Reality Bytes is a yearly festival sponsored by Northern Illinois University’s Department of Communication. It is designed to allow high school, college and graduate students to competitively screen their films!

The Reality Bytes Film Festival was established in 2001 by Laura Vazquez, professor of media production and theory at Northern Illinois University. Vazquez serves as director of the festival, which was created to give high school and college students the opportunity to competitively screen their work.

Reality Bytes Film Festival is an open and inclusive event that supports emerging student filmmakers of all backgrounds. We encourage creative storytelling from all perspectives.

Awards & Prizes

$300 for Best Short Story Fiction Winning Entry

$300 for Best Documentary Winning Entry

$100 for High School Short Film Winning Entry

$100 for Animation Winning Entry

Rules & Terms

Eligibility
The Reality Bytes Film Festival is open to U.S. and International students enrolled in (or recently graduated from) high school, or an accredited college or university. There is no limit to the number of entries a filmmaker can submit but each entry requires a separate entry fee. The films may not be more than thirty (30) minutes in length, produced more than one (1) year prior to submission, or have been previously submitted to Reality Bytes Film Festival.
2 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Claire Layne

    I had a wonderful experience with their festival. Extremely professional & a great networking opportunity. It was a pleasure to be invited to their podcast.

    April 2022
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    Response from festival:

    We were pleased to be able to screen your excellent film. We wish you success with future filmmaking.

  • Eduardo Ayres Soares

    Nice film festival. Worth the entry.

    April 2019
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for submitting your excellent film for us to enjoy!