The Marbles Film Festival is a celebration of learning, creativity, and play through the art of filmmaking by young filmmakers. Hosted by Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh, North Carolina, the inaugural festival will take place on October 10–11, 2026. Across the weekend, audiences can enjoy screenings of short films created by kids, teens, and college students on Raleigh's largest screen! Attendees will also have access to hands-on activities that inspire creativity, and a passion for filmmaking.

Film is the perfect medium for Marbles Kids Museum, as the filmmaking process embodies the spirit of PLAY. A film set is a space to learn, create, experiment, and collaborate—while the movie theater becomes the place where all that growth and creativity come together to be shared. From the learn-as-you-go experimentation of a child’s first movie to a high school student’s discovery of technique, to a college student’s unique personal style, the festival takes audiences on a visual journey that highlights the power of exploration and practice within a craft.

The Marbles Film Festival offers a platform for young filmmakers to showcase their work, connect with peers, and inspire audiences of all ages.

NEW*

We proudly support filmmakers across North Carolina. If you are a North Carolina based creator and would like to request a fee waiver, please email us with the subject line "NC Waiver Request."

In your message, you may include:
- Name
- Title of your film

We are looking forward to celebrating local voices and stories across the state!

Awards & Prizes

Awards:

*Award categories refer to age of the filmmaker, not the target audience.

Best Film - Ages 8 & under

Best Film - Ages 9-12

Best Film - Ages 13-17

Best Film - Ages 18-25

Best Animation - ages 25 & under

Best Cinematography - ages 25 & under

Best Story/Writing - age 25 & under

Rules & Terms

- No mature content such as inappropriate language, nudity, blood, graphic violence. All films must have approximate G/PG rating.

- Filmmakers must be 25 years of age or under.

- Only films completed in 2024 or sooner will be accepted.

- Films cannot exceed 45 minutes.

- Film must be produced in the state of North Carolina or by an NC filmmaker.

- Films using generative AI will not be considered.

FILM SUBMISSION FORMATS:
- Online screeners must be downloadable
- Downloadable file types are H264, mov, and mp4
- Include the link and password, if suitable.
- Download link must be available through the first festival date.
- BluRays or DVDs may not be submitted for preview.
- The preview copy must be formatted for all-region, multi-zone, or Zone 1 (NTSC, North America) and clearly labeled with title of production in English.

GRANT OF RIGHTS:
Entrant confirms and warrants required legal authority for submission and use of all content, music, and images in film festival marketing.
By submitting entry to Marbles Film Festival, the Applicant and Film Owners (the “Submitting Parties”) hereby represent and warrant that: (i) the Entry is wholly original and is not copied from and does not include any other work that is the subject of copyright or other protection, unless such work is in the public domain or the Submitting Parties have obtained any and all consents, releases, licenses and other authorizations or waivers of any kind necessary for the inclusion or reproduction of any person, character, location, thing, trademark, sound recording, musical composition or other work in the Entry; (ii) the Entry does not defame any person or violate the common law or statutory rights, including, without limitation, the rights of privacy and publicity or any other right of any person.