The Indiana Youth Film Festival was created in 2023 as the only film festival in Indiana soley dedicated to young filmmakers ages 12-24 years old! Every year, we facilitate a festival weekend full of screenings, filmmaker talk backs, workshops, panels, and so much more for the filmmakers and the entire community.

Awards & Prizes

Best Narrative
Best Documentary
Best Music Video
Best Directing
Best Cinematography
Best High School
Best Middle School
Grand Jury Best Indiana Film

Rules & Terms

Submissions that do not meet all of the following criteria will be disqualified without refund.

Director Age: The film’s director(s) must have been between 12–24 years old at the time of production.

Residency: Director(s) must be Indiana residents, or non-local college students currently enrolled in a 4-year Indiana college.

Completion Date: Films must have been completed on or after January 1, 2024.

Copyright: All music, footage, and other copyrighted materials must be properly licensed and credited.

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

Runtime: Films must be 40 minutes or shorter.

✅ Please confirm your film meets all eligibility requirements before submitting.
🚫 Films that do not meet these criteria will not be considered or refunded.
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Graham Hastings

    Indiana Youth has been without a doubt one of my favorite film festivals I've attended. The team is very communicative, the film blocks are well curated, and the events are really welcoming. Fellow filmmakers, I would highly recommend submitting a film here. Thank you so much for having me the past two years with Anywhere, IL and Crystal Blue!

    July 2026
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  • Nathanael Shoemaker

    We are honored to have been selected. The staff was organized and communicated well. The workshops were amazing and the chance to talk to other filmmakers in the Indianapolis area was a great experience. Would definitely recommend for younger filmmakers!

    July 2026
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  • Mar Nester

    Though I wasn't able to go in person it was an honor to have my film screened here! People from this festival have reached out with compliments online, and the festival is shipping me my award at no cost because I was not able to attend! Could not recommend this festival more!!!

    July 2026
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  • Kathy Bruner

    We were unable to attend, but our filmmakers were so honored to be recognized for their work in Directing and Cinematography. Great communication from an amazing staff! - Kathy Bruner, Taylor University

    July 2026
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  • Kayla Sprayue

    Greatly enjoyed this festival! Very professionally done, with great staff and workshops. Great experience for my student's first film festival. He was able to participate in a Q&A after his film showing, received a great filmmaker swag bag, and was interviewed on the red carpet! Well done! Can't wait to come back next year!

    July 2024
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