Statewide Student Competition Calls for Audience Choice Voters

Voters will get an exclusive sneak peek of Film Florida’s new streaming platform.

High school and college students across the state spent a thrilling 10 days creating Florida-based short films. The challenge tasked students with bringing a story to life using a designated prop, a randomized prompt, and a line of dialogue. Now, they need your help. Film Florida is calling for Audience Choice voters to reward one exceptional team from their Student Film Competition.

All participating student films will be showcased on Film Florida’s new streaming platform, Film Florida TV, during the competition’s virtual film festival on April 28th. But if you want a sneak peek of Florida’s newest streaming service, you can become an Audience Choice voter and screen all the films early. Audience Choice voting runs from March 31st to April 10th. Audience Choice screeners will have the exclusive opportunity to beta test the new platform before its official launch this summer. Film Florida TV is free to join and will host curated content from filmmakers across the state.

The Student Film Competition filmmakers, who will be the first featured content on the platform, are competing for 11 awards. The most coveted, the Audience Choice Award, is presented to one team selected by viewers like you. As an Audience Choice voter, you will reward aspiring filmmakers for their evolving skills, team collaboration, and creativity.

“We’re thrilled to have 30 talented teams participate in the first year of the Film Florida Student Film Competition. We’re excited to showcase their films and celebrate their outstanding work by providing a prize awarded by their peers,” says John Lux, Executive Director of Film Florida. “Thanks to all of our members who helped with this new initiative, especially our partners from Film Tampa Bay.”

In addition to the Audience Choice Award, a panel of judges will recognize creativity, craft, and storytelling excellence, with honors presented separately for high school and college filmmakers. The following categories include Best High School Student Film, Best College Student Film, Best Director, Best Editing, Best Screenplay, and Best Cinematography.

During the film challenge, students banded together to capture the spirit of Florida. Show your support by becoming an Audience Choice Voter at: https://filmflorida.vhx.tv/challenges

Vote for your favorite film: https://tinyurl.com/FFAudienceChoice

For more information, reach out to the Film Florida TV Student Film Competition contact: Tyler Martinolich at tmartinolich@visittampabay.com