LACLA Student Film Festival 2026
Presented by the Latin American Cinemateca of Los Angeles (LACLA.org)
Celebrating student voices!
The 16th Annual LACLA Student Film Festival celebrates the creativity, vision and storytelling power of middle and high school filmmakers from across the Los Angeles area.
This festival is your chance to share the stories that matter to you! Identity, community, imagination, cultura, and everything in between.
Selected films will screen at Cathedral High School Phantom Theater on Saturday, August 30th, 2026, from 2:00-4:00pm, with awards and special recognition presented at the event.
Whether you’re trying filmmaking for the first time or already dreaming of a future behind the camera, this festival is for you!
Eligibility & Categories
We welcome submission from middle and high school students in the greater Los Angeles area only.
Your film must meet the following criteria:
• Genres Accepted: Narrative, Documentary, Animation, Experimental, and PSA (Public Service Announcement)
• Length: 5 minutes or less
• Production Dates: Films created during 2024-2026
• All film submissions received for the cancelled 2025 festival will automatically be considered for the 2026 Student Film Festival.
Submission Rules
1. Films must be original student work, created with the guidance or consent of a teacher, mentor or parent/guardian.
2. Films in any language are welcome however, non-English films must include English subtitles.
3. Re-submissions are only allowed if the film has been significantly re-edited.
4. If you submitted a film to the cancelled 2025 festival, your submission will still be considered for the 2026 Student Film Festival.
5. Multiple submissions are welcome, but each film must have its own entry form.
How to Submit
Submit your film directly through FilmFreeway.com . There is no submission fee. This festival is free for all students.
Required materials:
• A high-quality video file (MOV, MP4, or WMV)
• A short film synopsis (100 words or less)
• Director’s name, school, and contact information
• Signed permission form, if required by your school, parent, or mentor.
Awards & Recognition
Awards will be presented for:
• Best Film
• Best Documentary
• Most Creative Film
Winners receive:
• A certificate of achievement
• A monetary prize
• On-stage recognition at the event.
Selected films may also be featured on LACLA’s website
Technical Specifications
Please ensure your film meets the following guidelines:
• Resolution: 1920x1080 preferred
• Audio: Clear sound with no distortion
• Aspect Ratio: Standard 16:9 recommended
About LACLA
The Latin American Cinemateca of Los Angeles is dedicated to sharing and reserving the rich cinematic traditions of Latin America.
Through the Student Film Festival, we aim to:
• Encourage young story tellers
• Celebrate the diversity of our LA community
• Create a space for students to explore cultura through cinema.
• Support the next generation of filmmakers
Contact
Have questions or need technical help? We’re here for you! Reach out to:
LACLA Student Film Festival
info@lacla.org
Legal Notes
By Submitting, you confirm that:
• You have the rights to the film and all materials included.
• All necessary permissions and clearances have been obtained.
• LACLA may use excerpts, images and promotional stills from accepted films for featival promotion and marketing.
• Films may be disqualified if proper digital files are not provided by the deadline.
Meet last festival’s winners!
Here is a recap of our last event: https://www.lacla.org/student-film-festival-2024
Awards & Recognition
Awards will be presented for:
• Best Film
• Best Documentary
• Most Creative Film
Winners receive:
• A certificate of achievement
• A monetary prize
• On-stage recognition at the event.
Selected films may also be featured on LACLA’s website
