Updated Oct. 9, 2026: a channel size figure no source supported was removed. Previously updated Oct. 4, 2026.
Film Florida announced the results of its first Film Florida TV Student Film Competition on May 7, 2026, reporting 13 schools, 29 films and more than 2,000 votes, with 11 awards going to 7 teams. “A Step Behind” by team ShortFilm won Best High School Film, “Return to Sender” by team Ryan Drucker Productions won Best College Film, and “Keldon’s Day Off” by team Lpie Productions won the Audience Choice Award.
How the ten-day sprint worked
Film Florida gave student crews ten days to write, shoot, and edit a short film for a spot on its new digital network, Film Florida TV.
The statewide trade association opened registration for the Film Florida TV Student Film Competition, targeting high school and college directors across the state. Participating teams had to submit a notice of entry by Feb. 20, 2026. The ten-day production sprint began March 6 and ended March 16, when projects were due.
Each team received a Florida-specific theme, a line of script dialogue, and a mandatory prop when the sprint began. Finished short films had to run five minutes or less and shoot entirely inside state lines.
For South Florida film students at programs like the University of Miami, Florida International University, and New World School of the Arts, the challenge offered a direct line to broader distribution. Classroom projects frequently struggle to find audiences beyond campus screenings.
"We launched Film Florida TV to showcase the incredible work of our members," said Sandy Lighterman, who was Film Florida president at the time of the Jan. 21, 2026 announcement. "We are excited to give more opportunities and avenues to student content creators to showcase their creative work."
The winners
Judges handed out 10 awards across separate high school and college categories, recognizing directors, editors, screenwriters, and cinematographers. Viewers on the Film Florida TV platform voted on the 11th, the Audience Choice Award. Film Florida says the 11 awards went to 7 teams, and that the Best Film and Audience Choice winners received $500 per team.
Entries were taken on FilmFreeway ahead of the Feb. 20 cutoff, and that entry window has closed. Film Florida’s winners announcement has the full results.
More from Film Florida TV. Film Florida’s May 7 announcement said Film Florida TV would officially launch on June 8. Film Florida’s Summer Showcase accepted submissions through August 3, 2026, and that window has closed. See Film Florida for current calls, and the South Florida film festival deadlines guide for more dates.
Sources
- filmflorida.org: Film Florida TV Student Film Competition winners announced (May 7, 2026)
- filmflorida.org: original competition announcement
Related reading
Sandy Lighterman Retains Film Florida Presidency; Florida's Film Industry Strengthened by Training Initiative.
Key Facts for Owners and Search
What was the Film Florida TV Student Film Competition?
A statewide competition for high school and college student directors to write, shoot and edit a short film in ten days for a chance to stream on Film Florida TV. Its dates (notice of entry by Feb. 20, 2026; production sprint March 6 to 16) have passed. Film Florida reported 29 films from 13 schools and 11 awards to 7 teams.
What were the student film competition rules?
Films ran five minutes or less and were shot entirely inside Florida. Each team received a Florida-specific theme, a line of dialogue and a mandatory prop. Judges gave 10 awards across high school and college categories, and viewers on the Film Florida TV platform picked the 11th, the Audience Choice Award.
Who won the Film Florida TV student competition?
Film Florida announced on May 7, 2026 that "A Step Behind" by team ShortFilm won Best High School Film, "Return to Sender" by Ryan Drucker Productions won Best College Film, and "Keldon's Day Off" by Lpie Productions won Audience Choice. Best Film and Audience Choice winners received $500 per team.
Why did it matter to South Florida students?
For programs such as the University of Miami, Florida International University and New World School of the Arts, the challenge offered a direct line to broader distribution, since classroom projects often struggle to find audiences beyond campus screenings. Film Florida TV, the association's digital network, was set to officially launch on June 8.
Where do I find current Film Florida opportunities?
Check Film Florida's site for new calls, since this competition's entry and production dates have passed, as has the Summer Showcase deadline of Aug. 3, 2026. The South Florida film festival deadlines guide lists more dates, which should be confirmed with each organizer.
