# Aspen Shortsfest Youth Film Competition

An Oscar-qualifying short film festival in Aspen with a Youth Jury and teen-focused programs for emerging filmmakers.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Aspen Film |
| Category | arts |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | 2027-04-02 |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Check official site |
| Apply | https://aspenfilm.org/shortsfest/ |

## About this program

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.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Aspen Shortsfest Youth Film Competition cost?

Aspen Shortsfest Youth Film Competition is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

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

The application deadline is April 2, 2027. Always confirm on the program's official site, as dates can shift between cycles.

### Who is eligible for Aspen Shortsfest Youth Film Competition?

Aspen Shortsfest Youth Film Competition is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### 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.

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Last updated: 2026-07-04.
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