2025 Young Cineastes Jury Application
  • 2025 YOUNG CINEASTES JURY APPLICATION

    The Youth Jury Program brings together a diverse group of students from the greater Palm Springs area/Riverside County, uniting them in a shared passion for storytelling and cinema. As part of this exclusive group, participants have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in an array of cinematic experiences, from thought-provoking documentaries to captivating narratives. Each jury selects a winner who will be announced at the end of the festival!

    The Young Cineastes is comprised of high school students with a passion for cinema. They get to explore a diverse selection of films, carefully selected by the festival's programming team, capturing a viewpoint from around the world that we hope expands the world around them.

    Festival dates: June 24-30, 2025

    COMMITMENTS 

    • Watch 8-10 short films, virtually! (Film links will be emailed. Total watch time: 2 - 4 hours)
    • Attend one in-person OR virtual Jury Deliberation Meeting in June (1-2 hours, day/time TBD)  
    • Optional (but so fun!) - attend the Awards Brunch on Sunday, June 29th (Located at our Host Hotel - Renaissance Palm Springs)
    • Reliable transportation if attending in person (the Festival cannot provide transportation to and from events)

    PERKS

    • ShortFest Badge (easy access to screenings!)
    • Presenting awards to filmmakers during the ShortFest awards ceremony
    • Meeting other students who love movies as much as you do
    • Photo Ops
    • Festival Swag

    WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

    • High-school students from around the Riverside County
    • A passion for film and discussion

     

    Are you in elementary or middle school? Apply to our Kids' Choice Jury!

    Are you an adult? Apply to our Desert Views Jury!

    ... 

  • About You

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  • Parent or Guardian Authorization

    Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian complete the section below.
  • Program Terms

    By clicking 'I Agree,' you acknowledge and accept the following terms:

    Unrated Films
    The films screened at both ShortFest and PSIFF are unrated. While some films may explore a range of topics or feature mature themes, they are selected with care to ensure they are appropriate for a high school audience.


    Photography and Media
    Festival photographers will capture the jury experience throughout the event. This may include staged photos during or after screenings and deliberations. These images may be used on our website, social media platforms, and in future marketing materials.


    High School Jurors
    Jurors aged 13-18 (high school students) will be chaperoned before, during, and after all screenings and deliberations, until they leave the venue.

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