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Micro Short Film Challenge

REEDY REELS FILM FESTIVAL

October 3rd at The Governors School. Submit today!

Calling all Student Filmmakers Reedy Reels and South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities are teaming up to bring a rare opportunity for local student filmmakers; The Micro Short Film Challenge and Festival!

October 3rd, 2026 10am – 1pm
The Governors School
Smith Recital Hall
15 University St, Greenville, SC 29601

What is the Micro Short Film Challenge, you might ask? It’s an open call for student filmmakers (high school & college) to create a unique short film within the 5 minute time limit.

All submissions will be reviewed by an independent panel of judges. Top scoring films will be screened at the SC Governor’s School for the Arts & Humanities in Greenville, SC on Oct. 3, 2026. The top film in each category (High School, College) will be an official selection for Reedy Reels Film Festival on April 1-4, 2027!

Tickets are open to public at no charge. But we kindly ask that you register.

Tickets Coming Soon
Submit here

Don’t have a short film yet & looking for ideas?
Consider the 3-2-1 option to get you started!

The 3-2-1 Option

Create a short film following the following guidelines:

The screenplay can be a maximum of 3 pages.

The film must feature 2 main characters (more characters can be used if done sparingly. Remember, the point of the challenge is to focus on two main characters. How well/creatively filmmakers incorporate this requirement will be part of the judging process.

The film must take place primarily in one location. How well/creatively filmmakers incorporate their single location will be part of the judging process.

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Rules for the Micro Short Film Challenge

 

What:  Micro Short Film Challenge

When:  Festival will take place on October 3, 2026.  The submission deadline is Sept 25, 2026.

How:  Send a downloadable file link to Rhodes@reedyreels.com

General Rules

  • There is no cost to enter.
  • A filmmaker or filmmaking team may submit up to 2 entries.
  • There are two categories: High School & College
  • To qualify for any given category, the core filmmaking team must fall into the appropriate category (for example, a team of high school filmmakers can cast non-students in their film and still qualify for the high school category, etc.).
  • Films must be at least 30 seconds long and no longer than five minutes (not including credits).
 

Submission

  • All submissions must be received by midnight ET, Sept 25, 2026
  • Option 1 – submit through this form. https://forms.gle/wx1CAbikewJszsAx8
  • Option 2 – Submit download links and answers to Rhodes@ReedyReels.com.
    • In your submission email include the following information:
      • Title of the film
      • Date it was finished
      • Name of submitter
      • Name of director
      • Name of producer (if applicable)
      • Name of writer
      • Name(s) of actor(s)
      • Location (city, state) of filming
      • Which category you are submitting for (High School, College)

Content

No matter what category you submit to, all content must be appropriate for a high school audience. If your film deals with sensitive topics, please be aware that tension and conflict can be portrayed without use of violence, weapons and/or explicit language. You may choose to explore these themes but please note, only projects that do so with respect for their audience will be considered. No guns are allowed in any film entries.

 

Safety

Safety in the production world is paramount and all contest participants must be conscientious when filming their entries. This includes having legal, written permission from property owners or managers of any location where you shoot. Always review safety guidelines and protocols before shooting or producing any video project.

 

Judging and Prizes

A team of independent film professionals will evaluate each submission. This challenge is designed for students to participate and the exhibition will be held at the SC Governor’s School for the Arts & Humanities; therefore, it is paramount that the content of films, no matter the age of the filmmaker, must be appropriate for a high school audience. Judges may reject submissions that violate the content restrictions.