Planet Frame is an international platform where young people (ages 12–22) from around the world can speak about what truly matters to them here and now. Film and video are used not as a competition format, but as a way to capture a moment of life — thoughts, feelings, questions, and observations. Planet Frame does not set themes or look for correct answers. Works may be personal, documentary, observational, or experimental. What matters is not form or perfection, but honesty of expression. The festival brings these voices together to make them visible and to preserve them as a living snapshot of time.

Awards & Prizes

All participants receive a digital Certificate of Participation.
We carefully watch every submission and select films that continue their journey with Planet Frame. For these works, we publish articles and texts about the authors, create curated selections, and share them across the project’s platforms, giving the films visibility and context beyond the submission stage.
Some films may be brought together into a curated anthology — either as a standalone film or as an educational project that continues to live through screenings and discussions.
This year, with the support of the Lake James Environmental Association, the festival may also present a special award for a film exploring themes of water quality, watershed protection, and environmental awareness.
Planet Frame is not about competition.
It is about care, attention, and giving a film a life after it is made.

Rules & Terms

Eligibility
Planet Frame is open to young filmmakers aged 12–22 from around the world.

Formats
We accept documentary, fiction, animation, observational films, video essays, as well as experimental and hybrid works, without genre restrictions.

Running Time
The recommended running time is up to 15 minutes. Each film must be submitted separately, and multiple submissions are allowed.

Language
Films not in English must include English subtitles.

Submission Materials
Each submission must include a film trailer, a poster or key image, a synopsis, a photo of the author, and a short author biography. Incomplete submissions may not be considered.

Thematic Approach
Planet Frame does not impose fixed themes and invites filmmakers to speak about what matters to them right now through observation, reflection, and attentive engagement with the surrounding world, place, community, memory, and the future.

Selection
All films are reviewed by the Planet Frame team. The team reserves the right to decline submissions that contradict the project’s values and ethical principles.

Screenings
An official three-day open-air screening with a live audience and an awards ceremony is planned, along with an additional non-attendance screening format for selected works. The format and selection of screenings are determined by the festival team.

Awards and Recognition
All selected works receive a digital confirmation of participation in Planet Frame. Finalists and winners receive personalized digital diplomas, as well as editorial features and articles about the authors, inclusion in curated selections, and educational screenings at libraries, galleries, and other educational platforms and festival partners. A selection of works may be included in the Planet Frame International Film Almanac — a curated anthology of the project. With the authors’ consent, the almanac and individual films may be presented within international festivals, educational programs, partner venues, and online screenings. Additional awards and forms of support, including monetary prizes, may be available for local participants depending on the involvement of local partners.

Rights
By submitting a film, the author confirms that they hold all rights to the work, including music and visual materials. Planet Frame reserves the right to use excerpts, stills, and trailers for informational and promotional purposes. Submission fees are non-refundable, and all proceeds are used to support the development of the festival. Decisions of the Planet Frame team are final.
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Vittorio Caratozzolo

    A pleasant and enjoyable experience. We are very proud of the film you selected. Thank you very much!

    December 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your kind words! We will strive for perfection.

  • Narrativas Ácidas

    Una excelente plataforma de exhibición para las películas de colectivos independientes.

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the review! We will keep striving for even greater opportunities!

  • DCTV Youth Media

    What a great festival. We are so grateful to have this opportunity for our students.

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your kind feedback!
    We will continue striving to make sure our young filmmakers are seen and heard!

  • Iroet Marteni

    Thank you very much for selecting our short film as one of the Top 27 finalists at the Planet Frame International Youth Film Festival 2025. We are truly honoured and grateful for this recognition.
    Congratulations to all the winners and fellow filmmakers — we are inspired by the creativity showcased this year.
    Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity!

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your wonderful words!
    We will continue to promote the festival and do our best to provide even more opportunities for filmmakers and creators.

  • Srecko Lebinec

    A great festival. Special congratulations are due to the organizers, because nowadays it’s not very common to see organizers of events like this so dedicated to the goals they have set. In short, their mission matters to them, not profit. Congratulations once again.

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your kind words!
    We will keep moving forward no matter what!
    We’ll continue striving to grow, to be heard, and to be seen —
    because this festival is created by people, with heart and meaning!