About NHHSSFF:

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.

The festival screens a two-hour program of selected films. Films submitted for consideration are reviewed and scored by a festival selection committee. Originality, cinematic storytelling, and technical execution are the primary basis of the scoring. All films, regardless of type or genre, are judged on the filmmaker’s ability to effectively captivate an audience through cinematic expression. The festival places selections, beginning with the highest-ranked working downward, into the two-hour program block. The selections are cut off when the last film can begin prior to the two-hour mark.

The festival is free to submit, but entry into the final two-hour screening is not guaranteed. The screening is FREE to attend.

The NHHSSFF holds technical skills important but emphasizes story overall and encourages students to try and come up with original and creative plot lines and characters.

Awards:

First Place: Best of the Best

1st Runner-Up

2nd Runner-Up

3rd Runner-Up

4th Runner-Up

Films are judged by a panel of volunteer industry professionals which can include (but not limited to) videographers, editors, graphic designers, sound designers, producers, writers, filmmakers, and surrounding similar fields. Judges reserve the right to award other accolades based on submissions.

Judges rate films based on use of: Cinematography, Editing, Audio, and Story. The NHHSSFF emphasizes story as the most important factor when judging films. We emphasize creativity, originality, and fluidness when telling a story (does the story make sense?). 

Safety:

(1) Do not do anything that puts another person in danger.

(2) DO NOT BRING OR USE ANY WEAPONS (REAL OR FAKE) ON SCHOOL PROPERTY. If you have a story that uses a weapon, you MUST have full permission, consent, and supervision of the Adult Supervisor.

(3) No nudity.

(4) Swearing/fake blood/STAGED violence 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.

Rules and Terms:

ALL FILMS MUST BE PRODUCED BY A NEW HAMPSHIRE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ENROLLED IN PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SCHOOL IN THE STATE OR NH. OR A HOMESCHOOLED STUDENT AGES 14-18 IN THE STATE OF NH.

Eligible New Hampshire students must submit relevant forms: Parental Consent Form (if under 18) or a Student Consent form (over 18), all of which are available at the forms page. A teacher/supervisor must submit an Adult Supervisor form. A “Supervisor” is the one adult that assumes all responsibility for the safety of each cast and crew member. The Supervisor may be a faculty, staff, parent, or guardian. Each film must list one adult in the credits as "Adult Supervisor." The Supervisor must fill out the adult supervision form. No film will be accepted without a supervisor.

(1) OPEN TO NH 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). Submitting students can be either New Hampshire residents or out-of-state residents attending school in-state. New Hampshire homeschooled students ages 14-18 are also eligible.

(2) Adult involvement in the project is limited to verbal educational support and guidance, on-screen talent and/or as Supervisor. Adults are there to supervise and guide students, not take part directly in any part of the production of the film.

(3) Films can be no longer than seven minutes (7:00) in length, including credits. 

(4) Films must have been produced after June 30, 2024.

(5) 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.)

(6) 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)

(8) 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. Students may submit a project as the official applicant and still be listed in another project as crew.

(9) A high school student 18 years + may not act as the sole team member and adult supervisor.

(10) Students are allowed to submit more than one film as long as all films have been made after June 30, 2024.

(11) You must have verbal permission of the actors involved.

(12) Submit in 1080p or 720p. NO 4k video

How to Submit:

Submit at the bottom of this page or go to FilmFreeway.com/nhhssff. These forms must be filled out before you submit. Films will be disqualified without the proper forms filled out. Email us at nhhssff@gmail.com if you are concerned you have filled out the wrong forms.

Parent/Guardian Consent Form (if under 18 years old)

Student Consent Form (if 18+)

Adult Supervisor Form

Forms can be found HERE

Next you must create a log in at filmfreeway.com , upload your project and input the appropriate details, then submit the project to the festival page.

FilmFreeway collects a lot of extraneous information that is not required to submit. (You'll see when you submit). Please include your name, your supervisor's name, the name of your film, and your high school on the FilmFreeway submission page.

Final deadline to submit is April 25th at midnight.

Official Selections will be announced via email on May 5th.

Screening will be held at Chunky's Cinema Pub in Manchester on Sunday, May 18th at 11:30. Two hour screening at 12:30.