The South Carolina Film Commission, in partnership with Trident Technical College, announced that submissions are now open for the 2026‑27 South Carolina Young Filmmakers Project. The statewide competition is designed to inspire high‑school students (grades 9‑12) to explore cinematic storytelling while meeting a specific creative challenge.
How the contest works
Each entrant must produce a short film of two minutes or less that incorporates an hourglass as a prop. The hourglass requirement encourages participants to think symbolically about time, change, and narrative pacing. A panel of independent judges—industry professionals drawn from film production, editing, and screenwriting—will evaluate entries on story development, creative use of the hourglass, production value, and overall impact.
The deadline for entries is midnight on February 22, 2027. Winners will receive valuable resources to further their craft. The top three films will each earn a lifetime license to Arc Studio Pro screenwriting software, while the ten finalists will have their work showcased at a theatrical screening and reception in spring 2027 and receive a one‑year Arc Studio Pro license.
Support for students and educators
To help participants prepare strong submissions, the organizers are hosting a free Young Filmmakers Story Conference on October 9 in Charleston. The conference will be held at the Meeting Street Visitors Center and is part of the AfroSouth Film Festival. Students, teachers, and parents are invited to attend for guidance on script development, production techniques, and effective storytelling.
“We want to give South Carolina’s next generation of filmmakers the tools and encouragement they need to tell their stories,” said a spokesperson for the South Carolina Film Commission. “By tying the competition to a tangible prop and offering professional mentorship, we’re fostering both creativity and technical skill.”
How to enter
Interested students and their mentors can find submission guidelines, official rules, and the entry portal at indiegrants.org/young-filmmakers. The website provides detailed information on format requirements, judging criteria, and deadlines.
The Young Filmmakers Project continues a tradition of supporting youth arts education across the Palmetto State. Past participants have gone on to study film at universities nationwide and have entered professional festivals. This year’s focus on the hourglass prop adds a fresh thematic element that challenges filmmakers to think deeply about the passage of time and its narrative significance.
Local schools, community centers, and youth organizations are encouraged to spread the word and help students take advantage of this unique opportunity. With generous prizes, professional feedback, and a public showcase, the project aims to nurture the next wave of South Carolina storytellers.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
