What can I submit?

A film under 6 minutes (including credits) or a photo paired with an essay (350-500 word count) following the criteria above. These submissions can be a story focusing on a group, person, or event that has had a positive impact on your school or community - think after school clubs, food drives, or a mentor who has positively impacted those around them. A group or individual may submit a project. You can submit ONE photo per essay.

Think about how people within our school reach out to help others. Your project could focus on:

• Student-led initiatives that solve a local problem, like a food drive or an environmental project.

• School-hosted events that bring a neighborhood together, such as community blood drives or local fundraisers.

• People who show up for the community, like a coach who organizes youth sports, a staff member who volunteers nearby, or a peer who leads by example outside of the school.

Whether you are highlighting a major project or a small, consistent act of kindness, we want to see how your school makes the world around it a better place.

Will my work be screened in public?

A selection of films and photos will be showcased at the New Hampshire High School Short Film Festival that takes place May 17 at Chunky's Cinema Pub in Manchester. Selections will be announced two weeks before the public screening.

How are submissions judged?

A panel of judges including local community members, students from the Media Power Youth advisory board, and industry professionals in the digital media community will judge submissions based on this criteria:

Narrative:  Is the main idea and the actions taken by the people in the story clear? Is the story told creatively?

Impact: How has the event, group, or individual featured made a difference to the community? How significant and/or lasting was their impact? 

Technical Skill: How well did the filmmaker(s) utilize media techniques, including composition, lighting, sound design, and editing? 

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 designed 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