Film Festival Opens Call for Entries

Student filmmakers from around the world are invited to submit their work for the fourth annual Montecito Student Film Festival, taking place Saturday, Nov. 14, at Westmont College in Montecito. The festival’s call for entries opened March 1, and submissions will be accepted through midnight on June 1.

The festival, set along California’s breathtaking Central Coast, where mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, celebrates emerging filmmakers and fosters creative collaboration. The festival aims to empower the next generation of storytellers while building connections between students and film industry professionals.

“The festival allows students to gain experience, build a professional portfolio, receive feedback and connect with industry professionals and peers who can help shape their careers,” says Jonathan Hicks, chair of Westmont’s theater arts and film studies. “I’m excited for this year’s festival because it provides a stage for students to showcase their work to a wider audience and potentially catch the eye of talent scouts, studios, and larger film circuits, as well as students’ exposure to diverse storytelling techniques and cinematic styles from around the world, broadening their perspectives. Finally, student films reflect a wide spectrum of human experiences from different backgrounds and cultures that may be underrepresented in mainstream cinema.” 

Selected filmmakers will have the opportunity to screen their films in the festival’s “Best of Show” program and engage with Hollywood professionals through networking and discussion opportunities.

Awards will be presented in several categories, including Audience Award, Critics Choice Award, Best Documentary, Best Animation, Best Screenplay and Best International Film.

Eligible entrants must be current or former students who created their film while enrolled in high school or undergraduate programs at U.S. schools. Films must be under 30 minutes and produced within the last two years. The festival welcomes animation, live-action, documentary, music video and experimental works.

Filmmakers may submit up to two films via FilmFreeway with required materials including a synopsis, cast and crew list, and still images.