Held March 6 through March 15, the 16TH ANNUAL COASTLINE CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL invites you to submit your short film (5 minutes or less) to the 2026 YOUNG FILMMAKERS COMPETITION. This year's festival is in person.

Entry is FREE and open to anyone Ages 18 and under from the US. An award will also be given to a Michigan filmmaker.

Competition categories include Narrative/Live Action, Documentary and Animation. Films will be judged on creativity, originality and artistic/technical mastery. A one hour screening program will be curated from all qualifying submissions—with awards going to the top 3 films.

In addition, an Audience Favorite Award will be presented to the filmmaker that receives the most votes during the March festival.

All juror decisions are final. Open to kids 18 and under living in the United States.

The festival respects your right to free speech and artistic expression. However we understand that films deemed to sensitive or disturbing for an all-ages audience will be disqualified. This includes (but not limited to) the use of profanity and/or depictions of violence, racism and substance abuse.

Awards & Prizes

Red carpet award ceremony with prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd , Honorable Mention and an Audience Award.

Award also for a film made by a young Michigan filmmaker.

Rules & Terms

You must be 18 & under & live in the USA.

All submitters must complete a YFC Entry Form (visit our homepage to download).
• Films created between 2024 and 2026 are eligible.
• All entries must be shot and edited by you - the director.
• All crew members (writers, directors, cinematographers, editors...must be under 18)
• The use of pre-made and pre-recorded templates is not allowed. NO FILM TRAILERS.
• Total running time (with title & credits): 5 minutes or less.
• Limit one entry per person/group per film category.
• Work alone or with friends & receive minimal adult help.
• Soundtrack music must be royalty-free. NO EXCEPTIONS.

All juror decisions are final. Open to kids 18 and under living in the United States.

The festival respects your right to free speech and artistic expression. However we understand that films deemed to sensitive or disturbing for an all-ages audience will be disqualified. This includes (but not limited to) the use of profanity and/or depictions of violence, racism and substance abuse.

6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • David Du

    Thank you so much for including my film! Very honored to be part of it.

    March 2023
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Really loved your film. Beautiful and evocative. Good luck with future projects.

  • Morgan Smartt

    Was so happy to be included in this! Congrats to the winners :)

    April 2022
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    WATCH was a great film Morgan. You should send it out to other festivals. Good luck on other projects and keep in touch.

  • Jalen Tellis

    Thank you guys for sharing my film

    March 2021
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    We were so happy to showcase your work Jalen. Good luck on future film projects.

  • Andrew Wang

    Cool festival for a high schooler to participate in

    March 2021
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    It was great to be able to screen your film Andrew. Good luck on
    your next project.

  • Patrick Weaver

    Great festival! I can't wait for the next one.
    Congrats to the Coastline Children's Film Festival team!

    March 2021
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks for submitting your film Patrick. Best of luck on your next film project.