Applications are Officially Open for the NYC Public School Film Festival

Students can apply for the film festival now through March 16.

By Melissa Wickes February 17, 2021

The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment announced earlier this week that applications are officially open for the 3rd Annual New York City Public School Film Festival. Students of the NYC Department of Education can apply through March 16 for a chance to have their film selected and screened virtually on May 6. Films will be chosen by a panel of educators and media professionals. Following the screening of the films, student filmmakers will be invited to virtual discussions with industry professionals.

What can I submit for the film festival?

Films must be five minutes or shorter and in .mp4 or .mov format. They must use only original or public domain music. Nudity, profanity or violent acts are strictly prohibited and students must play the major creative role on the production of the submitted film as directors, writers, and/or editors. If a teacher produces the film, it will not be considered. Online resources will be posted on the contest website to support filmmakers' technical and storytelling skills. Categories students can submit for are:

Animation
Short feature/ narrative
Documentary
Experimental
P.S.A./ Advocacy

When will I know if I won?

Films will be selected and students will be notified by mid-April.

Last year's NYC Public School Film Festival virtual screening was viewed more than 15,000 times, and this is an excellent opportunity for NYC DOE students who are interested in filmmaking.

For more information about rules and regulations, please visit filmfreeway.com/nycpublicschoolfilmfestival.