Annual Festival

The International Youth Film Festival is a forum for young filmmakers and screenwriters to showcase their work amongst peers in a virtual setting. Submissions are free, but must follow the required guidelines outlined in the Submit Films section.

The festival will take place on January 22, 2022 at 12pm noon EST. The festival occurs on a virtual platform and attendance is free! If interested, please email jackw.iyff@gmail.com for the necessary link and information.

A Prayer for My Mother: The Eva Brettler Story

A Prayer for My Mother: The Eva follows Holocaust surivor Eva Brettler’s story of persisting through the traumatic events of World War II. Her heartbreaking narration and the students’ thoughtful artistry reveal the film’s story.

-by Ruben Barret, Raisa Effress, Sophia Evans, Lauren Fuchs, Katie Hadsock-Longarzo, Ian Kim, Eve Levy, Timothy Lim, Asher Meron, Marion Ochoa, Bella Rahi, Hank Schoen, Olivia Uzielli
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A password is needed to access this film. Please email @jackw.iyff@gmail.com for the necessary information.

Activate

Activate utilizes a voice over technique, including the voice of Holocaust survivor Maria Wida. She discusses tennis, connecting the sport to building a strong movement. This film beautifully has tennis as a metaphor and the voice-over tactic to express its main theme.

-by McKenna Blackshire, Noa Fortuit, Owen Grant Kremser, Juliet Scott

Hard to Say

Hard to Say is an emotional short film which craftily uses silence and an over-the-shoulder camera angle to build its story. The close up shots and editing techniques reflect the film’s serious tone.

-by Levi Brous-Light, Dovely King, Madelyn Netto

What We Left Behind

What We Left Behind is a powerful short film which details the difficulties of a long distance relationship between two young adults. The phenomenal cinematography and breathtaking acting create an emotional and genuine picture.

-by Lloyd Edgar

Short of Perfection

Short of Perfection craftily employs voice-over technique and a hand-held camera in following a story with a classic moral: never assume one’s state of mind. As he grasps ideas of happiness, sadness, success, and defeat, Max presents the audience with a beautiful short film.

​-by Max

The Lost Year

The Lost Year is a beautiful foreign film that blends the isolation of the pandemic with an appreciation for the natural world. The striking cinematography and emotional letter further amplify the romantic, yet lonely tone of the film.

​-by Hedydd

Lift-Off

Lift-Off is an fascinating short film about a teenager’s reflection on his relationship with his father, which is further explained with both real and symbolic connections to outer space. As the voice-over plays, a takeoff audio cycles through, counting down the seconds until the rocket ascends towards the upper atmosphere with the orchestra violently colliding.

​-by Max

High School Football Amidst Pandemic - The Pride and Poise

The Pride and Poise details the determination of a California high school football team in returning to the field amid the horrors of the pandemic. Splicing together interviews, football highlights, and real news footage, Beck deftly crafts a relatable film.
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​-by Beck

The String: A Grim Fable

The String: A Grim Fable utilizes black and white coloring technique to build a disturbing horror film with a shocking finale. The unique editing and ominous tone are only amplified by the absence of dialogue.
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-by Mathieu

Mothman

Mothman details a teenager’s passion and experiences with light. His world quickly evolves from a small bedroom to the infinite universe, immersing the audience in a visionary masterpiece. Ben creatively uses diegetic flickering of a lighter as the spark for the protagonist’s journey.

​-by Ben

Meat

Meat is an inventive stop motion film detailing a comedic, eccentric story of a strip of bacon.  This outgoing and curious tale by Ivan follows an animated piece of meat as it engages in battle or attends a funeral. Viewers will find themselves laughing at this quirky and amusing film.
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​-by Ivan

Stolen Skin

Stolen Skin is a moving short film that examines personal experiences with sexual harassment. The layered voice-over and Nell’s moving performance strike a deep chord and lead audiences to self-reflect on the importance of respecting others in society.

​-by Nell & Taryn

3:27:00 AM

3:27:00 AM, a thriller by Ryan, tells the story of a vicious crime in the form of stop-motion animation using clay. As the clock draws closer to 3:27 AM, viewers can only hold their breath, wondering what will transpire.

​-by Ryan