Student Film Showcase: Florida In Film
Submission: January 21, 2026
Screening: March 31, 2026
The Historical Society of Palm Beach County, in partnership with Kilo Content, invites high school and university students to submit short films inspired by Florida’s history, people, and places.
Student Film Showcase
The showcase emphasizes creativity over equipment. Some of today’s most acclaimed film projects have been shot entirely on cell phones. Students are encouraged to think resourcefully and tell compelling stories, whether in documentary, narrative, or experimental forms.
Submissions are due by January 31, 2026. A panel of local creatives and industry professionals will select the top five films, which will be screened publicly in March 31, 2026. The winner will receive a $5,000 stipend to support future creative work.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Open to students ages 16–24 who are enrolled in a Florida high school, college, or university.
- Minors may participate with parental or guardian consent.
- Submissions may be individual or team projects (up to 4 students per team).
Create a 5–10-minute film inspired by Florida’s history, people, or places.
- Films may be produced in any style, including documentary, narrative, animation, or other creative approaches.
- Submissions should emphasize creativity and storytelling over costly materials or advanced technology.
- No AI actors are permitted. Augmenting special effects is acceptable.
- There will be two competition categories: High School and College/University.
- Length: 5–10 minutes
- Format: MP4 or MOV, minimum resolution 1080p
- Language: All films must be subtitled in English
- Location: Films must be shot in Florida and include at least one Palm Beach County landmark (see examples below).
- Statement: A 100-word filmmaker statement must accompany each entry, explaining the film’s concept and connection to Florida.
- Original content only (no copyrighted music, video, or images without permission).
- Please upload your video to Vimeo or YouTube and email the link and form to archive2@pbchistory.org
- Submissions will be limited to the first 100 entries (first-come, first-served).
- Submission Deadline: January 31, 2025
- Review of Submissions Completed: February 28, 2025
- Notification of Finalists: March 6, 2025
- Finalist Screening: March 31, 2026
A panel of industry professionals will evaluate submissions based on the following:
- Creativity & Originality (30%) – Innovative ideas, fresh perspectives, and engaging approaches.
- Connection to Florida’s History, People, or Places (30%) – Clear and meaningful ties to the theme, especially showing change over time.
- Storytelling & Clarity (20%) – Strong narrative structure and the ability to communicate a compelling message.
- Technical Quality (20%) – Effective use of cinematography, sound, editing, and pacing (not dependent on budget or equipment).
- Five finalists will be selected, and their films will be screened publicly as part of the Sunshine Cinema: Florida in Film exhibition.
- One finalist from High School and one finalist from College/University will each receive a $2,500 cash prize and a Jury Award.
For questions, please email: archive2@pbchistory.org.
- Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse
- Lake Worth Beach & Pier
- Historic 1916 Palm Beach County Courthouse (Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum)
- Clewiston Sugar Fields & Agricultural Sites (western Palm Beach County)
- Belle Glade Muck Farms (Everglades agricultural history)
- Boca Raton’s Mizner Park / Old Town Hall
- West Palm Beach Waterfront & Flagler Drive
(Students may propose alternative Palm Beach County landmarks if they establish a strong historical connection.)
