Submission Requirements
Submission Limits:
Each school may submit a limited number of entries per category.
Please check with your instructor on how finalists will be selected at your school.
Time Requirements:
All time limits will be strictly enforced per category requirements
Slate, Black, and Credits:
Each film must begin with the official Linked MOGRT slate template, which includes 5 seconds of black and 10 seconds displaying the film title before the film begins.
Films must adhere to the Total Run Time listed in the category rubric.
An additional 15 seconds of credits is optional.
Note: If your film is under the maximum runtime for your category, you may use the remaining time for credits.
If you are using an older version of premiere here is the graphic example for you to make your own.
Font: Bebas Neue - White logo link
Export settings:
Export a 1920x1080 .mov or .mp4 and label the file as FilmTitle_School_2026
General Guidelines
Please review the following rules before submitting your film. These guidelines apply to all categories in the Forsyth County Film Festival.
Content Warning
Summary:
Use violence or romantic content at your own risk. If judges determine your video is inappropriate for the festival audience, it will be disqualified. Please remember: Middle school students and special county guests will be in attendance at this year’s event.
Language Restrictions:
No foul language of any kind is permitted. This includes spoken dialogue, on-screen text, bleeped profanity, or editing a scene to imply profanity.
Sensitive Content:
Topics involving sexual content, violence, or weapons must be handled with maturity. Explicitly violent, obscene, or overtly sexual content is not allowed. Students may show events leading up to or following an incident, but must not depict the explicit act itself.
NO GUNS of any type may be used as props in any video.
Category Information
Every film must be submitted under one of the categories listed below. Read the descriptions to ensure your project aligns with the category requirements.
Documentary
Description: Students will create a documentary on a subject of their choice, engaging the audience through documentary techniques (e.g., composition, movement, interviews).
Note: Mockumentaries should be entered in the Short Film Comedy category, not Documentary.
Time Limit: 3:00 - 6:00
Total Submissions Allowed per School: 2
Music Video
Description: Students will create a music video using either an existing song or an original song.
Style Choice: There are two main types of music videos: performance, which showcases artists performing, and storytelling, which conveys a narrative. Choose one style—or a mix—that fits the assigned theme.
Please note: judges can award up to 20 bonus points for submissions with original music.
Time Limit: 2:00 - 3:00
Total Submissions Allowed per School: 2
News Package
Description: Students will create a news package informing their audience about a single newsworthy topic. News packages should be informative, engaging, and include these elements: b-roll, interviews, standup, and voice over.
Time Limit: 1:30 - 3:00
Total Submissions Allowed per School: 2
Short Film
Description: Students will create a comedic short film that has clear story composition, engaging dramatic structure, character development, and excellent production value.
Time Limit: 3:00 - 7:00
Total Submissions Allowed per School: (4 total any genre)
Comedy, Drama, Suspense
Micro Film
Description: Students will create a film that follows the three-act structure with excellent production value that is between :30 and :60 in length.
Time Limit: 1min or less
Total Submissions Allowed per School: 2
Recreation Video
Description: Students will recreate a trailer from a professional production using only student-created content (audio and video).
Note: The final video should show the student recreation with the original PIP in the bottom corner.
Time Limit: 1:00 - 2:30
Total Submissions Allowed per School: 2
Video Podcast
Description: Students will create a video podcast that entertains and/or educates the listener on a topic of their choice.
Time Limit: 2 - 4min
NOTE: SkillsUSA run time 4min exactly
Total Submissions Allowed per School: 2
Marketing Style Videos
Hosted by Maxwell Bentley
Commercial
Description: Students will create a video that engages viewers with a clear, persuasive message promoting a product, service, or idea.
Time Limit: :30 or 1:00
Total Submissions Allowed per School: 2
PSA
Description: Students will create a video that engages viewers with a clear message aimed at raising awareness or encouraging positive action on a social issue.
Time Limit: :30 or 1:00
Total Submissions Allowed per School: 2
Promotional Video
Description: Students will create a video designed to inform and persuade the audience about a school event, club, or activity. The video should highlight key details, benefits, or features, targeting a specific audience
Time Limit: 1-2min
Total Submissions Allowed per School: 2