SM Teen Film Fest

Welcome teen filmmakers to the Santa Monica Teen Film Festival! The Festival is open to teens ages 12-18 or anyone currently enrolled in high school. We accept films between 30 seconds - 30 minutes in length, of any genre. You DO NOT need to be a resident of California to submit, we accept films from anywhere in the world. There is no charge to submit your film!

Winners will be chosen in several categories including “Best of the Fest,” “Best Documentary,” a special award called “The Santa Monica Budding Filmmaker Award” which will be given to the most promising young filmmaker who lives in Santa Monica, and a new award sponsored by the City's Office of Sustainability and the Environment for the film which best represents the spirit of environmentalism. We encourage you to submit live action, animation, documentary, music video, or experimental films. Prizes include a public screening, trophies, gift certificates and private meetings with working industry professionals who can advise you on how to begin your career in film. 

1^st Screening: Saturday night June 9^th, 2012 at 7:00 PM; Miles Memorial Playhouse, 1130 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica CA 90403  
2^nd Screening: Sunday afternoon, June 10^th at 2:00 PM at the Main Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica CA 90401

HOW TO ENTER YOUR FILM IN THE FESTIVAL: 

1. Ensure that your film meets these criteria: 
   
1. Content is suitable for viewing by an audience of all ages.
2. Between 30 seconds to 30 minutes in length.
3. You and the principal members of your crew are between 12-18 yrs old.
4. Your film is complete and submitted in NTSC REGION 0/1/FREE format.
5. Please keep a copy of your DVD; physical submissions will not be returned
    
2. To submit your film electronically: 
   
1. Go to: http://www.withoutabox.com/login/6028. Follow the instructions to set up an account and submit your project.
2. Once you've set up your account you can also submit your film to other contests across the globe!
    
3. To submit your film in person: 
   
• Download the entry form HERE. Read the directions HERE.
• Please drop off the form along with a DVD copy of your film at the Youth Reference Desk at the Main library during regular business hours. Or the Teen Center at Virginia Avenue Park Monday-Friday between the hours of 3:30-8:00 PM. Entry forms also available at both locations.
    
4. Snail mail to:
   
   Santa Monica Teen Film Festival
   Santa Monica Public Library c/o Erica Cuyugan
   601 Santa Monica Blvd. S.M., CA. 90401

You will be notified upon receipt of your entry. Questions? Call (310) 458-8634. Sign and date the form or if you are under 18 have your parent or legal guardian sign and date your entry form and submit along with your completed film on DVD on or before the submission deadline below.

• It is FREE to enter your film. Multiple film submissions are welcome.
• SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS: MONDAY, APRIL 30th, 2012 at 5PM!    

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?  

• Not all submissions will be accepted for screening.
• If your film is selected for the festival you will be notified on or before Monday, May 7^th 2012  
• There will be a jury panel made up of teens and industry professionals who will decide the winners in each category.
•  You will be notified upon receipt of your submission. If you have any questions please call Cultural Affairs Supervisor - Justin Yoffe - at (310) 458-8634 or e-mail him at milesplayhouse@smgov.net.