The Princeton Film Festival is student-run celebration of film, showcasing the works of filmmakers studying at Princeton University, from the surrounding region, and around the world. We are dedicated to providing educational and community-building programming to attendees.

The festival will be held in April on Princeton's campus, consisting of screening blocks, alumni panels, industry speakers, networking events, and more! The Princeton Film Festival also has special categories for regional filmmakers (NJ, NY, PA, CT, MD, DE), NJ High School Students, and University Students.

The Princeton Film Festival is hosted by Princeton Pictures, Princeton University's premiere film production company with a focus on education, community, and creation. Each semester, Princeton Pictures produces two short films, completed entirely by students, and provides workshops, screenings, and game nights for members.

We also grant waivers on a case by case basis. Please email us for more information.

Awards & Prizes

The following awards will be awarded:
Best Overall Film
Best Regional Film
Best Regional Student Film
Best Student Film
Best Princeton Student Film
Best NJ HS Film
Best HS Film

Awards may be given in Overall, University, and HS categories for:
Cinematography
Editing
Direction
Screenwriting
Animation
Documentary
Experimental
Audience Choice

All Official Selections will receive two complimentary passes to the festival.

Award winners will receive certificates. Additional Prizes to be determined.

Please note that selection of any and all published winners is at the sole discretion of the Princeton Film Festival judging panel. The PFF reserves the right to not select a "winner" or award for a particular category in any given year. By participating in the PFF, the participant acknowledges this disclaimer and waives his/her/their right to contest any decision by the judging panel to award or not award in a category

Rules & Terms

GENERAL RULES AND ELIGIBILITY:
Submissions must be 15 minutes or less for HS students and less than 20 minutes for other submission categories. This includes credits.

Films must be submitted electronically.

We do not accept incomplete works.

Submission fees are non-refundable.

REGIONAL SUBMISSIONS:
The Film Director(s) must either live in, filmed their short in, or currently attend school in one of the states listed: New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland, or Delaware.

All students submitting in the HS category must attend school or reside in New Jersey.

Preference will be given to Regional Films.

STUDENT CATEGORIES:
For student categories, filmmakers MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF STUDENT STATUS (ID, report card, etc.) in the attachments section.

Students must have filmed their projects while enrolled as a student in HS or University in order to be eligible.

Students who graduated in the previous year (2023) are still eligible as long as they made their film while enrolled as a student

SCREENING FORMATS:
Selected films must provide a high quality MP4 or MOV file

PERMISSIONS:
Filmmakers outside of Princeton University must secure all necessary rights, licenses, and clearances for their submitted films. By submitting a film, entrants affirm that they have obtained these permissions. PFF expressly disclaims all liability or responsibility for any violations of the foregoing.

USAGE
By submitting to Princeton Film Festival, you agree that upon acceptance, PFF has the right to use excerpts from selected films for promotional purposes, in addition to your likeness in photos and video during the event.

DEI STATEMENT:
The Princeton Film Festival recognizes that diversity contributes to the richness and authenticity of the stories that we tell. Thus, PFF is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment both on and off the screen. Our commitment means that we will actively work to ensure that our community is an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and that they can contribute their best work. Selected projects must adhere to the PFF DEI policy.

DISQUALIFICATION:
Princeton Film Festival reserves the right to disqualify any film that violates the rules and guidelines.