CALLING YOUNG STORYTELLERS — Your Story Belongs on the Big Screen!

The PNW Youth Film Festival is a youth-centered film festival celebrating creativity, character development and meaningful storytelling. We are looking for original films by filmmakers ages 8–24 that are: (1) Story-driven (2) Values-conscious (3) Appropriate for family audiences (G–PG-13).

Selected films will screen in a historic downtown movie theater, complete with professional projection, live audience Q&A and awards presented on stage!

This is more than a screening, it is a platform for young voices to be seen, heard and celebrated!

THE NITTY GRITTY

The PNW Youth Film Festival celebrates youth (ages 8-24 years) filmmakers and filmmaking in and/or from the Pacific Northwest. The PNW Youth Film Festival focuses on values-driven, redemptive, hopeful storytelling within areas of Youth Filmmaking Creativity, Storytelling & Character Development, Script-Arc-Message, Faith-Based Category (Optional, NOT Mandatory) and Family-Friendly Content (G to PG-13 ONLY).

The PNW Youth Film Festival will be held in June in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, at the Historic Rex Theater. This event showcases films by aspiring youth filmmakers from Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, British Columbia and Alberta, Canada.

Age Divisions

- Junior: Ages 8–12
- Teen: Ages 13–17
- Young Adult: Ages 18–24

Categories

- Narrative Short (≤15 min)
- Documentary Short (≤15 min)
- Narrative
- Documentary
- Animation
- Faith-Based Storytelling
- Local "Boundary County" Filmmaker Showcase

The PNW Youth Film Festival is a 3 Day Event.

Awards & Prizes

- Best Youth Film (per age division)
- Best Storytelling
- Best Faith-Based Film
- Audience Choice Award*
- Rising Filmmaker Award

*The audience will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite film, which will be recognized as the "Audience Choice Award".

Note: These awards and categories may be revised prior to our event, and not all awards may be given each year.

Rules & Terms

Filmmakers must be from or have filmed their project in one of the following: Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, British Columbia or Alberta, Canada.

Films must be completed during the age you are submitting under. The film/age cut off date is April 30, 2026.

By submitting, you and your legal guardian agree and acknowledge that you hold the copyright to your work and have clearances and permissions for any intellectual property included in your film, which may include but not limited to: music, artwork, performances, intellectual materials, etc. International submissions additionally agree and acknowledge legal submission in accordance, including but not limited to, each Country's laws, customs and general agreements/provisions.

Upon acceptance into the festival, assets are to be delivered, which may include still(s), logo, artwork, bios, downloadable copy of your film; all to be made available to PNW Youth Film Festival via our website, email or FilmFreeway (depending on the material). Please contact us with any questions!