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What is it?
What is it?
Short film created in 80 hours by a high school film program.
To register your school to participate in the festival as a whole, the teacher must fill out this form bit.ly/hsffregistration.
To register specifically for the Weekend Challenge, you must also sign up by (Dates for 2027 will be posted in November 2026).
Prompt/Requirements drop on (Dates for 2027 will be posted in November 2026) via the High School Film Festival Instagram Page. @highschoolfilmfest
Videos are due (Dates for 2027 will be posted in November 2026)
Screening
Screening
Films are screened and awards given directly after the High School Film & Photo Festival.
Due to time constraints, only one film per school will be screened.
Details
Details
Films must include all the required elements provided when the prompt drops.
Films can be anywhere between 3:00 - 5:00 in total length, including any credits. Credits can't be any longer than 30 seconds.
Your school must attend the Festival for your film to be screened and/or win an award.
All film producers, directors, cinematographers, audio technicians, editors, etc should be high school students during the production. Actors do not have to be high school students.
Films should be school-appropriate. Films that might be considered rated R will not be featured in the film festival. Basic Rule: If you think it might make your film rated R, then don't include it.
Codes to submit your films will be provided via email to those who successfully register.
Past Prompts
Past Prompts
2026 Prompt
2026 Prompt
THE PRIMARY PROMPT
THE PRIMARY PROMPT
The "Bookend" Line: Your film must start and end with the exact same line of dialogue. However, the meaning or context of the line must be different in each case.
The Required Line: "I thought we had more time."
ELEMENTS OF INCLUSION
ELEMENTS OF INCLUSION
All films must feature the following two elements to be eligible for judging:
The Prop: A physical key (house key, car key, etc.). It must be seen on screen and used by a character.
The Sound Effect: The distinct sound of a heavy door slamming.
THE RULES
THE RULES
Total Run Time: 3–5 minutes (including credits).
Originality: All footage must be captured between Friday, March 6 at 8:00 AM and Monday, March 9 at 5:00 PM.
Music: Music must be properly licensed.
Anything submitted after the deadline will not be eligible for the challenge awards which will be announced at the film festival.
Now, go find your crew, grab your gear, and start brainstorming. We can’t wait to see what you create. Good luck, and happy filming!
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