Future Filmmakers is an extracurricular program that mentors high school students to create personal documentary films and brings those films to audiences of their peers, through film festivals, classrooms, and community spaces.

Any high school student in the United States.

Selected students attend virtual workshops during the school year to develop their idea and make their short film. In addition to virtual sessions, remote student filmmakers (and one parent/guardian) are expected to attend an in-person kickoff session in October '26 and the Film Festival in June '27. Student filmmakers are mentored by industry professionals and collaborate directly with their own experienced documentary film editor on the creation of their film.

There is no cost for students accepted to participate in the program. Equipment, transportation, and lodging (incl. one parent/guardian) costs are paid for by the program.

Yes - students will need the following to participate in the program: 

• Access to a reliable internet connection for all remote sessions 

• Access to a device that they can use to communicate with staff regularly and see program updates

• Access to a computer that they can use to upload footage on a regular basis.
  

Accommodations for this may be possible - please reach out to jordan@futurefilmmakersproject.com with questions.

Not necessarily. We select students based on a variety of factors, which results in a cohort with varying degrees of previous experience with film/video production. Some students join the program with a lot of film experience, and some join with none at all. 

This is not an easy program. Telling a personal story requires self-reflection, vulnerability, and emotional maturity. 

In addition, students will be held to a high standard of excellence and accountability. This includes: attending ALL programs and advisor meetings, meeting deadlines, and being responsive to communication. 

We expect this program to require on average 3 - 5 hours of work per week (not including scheduled workshops and meetings), and potentially more depending on the individual film.

We are looking for students who want to tell an authentic story that is personal to them. These can include stories about identity, family, mental health challenges, personal growth, among many more topics. 

To see descriptions of previous films, please visit futurefilmmakersproject.com

Each film is showcased at the Future Filmmakers Festival and is then shared with teenage audiences through film festivals, community screenings, and classrooms, sparking discussion, empathy, and self-reflection.

Many of our films have been selected for or gone on to win awards at festivals such as Cinequest, the Jackson Doc Fest, the Seattle Black Film Festival, and more!

We believe student films helps two important groups of students:

• For student filmmakers, it’s a journey of self-discovery: finding their voice, honing their craft, and stepping into their courage.

• For student audiences, it’s a chance to feel seen, connected, and inspired by the raw honesty of their peers.

We have an impressive array of editors and advisors who are experienced, award-winning documentary filmmakers. Visit futurefilmmakersproject.com to see previous editors and mentors.

We take student safety and care seriously. A copy of our code of conduct can be found HERE. Additionally, all communications with students are monitored by a trained educator and mandated reporter.