Submissions are now open for the South Carolina Young Filmmakers Project, a collaboration between the South Carolina Film Commission and Trident Technical College, to encourage the state’s aspiring high school filmmakers.
The project is aimed at encouraging high school students (grades 9-12) to explore cinematic storytelling by creating a short film of two minutes or less. The deadline for entries is midnight, Feb. 22, 2027, and this year’s submissions must incorporate an hourglass as a prop within the film.
Entries will be scored by a panel of independent judges composed of industry professionals evaluating criteria such as story development, creative use of the required prop, production value, and overall impact.
To aid prospective entrants, students and educators from across the state are invited to attend the Young Filmmakers Story Conference in Charleston on Oct. 9. The conference will be at the Meeting Street Visitors Center and is a featured part of the AfroSouth Film Festival. The story conference is free and open to the public.
Prizes for this year’s young filmmakers project are as follows:
- First Place — $750
- Second Place — $500
- Third Place — $250
The top three winners will also receive a lifetime license to Arc Studio Pro screenwriting software. The top 10 finalists will have their films played at a theatrical screening and reception in spring 2027 and receive a one-year license for Arc Studio Pro.
For submission guidelines, official rules and to enter, visit indiegrants.org/young-filmmakers.
