Indy Shorts High School Film Competition
Catalog organization: Heartland Film
Compiled by: ExtracurricularHub Editorial Team — editorial policy
Last updated
What Is Indy Shorts High School Film Competition?
Heartland Film's High School Film Competition (HSFC) is part of the Indy Shorts International Film Festival in Indianapolis. The 2027 FilmFreeway portal is open and lists an August 11, 2026 opening, deadline stages from November 29 through March 21, notification by June 2, and festival dates July 20–25, 2027. Heartland's own submission page still says the portal will open in September, but the linked live FilmFreeway listing is newer and currently accepts entries.
The general HSFC is for U.S. students outside Indiana and international students. Eligible Indiana high-school filmmakers use the separate Indiana Spotlight HSFC category. The current general rules require the director to have been in high school and not yet started university when the film was completed, not to have graduated earlier than 2025, and to submit a narrative or documentary, live-action or animated film no longer than 15 minutes 59 seconds, including credits. The film must have been completed on or after January 1, 2026. A valid student ID or other enrollment proof showing an expiration date is required. The Indiana category publishes a different graduation cutoff, so Indiana entrants must read that category instead of copying the general terms.
Indy Shorts High School Film Competition Key Facts: Cost, Deadline, and Eligibility
| Cost | Free |
|---|---|
| Format | Hybrid |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Listing last updated | August 30, 2026 |
Program details shown here reflect the current catalog record.
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How to Apply to Indy Shorts High School Film Competition
Open the application for Indy Shorts High School Film Competition