<p>I am in the process of doing research for a book I am co-writing on film school application. One addendum will provide a list of film festivals that are geared exclusively to high school students, or that have a high school category as part of a larger festival. Submitting to a festival is a great way to get your work shown, and to get feedback on your craft. Getting a film accepted in the "high school" or 'youth" category is easier than competing against college or older filmmakers. I would encourage any of you that are thinking of applying to film school to get your films out there! Here is the list broken down in two parts: High School or younger, and high school as part of a larger festival. It is NOT a comprehensive list, just one I've been able to compile. There may be others I've not found, or don't know about. If you've got a favorite that I've left out, please feel free to add it. I've added a few annotations. Note: most but not all have submission fees. One good place to search for and submit to festivals is withoutabox.com. You can google each festival for more information. </p>
<p>HIGH SCHOOL OR YOUNGER ONLY:</p>
<p>The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers- A Scholastic sponsored contest. National, very prestigious art award.</p>
<p>Catamount Film & Arts High School Filmmakers Showcase
Christian Youth Film Festival
Delta Moon Student Film Festival
Future of Cinema Film Festival
The Lovett School High School Film Festival
Harvard-Westlake film Festival
New Hampshire High School Short Film Festival
Northwest High School Film Festival
SciTech at Carnegie Science Center
Santa Monica High School Film Festival
Santa Monica Teen Film Festival
Texas High School Film Film Festival
Trop Jr
Truly Moving Pictures High School Competition
Utah High School Film Festival
Westport Youth Film Festival
Youth Film Festival on Social Change</p>
<p>LARGER FESTIVALS WITH A HIGH SCHOOL OR YOUTH DIVISION:</p>
<p>All Souls International Film Festival
Arpa International Film Festival
Ben Lee Foster Film Festival
Boyle Heights Latina Independent Film Extravaganza
Brantford Film Festival
Burke Film Festival
Carolina Film and Video Festival
Citizen Jane Film Festival (Women filmmakers)
Chicago International REEL Shorts Festival
CineYouth Festival
daVinci Film Festival
deadCenter Film Festival
Docutah (documentary)
Downtown Boca
Eerie Horror Fest
Flint Fim Festival</p>
<p>Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival- run by Gregory Von Hausch, this festival is in its 26th year. The kids are treated extremely professionally, and had an amazing experience at this festival. This is the place where Michael Moore got his start! It is a large festival with a high school category.</p>
<p>Gem City Film Fest
Global Peace Film Festival
Greater Reading Film Festival
Guam International Film Festival
Healing Through Films Festival
Hawaii International Film Festival
Harlem International Film Festival
High Desert Shorts International Film Festival
Independents Film Festival
Kansas City Film Fest
KIDS FIRST! Film Festival
Kimberly Whale Festival
Los Angeles Film Festival
Maryland International Film Festival Hagerstown
Media That Matters Film Festival
Mill Valley Film Festival</p>
<p>National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY)- A prestigious festival held in Seattle for young filmmakers. Must be under 22 to show here. Networking, workshops, all in all a great experience.</p>
<p>Newport Beach Film Festival
The Other Venice Film Festival
Palm Beach Womens International Film Festival
PBIFF Student Showcase of Films
Phoenix Film Festival
Reel Dakota
RE:IMAGE Film Festival
Red Rock Film Festival of Zion Canyon
Roxbury International Film Festival (work for or about people of color)
SAFILM- San Antonio Film Festival
San Diego Film Festival
San Fernando Valley International Film Festival
San Luis Obispo International Film Festival
Santa Clarita Valley Film Festival
Santa Cruz Film Festival
Sarasota Film Festival
Seattle International Film Festival Future Wave
Show-Me Film Festival
Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival
Sites.Camera.Action!
SoCal Independent Film Festival
Tallgrass International Film Festival
The Connecticut Film Festival
The East Lost Angeles International and Youth Film Festival
The Other Side Film Festival
The Shortie Awards: International Film and News Festival
Topanga Film Festival
West Chester International Short Film Festival
Wild & Scenic Film Festival
Woodstock Film Festival
Yorkton Short Film & Video Festival
Young Cuts (prestigious Canadian Competition)
Youth Producing Change</p>