Aspen Shortsfest Youth Film Competition

Aspen Shortsfest is an annual, Oscar-qualifying international short film festival held in Aspen, Colorado and organized by Aspen Film. The festival showcases a curated selection of narrative, documentary, and animated shorts from around the world, typically under 40 minutes, and includes special programs such as a Youth Jury made up of local high school students and a Mini-Fest that brings films to schools in the Roaring Fork Valley.

While the main Shortsfest competition is primarily for adult and professional filmmakers, high school students can participate through the educational and youth-focused components—most notably by applying to serve on the Youth Jury, attending teen-focused screenings, and taking part in Q&As and filmmaker discussions. These opportunities give students firsthand exposure to world-class short films, insight into the film industry, and experience critically evaluating cinema, which can be valuable for aspiring filmmakers, critics, or media students.

How much does Aspen Shortsfest Youth Film Competition cost?

We have not verified what Aspen Shortsfest Youth Film Competition costs. Our catalog holds no confirmed price for it, and an unpriced entry means exactly that — unpriced, not free. Check the official site before assuming either way.

What is the application deadline for Aspen Shortsfest Youth Film Competition?

Our catalog holds April 2, 2027, carried over from Aspen Shortsfest Youth Film Competition's previous cycle, and we have not found that date on the program's own page — so treat it as a placeholder, not a deadline, and confirm it at https://aspenfilm.org/shortsfest/.

Who is eligible for Aspen Shortsfest Youth Film Competition?

Our catalog has Aspen Shortsfest Youth Film Competition open to high school students in grades 9–12, unconfirmed against the program's own page — check it before you rule yourself in or out, since eligibility is often narrower than a grade range suggests (age floors, "must have completed" rules, enrolment status).

Is Aspen Shortsfest Youth Film Competition online or in person?

Aspen Shortsfest Youth Film Competition is an in-person program.

How do I apply to Aspen Shortsfest Youth Film Competition?

Apply directly through Aspen Film's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.