Submission Open: Feb 1, 2026
Submission Close: March 31, 2026
Festival Dates: May 15, 2026
Location: Jacksonville, Florida

The JAMS Film Festival 2026 invites emerging and established young filmmakers to submit their original work for a celebration of creativity, culture, and artistic innovation. This contest is designed to spotlight powerful visual storytelling across genres, styles, and voices.

Applicants are encouraged to submit films that showcase bold ideas, authentic perspectives, and artistic expression that pushes beyond traditional boundaries. Selected films will be featured during the festival, with winners receiving special recognition.

• Students currently enrolled in middle school or high school (grades 6–12) in the school year of submission.
• Submissions may be made individually or via a school/teacher representative.

• All submitted films must be original works created by the student(s). (Director and Director of Cinematography are mandatory to be students.)
• Entrants must hold all necessary rights (music, footage, images, rights of publicity) to use any third-party materials.
• By submitting, the filmmaker grants the festival the right to screen, promote, and distribute the film for non-commercial, educational, and promotional purposes (e.g. website, social media, festival programs).
• Entrants release the festival from liability arising from their participation and agree to abide by all rules.

• Prizes are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash unless otherwise stated.
• Prizes are direct to whom fill the application for the festival. Or the director of the film.
• The festival may substitute prizes of equivalent value if needed.
• Winners may be required to sign affidavits or publicity releases.
• For minors, parental/guardian consent may be required.
• The festival reserves the right to use winners' names, likenesses, and entries for publicity.

• The festival's decisions are final.
• Entries may be disqualified for failure to comply with rules, misrepresentation, or technical issues.
• The festival reserves the right to move a film into a different category if it deems it a better fit.

• Submit as a .mp4 or .mov file
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (full HD) preferred
• Maximum file size: 2 GB
• Name the file clearly, e.g. Lastname_Title.mp4

• Students may submit more than one film, and in multiple categories if desired (provided each entry meets the category criteria).
• The festival may reassign a film to a different category if judged more appropriate.

• Length: Must be under 12 minutes max with credit. (mp4 or .mov)
• Trailer Requirement: Must include a trailer under 60 sec. (same format as film)
• Movie Poster: 24x36 inch (WxH) PNG
• Note: Trailer should highlight the storyline and characters without giving away the ending.

• Narrative / Fiction
• Documentary
• Experimental / Abstract
• Animation / Motion Graphics
• Music Video / Experimental Sound
• Student Life / School Stories

• All submissions must follow time limits (entries that exceed maximum time may be disqualified).
• All trailers count as separate required deliverables where stated.
• The festival may adjust or reclassify entries into different categories if it deems them a better fit.
• Credit runtime is max 30sec.

• Action
  Fast-moving stories that focus on physical challenges like fights, chases, and exciting stunts.
• Comedy
  Films made to make you laugh through funny situations, characters, and dialogue.
• Drama
  Serious stories that focus on real emotions, relationships, and life situations.
• Horror
  Scary or creepy stories designed to create fear, tension, or shock.
• Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
  Stories based on imagined science, technology, or future worlds.
• Fantasy
  Imaginative stories that include magic, mythical creatures, or made-up worlds.
• Documentary
  Non-fiction films that show real people, events, or topics to inform or explore truth.
• Animation
  Films made using drawings, computer graphics, or stop-motion instead of live actors.
• Mystery/Thriller
  Stories built around suspense, secrets, or solving a puzzle or crime.
• Musical
  Films that use singing and dancing to help tell the story and show characters' emotions.

• G (General Audiences)
  • Suitable for all ages.
  • No offensive content, nudity, or strong language.
  • Example: Finding Nemo
• PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
  • Some material may not be suitable for children.
  • May include mild language, brief violence, or thematic elements.
  • Example: The Incredibles
• PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
  • Some content may be inappropriate for children under 13.
  • Moderate violence, suggestive material, or stronger language may appear.
  • Example: Spider-Man: No Way Home

• Regular Submission Open: Feb 1 - March 24, 2026: $15
• Final Submission Deadline: March 25 - March 31, 2026 - $30

• In the festival judging process, only the first 50 submissions will be considered.
• The film festival screening and awards will feature the 5 top films.
• A selection of trailers from submissions will screen before the main program. (non 5 top films)

• Official Selections deadline announced by a published date Mid-April 2026.
• Screening schedule May 15, 2026; JAMS will be communicated in advance.
• Films must be available for screening at the festival.

• A panel of industry or academic professionals will evaluate all submissions.
• Judges may evaluate based on storytelling, originality, technical quality, creativity, and impact.

• A subset of submitted films will be designated as Official Selections for screening at the festival.
• From the Official Selections, finalists and winners will be chosen in each category.
• All Official Selections are eligible for awards.

• Winners will be announced at a formal event ("Best Picture" - $500 awards).
• Official Selections will receive trophy or badges for use in promotion.

1. Best Picture
2. Best Director
3. Best Cinematography
4. Best Editor
5. Best Art Direction
6. Best Sound Design
7. Best Actor
8. Best Actress
9. Best Supporting Actor
10. Audience Choice Award

• Films will be screened at the festival venue (e.g., cinema) and/or virtually (if a hybrid or virtual component).

• Screening slots may be first-come, first-served for some "Best of Fest" blocks.

• Filmmakers are encouraged to promote their selection, but must credit the festival appropriately (e.g. "Official Selection - [Festival Name], Year").

• The festival may publicize films via website, social media, programs, trailers, etc.

• Filmmakers, school representatives, and guests are welcome to attend screenings, panels, and networking events.

• At creative casual dress code events (e.g. award ceremony), a dress code may be suggested (e.g. "look your best").

• Participants must behave respectfully, adhere to venue rules, and not disrupt events.

• Participants are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and associated costs unless otherwise provided.

• Filmmakers grant the festival permission to use name, image, voice, and film content in promotional materials without additional compensation.

• Entrants indemnify and hold the festival harmless from claims arising from their submission (e.g. copyright infringement, defamation, privacy violations).

8.1 The festival reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or change any aspect of the event or awards as needed.

8.2 Changes or clarifications to rules will be posted publicly and become binding.

8.3 By submitting, entrants agree to all rules, terms, and decisions.

CREDIT: name and headshot