min in length to be considered.
- Credits: All films MUST include end credits to recognize everyone who contributed to the film.
- Copyright: Please include a copyright statement at the end of your final credits. Copyright the film to your own branded company. Do not use CCU or your own name for copyright.
- Music/ SFX: All sounds and music that are copyrighted and/or trademarked must be legally licensed by the filmmaker for use in the film. Include the artists/ recordists of such sounds/ music in the end credits of the film. CCUFF reserves the right to require proof of licensing from the filmmakers.
- Production Date: The work must have been produced on or after Jan 1st, 2025
- Verification: A student card or student verification will be required
- Submission Format: Please submit to filmfreeway using Youtube or Vimeo
- Entry Limit: Each director is allowed to submit up to two different films
- Duration: The film must not exceed 20min in length
- Resolution: Submissions must be in 1080p
- Dimensions: 16:9, 1.85:1, 2.39:1
- Codec: Acceptable codecs include H.264, H.265, or ProRes 422 HQ

1 Review
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Paul Inman

    Thi was a great festival. For years, I’ve been hoping that my alma mater would start a film program and have a festival. So happy that one of my films was selected to screen. It was a great experience seeing what the students created too. All great stuff! Looking forward to the next one.

    April 2026
    Helpful