Fresh Lens is a new Kentucky festival of short films celebrating bold, creative undergraduate filmmaking. Our mission is to provide a platform for emerging Kentucky talent to share their stories, showcase their artistry and connect with audiences across the region.  This juried festival will award $3,000+ in cash prizes.

This juried festival will award $3000+ in cash prizes, including a special Emerging Female Filmmaker Award presented by Women In Film Kentucky. Other award categories will be determined based on films submitted.

Eligibility: Open to Kentucky students currently enrolled in an undergraduate program or in the year following graduation. Films should be completed by a key crew member (Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Editor, Screenwriter) during the specified window of time listed below. We welcome narrative, documentary and experimental films that have played at other festivals, but public viewing of accepted submissions must not be available until after the festival.

An Emerging Female Filmmaker will be honored with a special award presented by Women In Film KY.

Additional consideration will be given to filmmakers from historically underrepresented communities (Women, BIPOC & LGBTQ).

Completion Date: Films should have been completed between March 1, 2024 and May 1, 2026.

Duration: Films should not exceed 22 minutes in length.

Language: Films must be in English or have English subtitles.

Proof of undergraduate status (e.g., Student Identification Card) will be requested upon potential acceptance.

Additional Requirements: Ensure all submitted materials are final versions; works-in-progress are not accepted.

If your film is chosen, please have a film poster and trailer available.