The Chicago area's public international film festival dedicated to short film and video works by elementary, middle school and high school students from all over the world.

Friday, April 11, 2025 -- 7 pm
Screen Test Local Fest
Open to high school students within a 30-mile radius of Schaumburg, IL.
Winning film advances to High School Competition on Sat. Apr. 12

Saturday, April 12, 2025
Screen Test Jr. - 4 pm (CDT - Chicago)
For student filmmakers in grades K-8

International High School Competition -- 7 pm (CDT - Chicago)
The best of the best, showing high school student short films from here and abroad.

All festival filmmakers must participate, either in person or via live video call.

To be Awarded at the festival

Screen Test Local Fest
Best in Show - $300
2nd Place - $200
3rd Place - $100
Audience Award - $100

Screen Test Jr.
Best in Show - $100

International High School Competition
Best in Show - $500
2nd Place - $250
3rd Place - $100
Achievement in Writing - $100
Highest Production Values - $100
Audience Award - $100
Timmy Award (Outstanding Performance) - $100

(Screen Test reserves the right to withhold awards for any category where criteria are not met.)

● Projects with a running time of 10 minutes or less will be accepted.
● For Screen Test Jr : As of Fall, 2024, primary Director and Writer must be a student in grades K-8 in U.S., years 6-9 in U.K., grade 6-9 in Canada, year 5-8 in Australia or equivalent in other countries (visit www.screenteststudentfest.org for international grade equivalents).
● For Local and International Competitions : As of Fall, 2024, primary Director and Writer must be a student in grades 9-12 in U.S., years 10-13 in U.K., grade 10-12 in Canada, year 9-12 in Australia or equivalent in other countries.
● For Screen Test Local Fest, Primary Director must be present at the festival. No substitute representatives are allowed.
● For Screen Test Jr. and International High School Competition, Primary Director must participate in festival either in person or via live video call.
● Submissions by students who live within 30 miles of Schaumburg will be considered for both Screen Test Local Fest and the International High School Competition. The Local Fest Best in Show film will automatically advance to the International Competition.
● Per submission, entry fee is $10 for both High School Competitions and $5 for Screen Test Jr.
● Only three submissions (i.e. projects) are allowed per person.
● Only projects completed after June 1, 2024 are eligible for competition.
● While the work submitted remains the property of the creating artist, the Village of Schaumburg reserves the right to use submitted footage or stills to promote the festival at any time. Filmmaker also permits use of images or video taken of him or her at the festival.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Screen Test Student Film Festival was an incredible experience. I was blown away by the talent and creativity of the other filmmakers, and it was surreal to see The Man in the Green and Gold Suit on the big screen. I was honored to receive Best in Local and International Fest and so grateful to be part of such a fun, supportive festival. I highly recommend Screen Test to any student filmmaker looking for a welcoming space to share their work.

    April 2025
  • Cynthia Cai

    Great communication, many great films shared. Was a fun experience!

    April 2025
  • Aparna Deshmukh

    Everyone is very nice and friendly

    March 2025
  • Amanda burke

    This was such a a wonderful experience! My son is 11 years old and this was our first time doing anything like this. It has so inspired him to continue on his film making journey and we are so happy to have participated. Looking forward to next year!!

    May 2024
  • Such a wonderful and welcoming festival. Thank you for screening Upon Return and for giving young filmmakers such a unique international platform to share their work. My experience at this festival has been so encouraging and I look forward to submitting my work here again.

    April 2024