The deadline for entries for the Strand Youth Film Fest (SYFF) has been extended to October 31. 

The Strand Youth Film Fest is an opportunity for young people living in Midcoast Maine and surrounding areas to create and submit their own short films. All filmmakers must be entering 5th - 12th grade in the 2020-21 school year, or ages 9-18 years old; the Junior division includes grades 5-8, or ages 9-13, and the Senior division includes grades 9-12, or ages 14-18.

Participants must live in Midcoast Maine and surrounding areas, including Knox, Waldo, and Lincoln counties, as well as Hancock, Kennebec, Penobscot, and Sagadahoc counties. 

Films must be 1-5 minutes long and follow a G or PG rating, and must be entered into one of the following categories: Narrative (fiction), Documentary, Music Video, or Animation. Prizes will be awarded in each film category for both divisions, plus one “Best of Fest” prize.  Films must be submitted in .mov or .mp4 format (note that most iPhone and iPad videos follow these formats). Only one film per submitter is permitted.

Strand Education Coordinator Brittany Parker made the decision to extend the deadline when she recognized that the SYFF could be used as a curriculum tool this fall. 

“Teachers, educators, parents, and homeschoolers may be looking for a creative remote project for their students, who will then be able to enter their creations into the SYFF for a chance to win prizes and have their work seen by the community,” said Parker, in a news release. “I’m happy to help plan a film project that can tie into any curriculum!”

Brittany Parker can be contacted at brittany@rocklandstrand.com.

Entries will be accepted through midnight on October 31, with awards and a public presentation of the films (virtual, or in-person if possible) in the fall of 2020.

Prizes will be awarded by a panel of judges consisting of local film professionals and Strand staff. The winners in each category (narrative, documentary, music, animation) will be awarded $75 each, and Best of Fest winners will take home $100. Additionally, winners will receive an official Strand Youth Film Fest Geiger Award. Winners will be selected for both Junior (grades 5-8) and Senior (grades 9-12) divisions. 

For more details and submission instructions, visit the Strand Theatre website at www.RocklandStrand.com. The SYFF is made possible with support from the Harvey & Pam Geiger Charitable Fund. For more information, visit www.RocklandStrand.com, email: info@rocklandstrand.com, or call (207) 594-0070. Strand Theatre, 345 Main Street, Rockland, ME 04841