The AAHSFF Film Invitational is the world’s premier, on-site student filmmaking competition - An authentic, real-world production experience for student filmmakers and video production programs - your chance to “crew up” and produce a short film in just 10 weeks. We believe that the best classroom is a film set, and our Film Invitational Competitions provide participants with an unparalleled chance to productively collaborate, improve their craft and test their skills while competing against student teams from around the world. 

At the heart of all of our competition options is the pre-production process, enabling teams to fully embrace the most essential phase of production, and helping you create your best possible submission once on-set in New York City. Simply put: Competing in the Film Invitational is a team-building, tech-fueled, creative experience like no other!

2025 Competitions Include:

• The Complete Film Invitational Experience

• Claustrophobic Creativity

Kick off the festival weekend right with our Opening Night Party and Networking Event sailing around Manhattan on the Hudson River! This event is for Elite All-Access Pass holders or those who purchased tickets specifically for the dinner cruise. If you have a general All-Access pass, you may purchase admission to the dinner cruise while supplies last.

THIS EVENT IS GOING TO SELL OUT, SECURE YOUR ELITE ALL-ACCESS PASS NOW: hsfilmfest.com/tickets

Presented by:

Witness the future of film in the heart of New York City! We will be screening all of our 2025 Official Selections at the AMC Empire 25 Theaters in Times Square.

Check out the Screening Schedule HERE

Get your Elite All-Access Pass now: hsfilmfest.com/tickets

ONLY FOR TEACHERS AND/OR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS
Get charged up for the day while mingling with fellow educators and learning about the exciting programming our festival has to support your film program! Coffee and pastries will be provided. Located on Floor 6M at the AMC Theater (accessible by elevator only).

Get your Elite All-Access Pass now: hsfilmfest.com/tickets

Check out the newest of the new from our partners, soon to be announced! Get your hands on the tech and talk to representatives about what's new in the film industry!

Get your Elite All-Access Pass now: hsfilmfest.com/tickets

Interested in participating in this event? Contact info@aahsff.com to explore festival integration opportunities.

Join us at the nation's largest film and media arts college fair! Take some time to check out each school and their unique approach to film and media education. All participants will receive a free lunch after exiting the college fair. For a list of participating colleges please visit our College Corner.

Get your Elite All-Access Pass now: hsfilmfest.com/tickets

Learn from industry insiders and professionals during our Workshop series.

For more information visit: www.hsfilmfest.com/2025-panels-workshops

Enjoy the full lineup of NYC Film Invitational Films that were created during the week prior ON LOCATION in New York City!

Witness the future of film in the heart of New York City! We will be screening all of our 2025 Official Selections at the AMC Empire 25 Theaters in Times Square.

Check out the Screening Schedule HERE

Get your Elite All-Access Pass now: hsfilmfest.com/tickets

ONLY FOR TEACHERS AND/OR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS
Get charged up for the day while mingling with fellow educators and learning about the exciting programming our festival has to support your film program! Coffee and pastries will be provided. Located on Floor 6M at the AMC Theater (accessible by elevator only).

Get your Elite All-Access Pass now: hsfilmfest.com/tickets

Mark your calendars for an event you won't want to miss! The Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers (SMPTE) is thrilled to present "Pizza & Professionals," a premier networking event designed specifically for budding filmmakers, technology lovers, and anyone passionate about the world of motion pictures and television.

This event is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from industry professionals behind the latest technology, and get a leg up on your future in the entertainment industry. Plus, who can resist the allure of free pizza?

Presented by:

Attendees with bus passes will begin boarding our reserved coach buses for round trip transportation to and from the Tindies at Kings Theatre in Flatbush, Brooklyn.

There will be the option to purchase tickets for a seat on a chartered bus that will take you from the New York Hilton Midtown Hotel (1335 6th Ave, New York, NY) to and from Kings Theatre for the Teen Indie Awards.

BUS PASSES MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE. DEADLINE TO PURCHASE IS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11TH

Get your bus pass now: hsfilmfest.com/tickets

Buses will load on the 54th Street side of the hotel (map below):

The festival weekend all leads up to this... the annual Teen Indie Awards Show and Red Carpet. Walk the Red Carpet with your friends and family and then sit back and cross your fingers.

BUS PASSES MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE. DEADLINE TO PURCHASE IS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND

Get your Elite All-Access Pass now: hsfilmfest.com/tickets

Celebrate the future of film at the annual Teen Indie Awards where we will announce all of our festival winners and give away over $500,000 in prizes and scholarships!

Get your Elite All-Access Pass now: hsfilmfest.com/tickets