Five Minute FilmFEST, organized by ReadingFilm, is an annual film challenge organized by ReadingFilm open to high school students located in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Each year students have the opportunity to develop their own five-minute film to compete against other students and schools in the region for trophies, prizes and well-deserved recognition.ReadingFilm’s mission includes encouraging and supporting students interested in film and media to explore the world of filmmaking. “ReadingFilm seeks to empower local youth to share their stories through digital media and develop the next generation of filmmakers” states Cammie Harris, ReadingFilm Executive Director. The Five Minute FilmFEST idea was developed in 2019 by Harris, as a way to recognize and develop the talent coming from our local high school programs. All participating students and teachers receive StudentFEST/All Access Pass to 2023 the ReadingFilmFEST October 26th – 29th.Instructor James DelConte works with his students at Berks Career & Technology Center’s West Campus to submit a 3-5 minute film as a project for his class, Video & Media Content Production. In his class, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experiences and develop technical understanding by producing digital media and content for various platforms using industry-standard software, hardware and camera equipment in both studio and field environments. DelConte’s students learn skills that can lead them to various career pathways ranging from Video Production to Communications Manager or further study at the college levelAccording to DelConte, “Students submit to various contests while at BCTC and the Five Minute FilmFEST allows the opportunity for their film to be viewed with an in-person audience, including friends and family”, he continues, “the Five Minute FilmFEST offers a multitude of categories that fit the diverse interests of our students”.All Five Minute FilmFEST submissions will be judged by independent jurors. Prizes will be awarded at the live ceremony Thursday, April 27th to the best films based on the judges’ scoring.Registration is a two-step process. The deadline to register is February 17, 2023. Students and teachers can fill out the short registration form on the ReadingFilm website at: https://readingfilm.org/five-minute-filmfest-entries-now-being-accepted/.
Once registered, students can submit videos for free on FilmFreeway (https://filmfreeway.com/FiveMinuteFilmFEST) through Friday, March 31, 2023 (late deadline is Monday April 3, 2023). Students must reside in Berks County, PA or are currently enrolled in a public, charter, cyber or private high school in Berks County. 2022 high school graduates are also eligible to submit.Five Minute FilmFEST Prize and Award Information:
- First Place Winner: $250 Visa Card, Crystal Award, and Swag bag
- Second Place Winner: $150 Visa Card and Crystal Award
- Third Place Winner $75 Visa Card and Award Certificate
All participating students and teachers will receive an All-Access Pass to the 2023 annual film festival, ReadingFilmFEST, October 26th – 29th.
Five Minute FilmFEST Categories for Submission:
- Documentary: The boundaries of documentary film are expanding more than ever, find your subject matter and document it.
Berks Career & Technology Center students from Instructor James DelConte’s Video & Media Content Production class. - Action Sports: Share your action-packed, adrenaline-fueled sports adventures. No sport is off limits, as long as it has action you can submit it! Skiing, Skateboarding, Cheerleading, Skydiving, Cliff Jumping, Paintball!
- Commercial: This category is for advertisement or promotional pieces. Commercials can include school-related activities or commercial products.
- News Stories: Interested in broadcast journalism? This is the category for you. Produce an in-depth story about a compelling, newsworthy topic that highlights creativity and makes an emotional connection with the audience.
- Sports News: Develop profile pieces or real-time reporting about athletes in action, are they making a difference on the field, off the field, or both?
- Comedy: It is entertaining and often makes us laugh, but it also can tell a story that moves us. Comedy can be full of surprises, it can make us smile, it can make us cringe. We encourage all types of comedic genres.
- Animation: Films that use computer graphics, can be computer animation, Flash, Stop-Motion
- Short Narrative: Think beginning, middle, end, conflict, rising action, climax and resolution. Bring on the characters and conflicts.
- Horror/Sci-Fi/Fantasy: Danger? Fights? Evil forces? We accept all genres, from sci-fi, thriller and horror.
- Music Video: Find a song and share its story. Original music or songs in which you have permission to use will be accepted. ALL copyrighted music MUST have explicit permission. Credits must recognize the musician or band.
- Special Influencer Category: Influencers, share your life, thoughts, opinions, or interests. Create a film that raises awareness or a “how to” video tutorial.
Learn more about ReadingFilm and how we are developing the Greater Reading area as a hub for Film Production by visiting https://readingfilm.org
