Founded in 2013 by Bex Wilkinson and Peter Burke, The Sun Valley Junior Film Competition provides a chance for students to showcase their films in a festival environment and to meet industry professionals and fellow student filmmakers.

JUDGES INCLUDE MULTIPLE ACADEMY AWARD, EMMY AWARD AND GOLDEN GLOBE AWARD WINNERS AND NOMINEES.

The TOP film will be screened before a feature in the world class
Argyros Performing Arts Center in Ketchum, ID.
Your film will screen in front of a packed house, including many top filmmakers, industry professionals and actors.

Awards & Prizes

The Hot Shot Award (Best Film)
2nd Place Award
3rd Place Award

There is also an award for Best Idaho Film called The Gem State Jr.

Rules & Terms

DO NOT ENTER IF YOU WERE OVER 18 WHEN YOU DIRECTED THE FILM.

RUNNING TIME CANNOT EXCEDE 10 MINUTES.

10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Julian Felix Aaronson

    participating in SVJFF was an absolute treat! The festival's hospitality and events were so wonderful. Sun Valley is also a wonderful place to watch amazing films and be with fantastic filmmakers. This festival is the only one to truly celebrate the importance of young creatives.

    December 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Julian. What a review! We appreciate you participating and we are so glad that you loved it here in Sun Valley.

  • Ashley Jae Uhrig

    My film, BIG FUTURE, won the 2024 Winter Screening Series Hot Shot Award. My mom and I attended the festival and had the BEST time. There was such a good lineup of events and films. I got to meet so many industry professionals, who were all very kind and welcoming. All of the festival directors/staff were amazing and took such good care of us. They introduced me to all kinds of people and I made some great connections. I can't wait to come back!

    December 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Ashley!
    We love your film and we are so glad that you and your mom could join us in Sun Valley.

  • Jerad Finn (Monasch)

    I had such an amazing experience with the Sun Valley Junior Film Competition! My film “Room 101” was selected for the competition and I was fortunate enough to make the trip to Idaho and come to the festival. At the festival, everyone was extremely welcoming and supportive and I was able to meet many fellow filmmakers. Not only did I get to hear other young filmmakers speak about their filmmaking process, but I got the opportunity to talk about my film and share my story. Overall, I am very happy that I submitted to the festival and very satisfied with my experience. Thank you so much Sun Valley Junior Film Competition:))

    April 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Jerad! Good luck at film school this fall. All the best!

  • Jordan Held

    My film was shown here and everyone was so nice! Although I was unable to go in person, I still felt super involved and I’m very thankful for this festival!

    April 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Congratulations on winning an award!

  • Monica Hoenig

    The organizers and everyone at this festival did a super job communicating with the filmmakers and curating fantastic films. It was great to be a part of this festival.

    April 2023
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    Response from festival:

    We loved the film!