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.

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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.

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For more information about the High School Film Competition, contact Heartland Film's Director of Marketing & Communications, Jessica Chapman, at jchapman@heartlandfilm.org.

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Interview

2022 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

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High School Film Competition

Animated Winner

$500 cash prize

High School Film Competition Narrative Winner

$500 cash prize

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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)

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"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)