2026
New Hampshire High School Short Film Festival
Rules & Guidelines
Embedded Files
Launched in 2008 and presented by the New Hampshire Film Bureau, the New Hampshire High School Short Film Festival has become one of the marquee film festivals in the state, fostering interest in filmmaking, supporting media arts education in schools, and rewarding future members of the industry for their craft all throughout New Hampshire.
Submission Deadline: Sunday, April 19th at Midnight!
Submit at FilmFreeway.com/nhhssff
What can I submit?
There is no specific type or genre criteria (documentary, stop motion film, narrative fiction, etc. or comedy, drama, horror, etc.) to submit to the New Hampshire High School Short Film Festival, except that all films must follow the rules outlined below. Films must be under 6:00 in length, including credits. Films must be submitted through FilmFreeway. Instructions on how to submit are at the bottom of this page.
Will my film be screened in public?
The film festival holds an in-person 2 hour screening event on May 17 at Chunky's in Manchester. Films submitted for consideration are reviewed and scored by a panel of volunteer industry judges, which can include (but not limited to), editors, graphic designers, sound designers, producers, writers, filmmakers, and the like. Films are judged on a criteria of storytelling, cinematography, editing, and audio. The judges' scorings determine what film make the screening based on highest rated films. Selections will be announced two weeks before the public screening.
The festival is free to submit, but entry into the final two-hour screening is not guaranteed. The screening is free to attend. More information about the screening will be given at a later date.
Important viewing disclaimer:
This is a PG-13 festival. Students use filmmaking as a creative outlet to explore challenging and sensitive topics such as mental health, bullying, and other potentially sensitive topics. Viewers are advised that these themes may be upsetting or emotionally difficult for some audiences. No one will be denied entry based on age, but we ask that parents thoughtfully assess their child’s development and emotional readiness, before granting permission to attend. Information about support resources related to these themes will be available in the program.
Awards:
First Place
1st Runner-Up
2nd Runner-Up
3rd Runner-Up
4th Runner-Up
Judges reserve the right to award other accolades based on submissions.
For example: Excellence in Animation
The student(s) who take first place will receive a prize basket containing tickets to local attractions and other fun, shareable goodies. Their school's media program will receive a $500 B&H gift card. The school that wins first place will receive the official NHHSSFF trophy to showcase at their school for a year. After a year, the film festival will collect the trophy to award to the winner the following year.
Brynn Daigle, First Place Winner of the 2025 NHHSSFF from Plymouth Regional High School
Safety Rules:
(1) Do not do anything that puts another person in danger.
(2) No nudity.
(3) We encourage students to explore difficult and sensitive topics responsibly, with thoughtfulness and empathy. Films must not glorify, celebrate, or advocate for violence, illegal activity, self-harm, gun violence, substance misuse, or dangerous acts. Only STAGED violence is allowed (see rule 1), however we encourage filmmakers to focus your storytelling power on emotions, consequences, and the journey toward seeking help or positive change. Films may be selected for public screening and we advise students to consider the impact their film may have on an audience with varied life experiences.
(4) Swearing/fake blood is allowed but remember that the decision to use these tools MUST enhance the story. Any overly excessive or unnecessary use of these things will cause your film to be excluded from the festival. Speak to your Adult Supervisor if you are unsure what to include.
(5) NHHSSFF Weapons Usage Policy
NHHSSFF upholds a mandatory weapons policy to ensure the safety of students, their cast, crew, peers, and adult supervisors. Violations may result in disqualification.
Definition of weapon: firearms, knives, or any object, used or intended to cause physical injury.
Part 1. Prohibited Items, with limited exceptions (see Part 2)
Do not use any real weapons in your film.
Do not bring any weapons (real or fake) on school grounds, including replicas, look-alike weapons, or objects designed to resemble weapons.
Part 2. Limited Exceptions: Kitchen Knives and Prop Knives
Part 2A: Kitchen Knives - An exception is made for real knives under the following conditions:
The knife is a standard kitchen utensil intended solely for food preparation
The scene is non-combat in nature
The knife is not used, displayed, or implied as a weapon
The knife is actively supervised by their “Adult Supervisor” and handled safely at all times
The knife is stored safely and securely when not in use
Part 2B: Prop Knives - An exception is made for prop knives under the following conditions:
The prop knife is actively supervised by their “Adult Supervisor” and handled safely at all times
The knife is stored safely and securely when not in use
The knife must only be out when filming and when actively supervised by their Adult Supervisor
The knife must not be used off-camera, for play, or for any unsafe, threatening, or inappropriate manner on set, or outside it’s intended use while filming
Londonderry High School students work on their film.
Rules and Terms:
(1) Open to New Hampshire high school students only. All films must be produced solely by students currently enrolled and attending a New Hampshire public or private high school (grades 9-12) or enrolled in homeschooling.
(2) Must submit films through FilmFreeway. For instructions on How to Submit, scroll down to after Rules & Terms.
(3) It is important these films reflect student learning, self-expression, and creativity. While adults may offer guidance and feedback, all creative and technical work must be completed by students themselves. Adults may participate in on-screen acting roles, provide guidance, offer feedback, and supervise.
(4) All submissions must have an Adult Supervisor. An Adult Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the filmmaking process from beginning to end and ensuring the safety of all on and off camera cast and crew involved in the filmmaking process. A high school student currently enrolled may not act as adult supervisor. Adult supervisors must fill out the required form on the forms page. Adult Supervisors are responsible for:
The safety and wellbeing of all cast and crew members of each film you represent.
Adherence to the festival's rules and guidelines, most important being safety.
Enforcement of the festival's deadlines.
Quality of the submission(s).
Counsel student's reactions (good or bad) during the festival process.
(5) Films can be no longer than six minutes (6:00) in length, including credits.
(6) Films must have been produced after June 30, 2025.
(7) Students must follow the Safety Rules and Weapons Policy.
(8) Films can either be produced as part of a school project, group, independently, or as part of an after-school club. (Film Club/Media Club, etc.)
(9) Submitted films must be original works and filmmakers must be able to provide proof of licensing for any copyrighted material featured in the project to be eligible, when requested. (like music). Your film will automatically be disqualified if copyrighted music is used, (i.e. no Taylor Swift).
(10) Awards are given only to those listed on the submission form from Film Freeway. Award names will be listed as they have been submitted in the submission form. Please make sure all names are spelled correctly as that is how they will appear on award certificates. Students may submit a project as the official applicant and still be listed in another project as crew.
(11) Students are allowed to submit multiple films as long as all films have been made after June 30, 2025.
(12) Student must submit required media release/permission form as well as have their adult supervisor fill out and submit the Adult Supervisor form See the Required Forms page.
(13) Submissions are due by Sunday, April 19th at midnight.
(14) Political Neutrality Policy:
The NHHSSFF is a non-partisan event that celebrates the voices of New Hampshire youth. To maintain a welcoming environment for all perspectives, submissions must avoid endorsing or opposing specific candidates for office or advocating for legislative platforms. We invite filmmakers to prioritize personal stories and lived experiences, whether they are exploring a subject of their choice or highlighting the community impact of their schools for the Spotlight Community Impact Award. This approach ensures the festival remains a dedicated space for authentic storytelling rather than political campaigning.
(15) Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy
Films submitted to the festival must be primarily created by human filmmakers. Artificial intelligence tools may be used only for limited editing or post-production purposes, such as color correction, sound cleanup, or minor visual adjustments. AI may not be used to generate core creative elements of the film, including the script, performances, visuals, or direction. This policy helps preserve artistic integrity and ensures that all submissions reflect original human creativity.
How to Submit:
Submissions are due by Sunday, April 19th at midnight.
Submit at the button at the bottom of this page or go to FilmFreeway.com/nhhssff. You must make a FilmFreeway account to submit. Teacher's or Adult Supervisor's are allowed to submit for the students under the teacher's FilmFreeway account, just please make sure all information is correct. Here is the general breakdown of how to submit:
1. Make a FilmFreeway account
2. Upload your project
3. Go to filmfreeway.com/nhhssff and submit
See the full "How to Submit" document below for step-by-step instructions.
(This guide is for films AND photo projects)
How to Submit.pdf
Required Forms:
Media Release Tool for Students:
Use this document to understand why media releases are important and to keep track of your cast and crew members' releases.
2026 Media Release Project Tool.pdfPage updated
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