General Guidelines
Please review the following rules before submitting your film. These guidelines apply to all categories in the Forsyth County Film Festival.
Submission rules
Entry limits. Each school may submit a limited number of entries per category. Check with your instructor on how finalists are selected at your school.
Group size. Each school’s core group is a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 students. Extra actors are welcome, but 6 is the maximum for awards and recognition.
Time limits. Strictly enforced per category. Films must stay within the Total Run Time in the category rubric.
Content rules
Language. No foul language of any kind: dialogue, on-screen text, bleeped profanity, or editing a scene to imply it.
Sensitive content. Sexual content, violence and weapons must be handled with maturity. You may show events leading up to or following an incident, but never the explicit act.
At your own risk. Violence or romantic content that judges find inappropriate for the festival audience will be disqualified. Middle school students and special county guests attend.
Export & specs
Format. Export a 1920×1080 .mov or .mp4.
File name. FilmTitle_School_2027
Font. Bebas Neue for slate and credits.
Required on every entry
Slate, black & credits
0:00 5 seconds of black.
0:05 10 seconds showing your film title. Every film begins with the official linked MOGRT slate template.
End An additional 15 seconds of credits is optional. If your film is under the maximum runtime for your category, you may use the remaining time for credits.
Using an older version of Premiere? Use the example graphic to make your own.
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.
Long Form Film
Description: Students will create a long-form film that has clear story composition, engaging dramatic structure, character development, and excellent production value. Films may fall under any genre.
Time Limit: 10:00 - 15:00
Total Submissions Allowed per School: 1
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: 4:00 max
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: 1 of each genre (4 total)
Comedy, Drama, Suspense & Wild Card
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
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
Hype Video
Description: Students will create a high-energy, visually engaging video meant to excite and motivate viewers about a school event, club, or activity. The focus should be on building anticipation and emotion rather than detailed information.
Time Limit:1:30-2min
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: Exactly :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
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: Exactly :30 or 1:00
Total Submissions Allowed per School: 2