YOUTH FILM COMPETITION

VOTE FOR THE 2025 PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD | MAY 28- JUNE 2

2025 Submissions

As Atlantic Canada’s largest youth film competition, the AIFF Kids Youth Film Competition is a free challenge for youth to develop skills as a filmmaker, regardless of previous filmmaking experience. The Competition celebrates short films being created across the Atlantic Canadian provinces and provides a platform for finalist films to be celebrated. Youth can participate individually or as a group/class.

SUBMISSIONS NOW CLOSED

The AIFF Kids Youth Film Competition takes place annually in Spring.

Finalist films are shown in-cinema at Cineplex to a public audience in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and are presented on the AIFF YouTube channel. All finalist films are also eligible for juried prizes, in varying categories.

Key rules for submissions and to be considered for entry:

  • Filmmakers MUST be a resident of one of the four Atlantic Canadian Provinces (NB, NS, NFLD and PEI).

  • Filmmakers must be 18 or under.

  • Film submissions must be under 5 minutes.

Full details, rules & regulations and submissions info available here:

2025 Dates & Deadlines

Submissions Open: January 6

Regular Deadline: April 14

Screening Date: May 25

Notification Date: May 9

GETTING STARTED

How to Make an AIFF Kids Movie

  1. Visit the AIFF YouTube Channel above and watch the 2024 Youth Film Competition Finalists films.

  2. Download the AIFF Kids Production Notebook, a youth-focused guide to filmmaking.

  3. Review the Rules and Terms

  4. Start filming!

Movie Production Handbook

“Why do I need a storyboard?” “What’s a Director of Photography?” “Where do I put this light?”

Whether you’re just starting out, or have already lost count of the number of movies you’ve made, our Production Notebook will answer all your questions and make you a pro in no time. From developing your concept all the way to distributing your masterpiece, we’ve got you covered. Download our Production Notebook and get started today!