
High School
Film Competition
The greatest filmmakers of tomorrow, today
Information
Indy Shorts runs the High School Film Competition, presented by founding sponsors Robert & Alison Spoonmore. Launched in 2010, the High School Film Competition encourages tomorrow’s filmmakers to follow their passion and create short films that push their talents, creativity and art to the next level.
Shorts made by talented high school students from around the world will compete for the Best Student Film Awards in the categories of Narrative, Documentary, Animated, and Indiana Spotlight ($500 cash prize each). These category winners will then compete for the $2,000 Summer White Lynch Memorial Award, underwritten by
Gary D. & Marlene Cohen.
Know a teacher or school that might like to get involved? You can send them to this page or email them this downloadable PDF with more details.
For more information about the High School Film Competition, contact Heartland Film's Community Engagement and Educational Outreach Coordinator, Courtney Essett, at cessett@heartlandfilm.org.


Submission Deadline - $10 Submission Fee
April 17, 2022
Notification Date
June 6, 2022
Indy Shorts International Film Festival
July 19-24, 2022
Important Dates
How to Submit
All submissions are taken through FilmFreeway's Indy Shorts International Film Festival submission page.
Submissions close on April 17, 2022 and students will be notified by June 6, 2022. Indiana students' film submission fees are waiver.
Email Julia Ricci at jricci@heartlandfilm.org to request an Indiana waiver code.

Interview

See Your Film on the
Big Screen

$2,500 Rewarded in
Cash Prizes

Network with
Filmmakers from
Around the World
2021 HSFC Award Winners
Summer White Lynch Memorial Award
(High School Short)
$2,000 cash prize
Underwritten by Gary D. & Marlene Cohen
High School Film Competition
Documentary Winner
$500 cash prize
High School Film Competition
Animated Winner
$500 cash prize
High School Film Competition Narrative Winner
$500 cash prize
High School Film Competition
Indiana Spotlight
$500 cash prize
Filmmaker Praise
"My film career began at The High School Film Competition, where I was offered the opportunity that is not possible for many teenagers. I was given access to enter the world of film festivals, mingle with film professionals who mentored me with open arms -- many of whom I am still in touch with today.
The High School Film Competition gave me confidence that there was an audience to my stories and that my voice mattered. It pushed me to believe that I could achieve more profound goals. Without this program, I don't think I would be where I am today." -Carol Nguyen, Grand Prize Winner (2014-2015)
"As an aspiring filmmaker, I was intimidated by the prospect of submitting my work to film festivals. The High School Film Competition gave me an accessible way to compete against other young filmmakers across the world. It felt empowering to have my film played on a big screen in front of a live audience, as I had never had that experience before.


[HSFC] gave me confidence that there was an audience to my stories ...
Participating in the High School Film Competition has inspired me to pursue a career where I can help other people pursue their creative interests."
-Raymond Mo, Grand Prize Winner (2020)