Submission Deadlines & Entry Fees:
Submissions Open: Wednesday, November 1st, 2023
Free Submission Deadline: Friday, March 1st, 2024 (FREE)
Regular Submission Deadline: Monday, April 29th, 2024 ($15.00)
Late Submission Deadline: Friday, May 31st, 2024 ($40.00)
Final Deadline: Monday, July 1st, 2024 ($65.00)
Official Selections will be announced: Thursday, July 18th, 2024
Event Dates: October 18th-20th, 2024
Technical Guidelines:
All films must be directly uploaded to FilmFreeway and made downloadable or they will not be considered for selection and screening. Please assure that in your project file's privacy settings that “Download Permissions” is set to “Festivals that I submit to may download my video.”
Your submission’s total runtime (TRT) must NOT exceed the specified time limit for the category you are submitting (See categories and time limits below). Credits are not included in your TRT, and credit runtime must NOT exceed 30 seconds.
We strongly recommend that you triple check your audio levels and that your audio is NOT limited to one channel (ie: right or left).
Any film that includes main dialogue that is not english must be submitted with english subtitles packaged into the submitted video file. Standalone .srt files are not accepted.
If your film has subtitles please make sure they are "Title Safe". For a detailed explanation of "Title Safe" please click here.
When uploading your submission, you must use the following file naming conventions:
FirstNameLastName_FilmTitle.mp4
Examples:
JaneDoe_MyFilm.mov
JohnDoe_MyMovie.mp4
We will only except the file formats listed below:
.MP4
.MOV
Do not submit films in 4K. Please submit your film in 1080 HD resolution. Any film files that are larger than 2GBs will not be accepted.
Do not submit using a YouTube or Vimeo link as they cannot be easily downloaded. Any submissions with a YouTube or Vimeo link will not be considered for selection or screening.
Films that are accepted into the festival will be screened in 16:9 aspect ratio. If your film is submitted in a different ratio, your film will be letterboxed to display on the 16:9 screen.
Content Guidelines:
All music, images, titles, footage and other copyrighted material used in your submission MUST be properly licensed. You must have permission and/or the proper rights to all content submitted.
There are various resources that offer royalty free music and images. Please see our resources tab for more information. We strongly encourage you to use original music or music from our library.
The All American High School Film Festival team reserves the right to switch your submission to a different category as they see fit.
Eligibility Guidelines:
The film’s director(s) must have been in high school or younger while producing the project. However, recently graduated seniors are eligible to create and submit their films after graduation and before our final submission deadline in July.
Middle school students are eligible to submit.
If the film's director(s) were high school seniors at the time of creation, but are now in college the film is eligible to be submitted.
We are an international film festival and thus accept films from anywhere in the world as long as you were in high school or high school age when the film was made.
Any submission that does not meet these guidelines will NOT be considered for judging and will NOT be selected to screen at the All American High School Film Festival.
ALL-NEW Branded Categories For 2024:
2024 Music Video Branded Category - Presented by AWAL Records
BREAKING NEWS! WE’RE BACK WITH A BRAND NEW CUSTOM CATEGORY - YOUR CHANCE TO MAKE AN ORIGINAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR “STRING THEORY” BY AWAL RECORD’S ARTIST ARAYA!!!
AAHSFF and AWAL are giving you the rights to create original music videos for one of music’s brightest new talents!!! AAHSFF is thrilled to announce the return of AWAL Records Music Video category for original Music Video submissions to “String Theory” by Araya! This unparalleled, real-world, FREE opportunity is open to ALL student filmmakers, currently in 12th grade and younger, through our final deadline on July 1st, 2024. This is your chance to show the world what you can create while competing for awesome prizes and worldwide exposure… Are you up for the challenge?
All submissions will be judged by a panel of judges including: the AAHSFF Team, AWAL Records staff, and qualified industry professionals. All category Official Selections will screen at the AMC Theaters in Times Square during the 2024 AAHSFF and the finalists and winners will be announced live at the Teen Indie Awards Show.
Find more info here
2024 red helicopter Short & Longform Branded Category
red helicopter is a way to live a life of success involving leadership, service, and caring. Its core values are kindness and math. It is an anthem for a new generation and community ready to lead change.
red helicopter leaders live by the words of Einstein (“imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world”) and da Vinci (“study the science of art. Study the art of science. Learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else”). They can express complex things in a simple, accurate, and emotionally memorable way. They bend systems.
We invite you to join this movement of connectedness and positivity. The book called red helicopter: a parable for our times is being released by Harper Collins on April 9, 2024, so there will be lots of attention drawn to worthy submissions!
Learn more here
General Categories:
Animation
There are many styles for animated storytelling: Traditional, Stop-Motion, Computer-Generated, 2D, 3D, Claymation and more… And we accept them all!
10 minutes or less
Broadcast Journalism: Feature Story - Presented by Student Television Network
Share an in-depth story about a compelling, newsworthy subject that highlights creativity and subjectivity and makes an emotional connection with the viewer.
5 minutes or less
Sports Feature
Share profile pieces, real-time reporting, highlights or events illuminating athletes in action, whether they’re making a difference on the field, off the field, or both! No sport is off limits! Pickle Ball, Motocross, Skiing, Snowboarding, Skateboarding, Surfing, Cheerleading, Cliff Jumping, Paintball, Crew, Fencing.... as long as includes athletes, doing what they love, you can submit it!
5 minutes or less
Comedy
Sure comedies make you laugh, but they also tell stories that move the audience and make them want more. There are so many comedic genres to choose from, and we welcome them all. Make us smile, make us cringe, make us laugh… This is your chance to share your comedy.
15 minutes or less
Documentary
The boundaries of documentary filmmaking continue to expand and we accept all forms and styles as long as they are nonfiction and document an aspect of reality. Find your subject, document it, and submit!
15 minutes or less
Drama
Share your narrative stories. All forms of narrative films accepted. Bring on the characters and conflicts!
20 minutes or less
Experimental
If your film is non-traditional, non-narrative or otherwise hard to define, this is the place for it. Get weird, break the rules and express your style.
10 minutes or less
Horror/Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Scary? Twisted? Out of this world? If you have a horror, science fiction or fantasy story to share, this is the category for you. All forms of Horror, Sci-fi or Fantasy films accepted.
10 minutes or less
Middle School
Are you in 8th grade or younger? Then this is the category for you. Submit your story in any genre you wish.
5 minutes or less
Music Video
Find a song and share its story or essence through visual imagery. All forms of music videos are accepted. Although we do not accept music videos with copyrighted music (without explicit permission) we continue to work to provide rights cleared music that you can use. Please click here to browse our library of rights cleared music.
5 minutes or less
PSA
All forms of Public Service Announcements are accepted.
3 minutes or less
Influencer Categories:
Introducing our Influencer Categories! We invite ALL student storytellers to submit videos to our newest festival addition: A selection of categories designed specifically for the next generation of digital storytellers and online influencers.
Micro Movie
Who says you can’t share a story in a minute or less? Not us. And certainly not your generation. Make every second count in this modern-day movement toward less is more. All story forms and concepts accepted.
1 minute or less
Adventure/Travel
Gone anywhere interesting lately? Experienced your own epic adventure? Or maybe you were just in your backyard and had a moment to remember… Share your passion, your inspiration, your exploration. Share your life experiences.
3 minutes or less
Vlog Life
Sit down in front of a camera and share your life, thoughts, opinions, and interests in this booming blog-extending and digital diary video format. Feel free to include embedded video, text, images, etc. BUT make sure that you have the rights to all content that appears in your submission.
5 minutes or less
Tutorial
Are you an emerging expert or just someone who knows how to do things? Share your knowledge (or your know-how) on any topic, trend, or little treat of wisdom with a “how to” video tutorial.
5 minutes or less
Podcast
Create a 1 - 10 minute audio recording that tells a story or explores a topic. The following podcast formats are accepted: One-On-One Interview, Solo Commentary, Panel (Guest Interview or Discussion), Non-Fiction Narrative Storytelling, Fictional Storytelling, and Hybrid (A combination of one or more of these styles).
Submissions may use any of the formats above and may include sound effects, interviews, and copyright-free sound bytes and music. Podcasters can submit as an individual or a group.
10 minutes or less
More Custom Categories Coming Soon
Have a great idea for a custom category? Email us at info@aahsff.com
Experience Contests:
2024 Festival Experience Contest
Plan on attending the 2024 All American High School Film Festival in NYC? If so, be sure to bring your camera! Quickly becoming one of our favorite traditions, this contest lets everyone see the fest through your lens. Did you travel by plane, train, or horse? Did you face obstacles? Funny moments in your hotel room? Everything is game in this category! This category is only open after the 2024 festival.
Film Contest Rules & Terms:
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: Entries for All American High School Film Festival Film Contest (the “Contest”) can be submitted between November 1st, 2023 at 12:00:01 a.m. Eastern Time and July 1st 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
ELIGIBILITY: Entrants must submit entries as required on the entry form to be eligible. Entries received after the deadline set forth in these terms are ineligible, null, and void.
HOW TO ENTER: Create a film of twenty (20) minutes or less in length (unless another length limit is specified for the category above.) (a “Film”). Visit www.hsfilmfest.com and follow the instructions to complete the entry form to submit your Film.
PERSONAL INFORMATION: To submit your Film you will be required to provide your first and last name; school/company/organization name; email address; and Film URL. The information you provide will be used only for contest administration and to contact contest winners. Your information will not be used for any other purpose or shared with any party not affiliated with the Festival and the Contest except to the extent permitted by law.
SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION OF WINNERS: Winners will be announced in October 2024 at the awards show. Winners will be chosen by the Festival on the merits of each entry in the Festival’s sole and absolute discretion. All winners will be notified by the email address provided in the entry form. If a winner does not respond to the notification within ten (10) business days, another winner will be chosen. Failure to respond within the time frames listed above shall mean that the provisional winner forfeits the prize.
RULES FOR ENTRY: Entries may not contain, as determined by the Festival, in its sole discretion, any content that:
An Entry must be the original work of the Entrant, and must not infringe upon the copyrights, trademarks, rights of privacy, publicity or other intellectual property or other rights of any person or entity. If an Entry contains any material or elements that are not owned by the Entrant, and/or which are subject to the rights of third parties, the Entrant is responsible for obtaining, prior to submitting such Entry, any and all releases and consents necessary to permit the use and exhibition of the Entry by the Festival in the manner set forth in these Terms, including, without limitation, name and likeness permissions from any person who appears in or is identifiable in the Entry, music licenses and location releases. The Festival reserves the right to request proof of these permissions in a form acceptable to the Festival from any entrant at any time. Failure to provide such proof may, if requested, render Entry null and void. By submitting an Entry, the Entrant warrants and represents that he/she and any persons appearing or who are identifiable in the Entry consent to the submission and use of the Entry in the Contest and to its use as otherwise set forth herein. Any Entry not in English must contain English subtitles.
By submitting an Entry, the Entrant acknowledges and agrees that the Festival may obtain many Entries in connection with this Contest, and that such Entries may be similar or identical in theme, idea, format or other respects to other Entries submitted in connection with this Contest. The Entrant waives any and all claims that any Entries and/or other works accepted, reviewed and/or used by the Festival may be similar to the Entrant’s Entry, or that any compensation is due to the Entrant in connection with such other Entry or other works used by the Festival.
PRIZES: Prizes are non-transferable and are not redeemable for cash or subject to substitution. The odds of winning depend on the number of entries and the quality of each specific Entry.
TERMS FOR WINNERS: Winners may not request substitutions of prize winnings. All winners are solely responsible for any and all taxes and/or fees as well as all additional costs that may be incurred. If the specified prize becomes unavailable for any reason, the Festival in its sole and absolute discretion may substitute a prize of like or equal value. The Festival reserves the right to condition the award of prizes upon the execution by the winner(s) of a publicity release. Notwithstanding this reserved right, entry is conclusively deemed to be permission by the Entrant for the Festival to use the Entrant’s name (without compensation to the Entrant) if the Entrant is a winner to publicize the Contest and otherwise, as determined by the Festival, unless prohibited by law. The Festival reserves the right to require the winner to execute an affidavit of eligibility as a sworn document and provide other proof of eligibility as a condition of receipt of the prize or award. In the event the winner is a minor, the Festival reserves the right to require the minor winner’s parent and/or legal guardian to execute an affidavit of eligibility as a sworn document, provide other proof of eligibility and guarantee the minor winner’s obligations, representations and warranties hereunder as a condition of receipt of the prize or award. In the event a winner fails or refuses to execute or provide any required documentation, the Festival reserves the right to award the prize or award to a substitute winner in the Festival’s sole discretion. The Festival may require the winner to be present for/participate in press and promotional activities. In addition, the Festival may request actors and other participants in the Film to be present for/participate in press and promotional activities and the Entrant shall not direct any such individuals to refuse to so participate.
GENERAL CONDITIONS: By submitting an Entry, each Entrant agrees: (a) to abide by these Terms, and the decisions of the Festival, which shall be final and binding in all respects relating to this Contest; (b) to release, discharge and hold harmless the Festival, the Festival’s licenses and assigns, and their respective parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, and advertising and promotion agencies, and the respective officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents and representatives of the forgoing (collectively, “Released Parties”) from any and all injuries, liability, losses and damages of any kind to persons, including death, or property resulting, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the Entrant’s participation in the Contest or any Contest-related activity and from any and all claims, debts, demands, actions or causes of actions, suits, sums of money, damages, and liabilities of whatsoever kind or nature, which have arisen or may arise as a result of the Released Parties exercise of the rights granted to them as set forth herein; (c) to the use of his/her name, voice, performance, photograph/Film, image and/or likeness for programming, advertising, publicity and promotional purposes in any and all media, now or hereafter known, worldwide, including without limitation, on the Internet, and in perpetuity by the Festival and its designees, without compensation (unless prohibited by law) or additional consents from the Entrant or any third party and without prior notice, approval or inspection, and to execute specific consent to such use if asked to do so; and (d) to hold the Released Parties harmless and to indemnify the Released Parties from and against all costs, expenses and liabilities incurred by the Released Parties in connection with the defense of any claim or claims on account thereof, including reasonable attorney’s fees. By participating, the Entrant also agrees not to release any publicity or other materials on his/her own or through someone else regarding his/her participation in the Contest without the prior consent of the Festival, which it may withhold in its sole discretion.
OWNERSHIP/USE OF SUBMISSIONS: By submitting an Entry, you hereby grant to the Festival a royalty-free, fully paid up, perpetual, irrevocable, non-exclusive and fully sub-licensable right and license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, combine with other works, create derivative works from, distribute, perform, edit and display such Entry (in whole or part) including, without limitation, the names and likenesses of any persons or locations embodied therein, and/or to incorporate it in other works in any form, media, or technology now known or later developed. These rights include, without limitation, the right to exhibit the Entry at the All American High School Film Festival and to use the Entry in any and all media including but not limited to the Festival’s and the Festival’s licensee’s social media properties and/or offline media, in perpetuity without compensation, permission or notification to the Entrant or any third party. By submitting an Entry, The Entrant acknowledges that the Festival has no obligation to use or post any Entry submitted. Subject to these Terms, the Entrant retains copyright ownership of the Entry.
MISCELLANEOUS: Released Parties are not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, damaged, inaccurate, stolen, delayed, misdirected, undelivered, or garbled Entries; or for lost, interrupted or unavailable network, server, Internet Service Provider (ISP), website, or other connections, availability or accessibility or miscommunications or failed computer, satellite, telephone or cable transmissions, lines, or technical failure or jumbled, scrambled, delayed, or misdirected transmissions or computer hardware or software malfunctions, failures or difficulties, or other errors or difficulties of any kind whether human, mechanical, electronic, computer, network, typographical, printing or otherwise relating to or in connection with the Contest, including, without limitation, errors or difficulties which may occur in connection with the administration of the Contest, processing of Entries, the incorrect uploading of an Entry, or in any Contest-related materials. Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Contest. Released Parties are not responsible for injury or damage to any person’s computer related to or resulting from participating in this Contest or downloading materials from or use of the website. Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the Contest or website, who act in an inappropriate or disruptive manner or who are in violation of these Terms, as solely determined by the Festival, will be disqualified and all associated Entries will be void. Should any portion of the Contest be, in the Festival’s sole opinion, compromised by virus, worms, bugs, non-authorized human intervention or other causes which, in the sole opinion of the Festival, corrupt or impair the administration, security, fairness or submission of Entries, the Festival reserves the right at its sole discretion to suspend, modify or terminate the Contest. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE THE WEBSITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE CONTEST MAY BE IN VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, FESTIVAL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES AND OTHER REMEDIES (INCLUDING ATTORNEYS’ FEES) FROM ANY SUCH INDIVIDUAL TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW, INCLUDING CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.
All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Terms, or the rights and obligations of the Entrant and the Festival in connection with this Contest, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any choice of law rules (whether of the State of New York or for any other jurisdiction), which would cause the application of laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York.