One of the longest-running film festivals of its kind in Southern California, the South Bay Student Video Festival showcases the best high school cinematic work from around the world. Emphasis is placed on projects that expresses a singular vision and voice, and use cinematic language as a unique art form. A panel of judges comprised of film school professors and industry professionals selects top projects for screening and awards.

Submission fee: None

At the judges discretion, select top work is recognized in each of the submission categories as well as technical and creative achievement, such as writing, directing, editing and sound design.

All work must be created by high school students (under 19 years of age) within the past 12 months (from the submission deadline). No professional or adult aid may be given, with the exception of faculty advising. Submissions must follow U.S. copyright law. Entries must be UNDER 10 MINUTES IN LENGTH.

Judging and screenings will be in English. If your project is in a language other than English, it needs to be subtitled prior to submission.

Projects selected to screen must submit a full-quality quicktime (.mov) via USB flash drive, Dropbox, Google Drive or other means.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Really cool energy and aesthetic- loved screening my work here and hope to again in the future.

    February 2020
  • Cooper Roth Cinema

    Awesome festival to be a part of. Very well run and it has some quality work in it too!

    October 2018
  • Max Shoham

    It was an honour to have my films shown at this festival. I hope to be able to come in person next year, should I have the opportunity to show more films. Great to see so much interest in student films! Thank you South Bay, for the opportunity!

    May 2018
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks, Max! The audience enjoyed your films and it was an honor to include such innovative storytelling in our festival. Hope to see your work again next year!

  • Radheya Jegatheva

    was wonderful to be able to be part of this from a distance! Thank you

    May 2017