Student Film Showcase
Partnership between Southern Screen, Lafayette Parish School System, and
Acadiana Center for the Arts
2025 Theme:
”Music as Cultural Identity”
Music reveals where we come from, shapes who we are, and reflects what we value. This year, Southern Screen will showcase student films that explore how music expresses, shapes, and preserves our culture. Create a film that highlights how music brings people together, defines identity, and preserves traditions and in your local community.
Submission
RULES + GUIDELINES
Dates and deadlines:
2025 Theme: MUSIC AS CULTURAL IDENTITY
Submissions Open: July 3
Submissions Deadline: October 3
General Guidelines:
Open to grades 6–12
Films must be between 30 seconds to 5 minutes long. (At least 30 seconds, but no longer than 5 minutes.)
Students may submit as an individual, group of 2 or group of 3. (The maximum number of members of the group is three.)
Submissions are open to all students at any public or private school in Acadiana.
Groups may cross over between schools and grades,
Only online submissions will be accepted.
How to Make and submit your Short Film:
Step 1 - Re-read through this entire page to make sure you understand the guidelines and have everything you need before you begin.
Step 2 - Decide if you want to create the video on your own or ask others to partner on the project (maximum 3 people)
Step 3 - Pick an idea that represents the below theme:
MUSIC AS CULTURAL IDENTITY
This is an opportunity to showcase your creativity! We encourage and welcome unique views and original ideas.
Step 4 - Use a personal devise or Screencastify on your Chromebook to film your project.
Step 5 - Make sure you have good lighting and sound while filming. (Click HERE for tips on lighting and HERE for tips on sound)
Step 6 - If you plan to have music in your film it must either be original or you must obtain the necessary music licenses from the owner of the song. (Copyright law protects musical compositions and sound recordings. Using copyrighted music in your film without permission is a copyright infringement.)
Step 7 - Take the time to edit your film. (For Chromebook Screencastify options, click HERE for a tutorial)
Step 8 - Ask a parent, teacher, or friend to watch your film and ask them if there is anything that they do not understand. Make changes as needed to your short film based on their feedback.
Step 9 - Get ready to submit! Save your film to your Chromebook Screencastify, Google Drive, or your personal device, then upload the link in your submission form.
Step 10 - Pick a team member to submit your film and fill out your submission information.
PLEASE NOTE: If your film is chosen to screen at the Southern Screen Festival you will be asked to have a Permission Slip and Talent Release forms.
The Permission Slip will need to be signed by a parent or guardian.
(Each student participating will need one)
The Talent Release will need to be signed by anyone featured in your film.
**These forms will only be requested if your film is selected to screen at the festival November 13-16.
More Helpful links:
The filmmaking process step-by-step
Tips on what to film to tell your story
Questions should be directed to infor@southernscreen.org