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Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina Film Commission and Trident Technical College have opened their annual high school filmmaking competition, the South Carolina Young Filmmakers Project.

The initiative encourages young creatives to explore the world of video production, storytelling, and messaging while competing for recognition and prizes.

 

Each short film entry must be two minutes or less and feature a megaphone as a required prop. Entries are due February 9, 2026.

 

Student filmmakers are invited to attend an optional Young Filmmakers Story Conference on Friday, Oct. 17, at the AFROSOUTH FILM FESTIVAL in Charleston. The story conference is part of the festival’s day-long series of programming for young artists and entrepreneurs. Participants will have the opportunity to pitch their short film ideas to a panel and receive helpful feedback on their story, characters, style, and technical approach. The story conference is an ideal field trip for educators incorporating Media Arts in their curriculum. Learn more and register at indiegrants.org/2025yfppitchconf.

 

“The Young Filmmakers Project offers students a valuable opportunity to learn the essentials of production manufacturing, including camera work, editing, and sound design,” says Matt Storm, Director of the South Carolina Film Commission. “It provides hands-on experience and insights into a growing industry, helping students discover new interests and talents that could shape exciting career paths.”

 

“Video production plays a vital role in the global economy,” says Glenn Seale, Dean of Film, Media, and Visual Arts at Trident Technical College in North Charleston. “It’s essential across multiple industries, including entertainment, advertising, education, healthcare, and technology.”

 

Find more information on the Young Filmmakers Project and all submission guidelines at indiegrants.org/young-filmmakers.

 

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