For Students

Find the story. We'll put it on a screen.

A real award, a real screening, a real room of people watching your work — judged on the work alone.

A sound recordist works the boom · Photo: Robin Férand · CC BY 3.0

A monetary scholarship, presented in person at a reception held in your honor.

Winning films screen in the Monroe Gallery for club members and guests — artists, patrons, and Washington's arts community.

A juried award from the oldest nonprofit arts organization in the nation's capital, founded 1916.

Honest answers

Things students actually ask

I'm not a film major. Can I enter?: Yes. All majors, any accredited college or university in DC, Maryland, or Virginia — including community colleges.
Is my school invited?: Thirty-six DC, Maryland, and Virginia institutions with film or media programs are invited by name — and students from any accredited school in the region are equally welcome.
Does it cost anything?: No. There is no entry fee.
Can I use AI tools?: For assistance, yes; for authorship, no. The policy is short and honest — read it before you shoot.
What length and format?: 10 to 20 minutes including credits, 1080p or better, delivered as a YouTube link (private, unlisted, or public — your choice), kept active through judging and the April 11 reception.
Who sees my film?: The independent judging panel; winners screen publicly at the club.
When do I find out if I won?: Winners are announced on this site March 22, 2027, and honored at the April 11 reception at the club.
Can I bring people to the reception?: Yes — winners bring up to four guests, and we hope your faculty advisor and family are among them.
Does my YouTube link have to be private?: Your choice: private, unlisted, or public all work. Just keep the link active through judging and the April 11 reception.