ROCKLAND — The Strand Theatre’s third annual Strand Youth Film Fest (SYFF) – an opportunity for young people living in Maine to create and submit their own short films – is currently taking submissions. The entry deadline for this short film competition is October 31, with awards and a public presentation of the films in December. Prizes will be awarded by a panel of judges comprised of Strand staff and local film professionals.

Eligible filmmakers must be 9-18 years old. The Junior division includes ages 9-13, and the Senior division includes ages 14-18. Participants must live in Maine. 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. 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.

Prizes will be awarded in each film category, plus one “Best of Fest” prize. The top film in each category, for both Junior and Senior divisions, will win a cash prize of $75. A “Best of Fest” accolade will also be awarded for each division, winning a $100 cash prize. All winners will receive an official Strand Youth Film Fest Geiger Award trophy.

The SYFF is made possible with support from The Harvey & Pam Geiger Charitable Fund.

For more details and submission instructions, visit the Strand Theatre website at www.RocklandStrand.com.

The Strand Theatre is located at 345 Main Street, Rockland, ME 04841.