1. Submission must be an original short film/video project no more than 5 minutes long. 3-5 minute total run time (TRT) video. Title slate, opening, and closing credits are part of the TRT.
2. Film/video project may be part of a school assignment or an independent project.
3. Educators/teachers are encouraged to mentor/guide students through the film development process but must not create the script or develop film content in any way.
4. Educators/teachers may submit a project(s) on behalf of student(s), group or class.
5. All genres will be accepted, including animation, narrative/fiction, documentary/non-fiction, music videos, etc.. All videos must utilize original or copyright-cleared music and images.
6. Students must reside in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and be currently enrolled in high school.
7. Registration: Students and teachers must complete the registration form by July 2025 at https://readingfilm.org/five-minute-filmfest-entries-now-being-accepted/. Your registration lets us know how many students and schools are participating this year, which enables us to plan better and provide the best experience for you. In addition, registering lets us keep in touch with you about film-related opportunities and announcements
8. Submissions: The submission deadline is July 31, 2025
Categories to consider:
• Comedy: It is entertaining and often makes us laugh, but it also can tell a story that moves us to want more. Comedy can be full of surprises that we don’t expect; it can make us smile, and it can make us cringe. We encourage all types of comedic genres.
• Animation: Films that use computer graphics, can be computer animation, Flash, Stop-Motion
• Short Narrative: Think beginning, middle, end, conflict, rising action, climax, and resolution. Bring on the characters and conflicts.
• Horror/Sci-Fi/Fantasy: Danger? Fights? Evil forces? We accept all genres, from sci-fi, thriller and horror.
• Music Video: Find a song and share its story. Original music or songs which you have permission to use will be accepted. ALL copyrighted music MUST have explicit permission. Credits must recognize the musician or band.
• Documentary Short: The boundaries of documentary film are expanding more than ever. Find your subject matter and document it.
• Action Sports: Share your action-packed, adrenaline-fueled sports adventures. No sport is off-limits; you can submit it as long as it has action! Skiing, Skateboarding, Cheerleading, Ski diving, Cliff Jumping, Paintball!
• Commercial: This category is for advertisement or promotional pieces. Commercials can include school-related activities or commercial products.
• News Stories: Interested in broadcast journalism? This is the category for you. Produce an in-depth story about a compelling, newsworthy topic that highlights creativity and makes an emotional connection with the audience.
• Sports News: Develop profile pieces or real-time reporting about athletes in action. Are they making a difference on the field, off the field, or both?
