“The question of educating the public to a better, more critical appreciation of
the films is a question of the mental health of nations.”
–Bela Balazs, THEORY OF FILM
BIFF Youth Programs
Film is a collaborative art with a language we can learn and apply to both create and appreciate movies. There are layers of explicit and implicit meaning conveyed in scene, set and story. Through technical innovation and imagination, worlds become created, communicated and culturally braided.
We believe that the study of film theory and production is no small act. It has big returns–blockbusting, inspiring effects for ethical, political and social change.
BIFF’s Education Outreach Program is committed to enlivening the study of film so students become media literate, critical thinkers and mavericks in the art of making and appreciating film.
Our goal is to connect students with filmmakers, resources and opportunities to elevate different voices and points of view and inspire the next, most educated, empathetic generation of artists, enthusiasts and critics.
Teen Short Film Competition
The Awards Ceremony will take place Thursday, April 9
Our annual Teen Short Film Competition celebrates the work of filmmakers taking their first steps as young artists. Students (ages 12-18) are invited to submit their shorts for competition in one of several categories. Youth judges screen and select the top films, culminating in an inspirational Academy-Awards style gala kicking off our annual festival weekend.
Teen Short Film Competition
ATTEND THE AWARDS CEREMONY
Workshops
Attend the 2026 Workshops on Saturday, April 11
BIFF’s workshops offer a direct infusion into the filmmaking industry, giving advice to up and coming artists hoping to make a name for themselves. From a panel discussion with documentary filmmakers of every role, to an overview of how to find support and better your art, to an in-depth breakdown of the market of screenplays, join us for these three 90-minute workshops led by award-winning filmmakers.
Learn More Here!
Free Youth Screenings
Check out these three programs FREE for students with valid student ID
To reserve your FREE student ticket, make sure to add the “Free Youth Admission” ticket to your cart at checkout.
Free tickets reserved for students with valid Student ID.
Competition & Awards Ceremony
The new generation of teen filmmakers has a cinematic pulse on the modern world. This year’s short films explore different perspectives of teenagers around the globe. Venture into experimental worlds, dramatic scenes, and investigative realms with thrills, chills, laughs, and gaffes. Plus animation! Join us for a fun-filled evening at our Teen Short Film Competition & Awards night to celebrate these youth artists and this year’s short film nominees and winners.
-Live music performed by local teens
-Food from Savory Catering
-Ages 12+; All attendees must register in advance
-Doors 5:30pm for music/food
-Program begins at 6:30pm
Workshops
BIFF offers three workshops from the following award-winning filmmakers offering a complete look at filmmaking — from developing an impactful story, to how to produce it, and finally how to watch the final product. Take all three 90-minute workshops and learn filmmaking from start to finish!
Workshops are free for students 21 and under, or $25 for all others.
FREE Film Screenings
March 14 - 15, 2025
This year, BIFF is offering three FREE film screenings to students age 21 and below!
Speak. on Friday, March 14 at 5:00pm at First United Methodist Church
Champions of the Golden Valley on Friday, March 14 at 7:30pm at Grace Commons Church
The Flight of Bryan on Saturday, March 15 at 5:15pm at Grace Commons Church
Thank You to Our 2026 Youth Sponsors
