Calling all teen filmmakers! Sonoma County Library’s fifth annual Teen Film Festival opens for submissions on June 15, offering young creators the chance to share their stories on the big screen and win prizes. Submissions are accepted through August 15. 

Teen Services Administrator Lara Mayelian said the film festival provides teens with their own space to create and celebrate art. “The film competition inspires teens to use their creativity and supports young filmmakers to share their short films with the community,” Mayelian said.
All Sonoma County teens in grades 7-12 are invited to submit an original film up to six minutes long. A jury will review all submitted entries. The top three winners will each receive a gift card to a Sonoma County movie theater of their choice. 

Winning films will be shown at the Teen Film Festival Premiere, which will take place on Wednesday, September 10, at Rincon Valley Regional Library. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.[LM1]  This event is open to all and will include light refreshments and prize presentations.[KG2] [LM3]  All accepted films will be featured on the Santa Rosa and Petaluma Public Access YouTube channel.

“We are so excited to spotlight the voices of Sonoma County youth at this year’s Teen Film Festival,” Teen Services Librarian Allison Palmer said. “This event is a celebration of storytelling, community and the power of youth expression. We can’t wait to see what these young filmmakers create.”

In addition to having books available on film production and script writing and numerous movies to study, aspiring teen filmmakers can check out camera equipment free of charge through the library’s E Street Studios, located at the Central Santa Rosa Library.   

Teens seeking more information on festival submission guidelines can visit their local library or sonomalibrary.org/teenfilmmakers.