2026 Young Cineastes Jury Application

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, jurors engage with a wide range of cinema spanning documentaries, narratives (and beyond), and will ultimately select 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.

Selected jurors will be required to participate at both Festivals. If selected, you will be notified via email in mid-late November.

Festival Dates: January 2-12, 2026

COMMITMENTS
- Watch 4-5 feature-length films at one of our screening venues (Total viewing time: 8-12 hours) over the course of 2 days.
- Attend one in-person Jury Deliberation Meeting during the Festival (1-2 hours, exact day/time TBD)
PERKS
- PSIFF Jury Credentials
- A behind-the-scenes look at how the festivals operate
- Meeting fellow local film lovers
- Photo Ops to commemorate the experience
- Festival swag
Festival dates: June 23 - 29, 2026

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 28th (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 within Riverside County
- A passion for film and discussion
...
About You
Student Name*

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Date of birth*

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Student Email Address*
Address*

Street Address

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Postal / Zip CodeCountry
Student Phone Number*
Current Grade Level*

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Current School*
In a few sentences, please tell us why you would like to be a part of the Young Cineastes Jury:*
Please list any Visual Arts programs you’re currently involved in and share your favorite aspect of the class(es):*
Who is submitting this application?*

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Are you over the age of 18?*

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Parent or Guardian Authorization

Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian complete the section below.
Parent/Guardian Name*

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Parent/Guardian Email Address*
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Parent/Guardian Phone Number*
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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.
By clicking 'I Agree,' you confirm that you have read, understood, and accept these terms.

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