100% of the $5 entrance fee will go to pay for the winning filmmaker and a family member to fly to Sun Valley, Idaho to attend the festival!

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 3 films will be screened before features 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

100% of the $5 entrance fee will go to pay for the winning filmmaker and a family member to fly to Sun Valley, Idaho to attend the festival!

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

Nordstrom gift cards worth $250 (1st), $150 (2nd) and $100 (3rd) will be given
to the winners.

There is also an award for Best Idaho Film called The Gem State Jr.
A Nordstrom gift card for $100 will be given to the winner.

Rules & Terms

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

RUNNING TIME CANNOT EXCEDE 10 MINUTES.

100% of the $5 entrance fee will go to pay for the winning filmmaker and a family member to fly to Sun Valley, Idaho to attend the festival!
8 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • 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
    Helpful
    Logo
    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
    Helpful
    Logo
    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
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    We loved the film!

  • Piotr Kaźmierczak

    It's great Festival, it's nice

    April 2022
    Helpful
  • Amy Janes

    So grateful to be apart of this amazing festival!

    April 2022
    Helpful