Y-CAM is the new name adopted in 2024 for our festival that started in 2014 as a single event at the DC Independent Film Festival, then became a one day festival, and is now a successful stand-alone two day annual High School Film Festival. We build a community of for young screen artists across fiction, documentary, gaming, animation and interactive media backed by access to resources, mentorships and opportunities.
In 2025 we screened over 30 films in competition from across the US and from abroad with around 2/3 of the filmmakers attending. We work with you to help you come to Washington DC to take part and we ask you to understand that you are expected to attend if your film is selected.
CATEGORIES: Y-CAM accepts submissions in competition that are up to 20 minutes long. We accept documentaries, music videos, fiction, animation, art and experimental.
The festival includes workshops and seminars, a sneak preview screening, a "Meet the University and College Reps Panel", a Media Careers Workshop and cool games and music. Each year we invite one or more successful actors, actresses, directors, writers or cinematographers to take part and share their experiences. In 2025, we welcomed JB Blanc of Arcane fame, in 2024 we had a discussion with Ava Acres who has played notable roles as a teenage actress for TV series such as American Horror Story, Once Upon a Time, and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and in 2023 we welcomed Cynthia Addai-Robinson known for Shooter, Chicago Med and currently starring as Queen Regent Miriel in The Rings of Power.
Y-CAM at DCIFF is coordinated by three high school students backed by DCIFF staff each year. This is a "by the people, for the people" event.
Please see our online 2021 festival here:
https://dciff-indie.org/2021-high-school-film-festival/schedule-2021-online-high-school-festival
and 2024 here: https://dciff-indie.org/2024-high-school/
Selected films are judged by industry professionals attending the Y-CAM festival itself, with an Awards event during the afternoon of Sunday March 15, 2026. There will be First and Second place awards for fiction, documentary and animation (First Place Award $600 and 2nd place $525). The most original award is $450.
