Student Film Festival

School Project Films

For films made by school classes at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. 

Prizes: Judges select one high school project and one middle school project as winning films. Each winning film receives a $100 cash prize for the teacher’s classroom.

Eligibility: Schools within Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino Counties are eligible.

Submissions: N/A

Independent Student Films

For films made independently by middle and high school students.

Prizes: Judges select one high school project and one middle school project to receive a cash prize of $250 each.

Eligibility: Students within Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino Counties are eligible.

Submissions: Films must be submitted through Film Freeway (see below).

Independent College Films

For films made independently by college students, actively enrolled at the time of submission. The top films from SRJC’s Student Film Festival are automatically entered into the True West Student Film Competition.

Prizes: Judges select one film to receive a $250 cash prize.

Eligibility: Student must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. college at the time of submission.

Submissions: Films must be submitted through Film Freeway.

Joseph Carnation, Jr. Student Film Award

In honor of our late supporter, career educator, and student advocate, Joe Carnation, the film judged to be the best across all categories receives a $1,000 cash award. Award winners must reside within Sonoma County at the time of submission.

Selection & Judging

Submissions are judged by the True West Film Center Selection Committee, consisting of film industry professionals and community leaders. If a film is selected for the final competitive screening, the entrant will be contacted by True West Film Center. The screening competition takes place during True West Film Festival, with the specific date to be determined. Presentation of awards follows the screening.