Age Restriction and Eligibility
[ ] The Director(s) must be between the ages of 14 and 18 at the time of the film’s production.
Collaboration and Growth Exception
[ ] We encourage you to demonstrate leadership and ambition by collaborating with a variety of team members, whether peers or skilled professionals. The Director’s role (ages 14-18) should clearly demonstrate youth-driven creativity and decision-making throughout the production process.
[ ] Films with collaborators outside the 14-18 age range, including professionals or older students, are welcome. However, they should play supporting roles, allowing the vision, voice, and leadership of the youth filmmaker(s) to remain central to the project.
[ ] We recognize that access to professional equipment, crew, or resources can vary among filmmakers. As part of the festival’s commitment to fairness, judging will prioritize creativity, leadership, and storytelling over the use of high-budget resources or external professional input.
New for 2026: Behind-the-Scenes Photos
[ ] Share a glimpse into the making of your film! Along with your submission, prepare 3 production photos to be uploaded upon selection. With permission, we may feature these images on our social media or festival materials to spotlight your project and inspire other filmmakers.
About the Film Summary:
[ ] Don't pass on writing a short description of your film (50-150 words) to help us understand your vision, themes, and any key details! This description will accompany your film in festival materials and may be used in promotional content.
Runtime Limit:
[ ] Films must be 15 minutes or less, including credits. Submissions exceeding this limit may not be eligible for the festival but may still be reviewed for other opportunities and feedback.
Completion Date:
[ ] Films must have been completed within the past 12 months to ensure the work reflects current skills and creativity.
Promotion and Publicity:
[ ] By submitting, you grant the festival permission to use your film’s title, summary, and production stills for promotional purposes, while giving proper credit.
Sensitive Content:
[ ] If your film includes themes like violence, mental health struggles, or discrimination, let us know so we can include a viewer advisory if needed. This helps us keep the festival a safe and supportive space for everyone. Viewer advisories may be added to the program or before the screening.
Content Guidelines:
[ ] Before submitting your film, please review our guidelines. We encourage films that reflect creativity without crossing certain lines. Submissions that do not comply with the festival’s rules and guidelines may be disqualified at the discretion of the organizers. Your film should avoid content that:
- Glorifies Violence: Avoid showing violence in a way that makes it look cool or desirable.
- Promotes Drugs or Alcohol: Don’t show characters selling, using, or partying with drugs or alcohol in a positive light.
- Celebrates Theft: Stealing isn’t cool, so please don’t depict it as something fun or exciting.
- Contains Sexual Content: Keep it appropriate! We want to avoid any explicit sexual acts or suggestive themes.
- Makes Threats: No threats to individuals, groups, or organizations—let’s keep it friendly!
- Harasses or Bullies: No form of harassment or bullying, whether it’s in the story or the way characters treat each other.
- Shows Characters Under the Influence: Avoid showing characters who are high, drunk, or under the influence of intoxicants.
- Uses Profanity or Offensive Language: Keep the language clean and respectful.
- Includes Hate Speech: We’re all about inclusion! Please don’t promote any discrimination against anyone based on their race, gender, sexuality, religion, or abilities.
- Invades Privacy: Respect people’s privacy and don’t use someone’s likeness or story without their permission.
- Shows Illegal Activities: No endorsements or depictions of illegal actions that might get someone in trouble.
- Spreads Misinformation: Keep the facts straight! Avoid portraying misleading or false information, especially about serious topics.
- Breaks Copyright Rules: Make sure you have the rights to any music, images, or other content you use in your film.
- Please Be Mindful of Your Audience: Remember that youth filmmakers and audiences will be watching. If your film has sensitive topics, give us a heads-up in your submission.
- Please Keep It Youth-Friendly: Remember, we’re showcasing youth filmmakers, so let’s keep it suitable for all ages.
After reading through the rules and content guidelines, you’ve earned a discount code! If your film has a place at the EDU Film Festival, use code EDUFF2026FILMPASS for free submission!
