Palm Beach International Film Festival’s Student Showcase of Films

The time has come once again to celebrate student filmmakers, writers, graphic designers and digital media artists by inviting them to enter the largest student film competition and award show in the state of Florida. Palm Beach International Film Festival’s Student Showcase of Films is now accepting submissions!

The 22nd Annual Student Showcase of Films (SSOF) is open to students enrolled in Florida high schools and colleges. The juried competition recognizes outstanding students by presenting more than $11,500 in scholarships and awards in the following categories: Feature/Shorts, Documentary, Animation, Commercial/PSA, Environmental PSA, Music Video, Screenwriting, Poster Design, Mental Health Awareness and an Audience Award. Honoring the legacy of Burt Reynolds, the SSOF also awards a scholarship bearing his name and a Sara Fuller Scholarship through its partners at Film Florida.

Student submissions are appraised by industry professionals from around the globe with finalists to be presented with cash awards and prizes at the electrifying, red carpet awards show on Friday, March 10, 2017, at the Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. Winning student films will also be screened in their entirety on the “big screen” at the students’ own premiere during The Palm Beach International Film Festival.

Every year, the SSOF awards show attracts more than over 700 students and their families, along with celebrities, industry pros, media, state and county dignitaries, performers and more. Legendary actor and Florida’s favorite son, Burt Reynolds, graces the stage to present the coveted Burt Reynolds Scholarship. Celebrity presenters have also included such stars as Bruce Campbell, Vanilla Ice, Clint Howard, Thomas Ian Nicholas and many more! The Telly Award-winning show is hosted by actor, musician and funnyman, Frank Licari, who writes and directs this exciting, student version of the Oscars.

“The impact this event has on these young minds and the opportunity they are being given is priceless,” said Mr. Burt Reynolds. “They need to know they can do it and that we support them every step of the way.”

To enter through the online application program, view the awards breakdown, official rules and regulations, as well as how to submit a project, visit www.pbfilm.com/student-showcase.

The final deadline for submissions is January 18, 2017.

The SSOF is a partnership between the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners through the Department of Economic Sustainability, the Palm Beach International Film Festival, Lynn University and the Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission. Category sponsors include Film Florida, Michael Chasin, Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful, Inc. and the Information Television Network.

About the Palm Beach International Film Festival (March 29, 2017 – April 2, 2017)

The Palm Beach International Film Festival (PBIFF) has secured its place as one of America’s oldest film festival, now in its 22nd year, including a long history of representing the best in independent and foreign films from around the globe. The festival thrives in the true spirit of independent cinema. In 2016, the 21st festival, PBIFF hosted 121 films from 24 countries. 78 features were presented at two different commercial movie houses, including 30 World, International, North American, and US Premieres, of which many were directed by women. Over 125 filmmakers, cast, and crew attended the festival from countries around the world, such as Australia, Canada, Israel, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela.

Visiting filmmakers enjoy the hospitality of The Palm Beaches film-friendly community, welcoming audiences, and making new industry contacts from around the world. Dedicated to making a difference in the lives of future filmmakers, the festival hosts insightful industry panels, student filmmaking programs, and unique networking opportunities all set against the background of Palm Beach County’s tropical beaches, waterways, and elite venues.

PBIFF has hosted a bevy of top celebrities and filmmakers including Academy Award® Winners Adrien Brody, Anthony Hopkins, Tommy Lee Jones, Faye Dunaway, Dennis Hopper, Louise Fletcher, and Michael Caine; and Academy Award® Nominees Salma Hayek, Edward Norton, Robert Evans, Sylvester Stallone, Woody Harrelson, Richard Jenkins, and Burt Reynolds; along with countless other legends, stars, and filmmakers that have created movie magic for the past 80 years including Roger Moore, Faye Wray, Esther Williams, Anouk Aimee, Samuel L. Jackson, Cyd Charisse, Richard Zanuck, William Friedkin, Brett Ratner, Jacqueline Bisset, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Rod Steiger.

For more information about the 22nd PBIFF go to pbifilmfest.org.