“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
Teen Short Film Competition
Our annual Teen Short Film Competition celebrates the art of film and the work of young filmmakers. Students (ages 12-18) are invited to submit their shorts for competition. Youth judges screen and decide top films, culminating in an energetic Academy-Awards style night announcing winners during our annual festival weekend where they come together to inspire us and each other.
Entries for the 2025 Teen Short Film Competition are now open! Please read the submission requirements carefully, and click below to submit your film. Submission deadline is February 14, 2025.
Teen Short Film Competition
Our annual Teen Short Film Competition celebrates the short film. Students (ages 12-18) are invited to submit their shorts for competition. Youth judges screen and decide top films, culminating in an energetic Academy-Awards style night announcing winners during our annual festival weekend where they come together to inspire us and each other. Watch the 2024 winners.
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.
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.
Youth Education & Outreach
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.
Youth Education & Outreach
“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
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.
Festival Sponsors and Affiliates
