Thunder Bay International Film Festival Student Film Competition

As part of Thunder Bay International Film Festival, the NEMIGLSI network and partners host a Student Film Competition. High School students (9th-12th grade) are eligible to enter individually or as a team, and there is NO entry fee for the competition. Interested in submitting a film? See the details below! File submission deadline: January 4th, 2022

Submit Your Film Here

JUDGING & PRIZES

All submissions will be judged by a jury of professional filmmakers and Great Lakes conservationists. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 1st ($300), 2nd ($200) and 3rd place winners ($100) with sponsorship from the Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

The top finalists will have their films presented on the big screen during the Student Film Competition Program during the film festival.

The winners are announced on stage at the end of the program. It's free to attend!

COMPETITION GUIDELINES

Subject matter should focus on the theme, #ScienceInTheSanctuary, and it should show your interpretation of the connection between science and our freshwater marine sanctuary.

All film genres will be accepted. However, successful films will include 80% or more filmed footage or animation, rather than photograph-slideshow elements.

We encourage creativity with all film entries! Winning films will be chosen on the basis of creativity and the ability to tell a story that leaves the audience better informed about or moved by the Great Lakes.

RULES & ELIGIBILITY

Entries will be accepted from all students in grades 9-12th. Entry is not exclusive to organized school programs. Group or individual entries are welcome. One entry per student.
Film submissions must be 3 minutes or less in length (including credits).
Films must be produced and made in entirety by student(s) or student teams, but entrants can have an adult mentor.
All audio/video/graphic content must be original, copyright free or have written permission, and be properly documented.
Video creation tools will be allowed for production, with documented use of such tools.
Final submissions should either be in .MOV format (1080 Widescreen preferred) or online link (Youtube, Vimeo, etc) and must include a completed student submission form.
A cover image for the film, that will be shown as a background in the film guide for the film festival, should the film be selected. (Recommended: 960 x 380 px.)