The contest is open to youth groups and organizations. No individual submissions will be accepted.
Two divisions: Middle school/High school; and College. (College division will be judged and awarded separately). It's understood that ages of students within youth groups will vary and overlap. Generally, a student's membership in a youth group, instead of their age, will determine their eligibility. However, we really must draw the line for college students over 24 years old. It's probably time for them to move on to career, singles, or young marrieds groups. Please contact us if you need further clarification.
All movies must have begun production after March 6, 2011. Primary roles must be acted by youth within the specified category but supporting roles may be acted by adults or children. Writing, crew, and post production must be done by youth within category.
Minimal adult help is allowed. This means adults may advise or demonstrate with the goal of teaching teenagers new skills. Adults may drive, help secure equipment and locations, or provide the pizza. Adults should strive to help kids be better filmmakers, learn new skills, and develop hidden talents.
Movies must be wholesome, integrating and corresponding with a Christian worldview.
All copyright, actor, and location releases must be submitted with each entry.
Each ministry or organization may submit up to three movies.
Running time is limited to ten minutes including optional credits and out-takes.
Entries must be submitted on standard DVD; (USA, Region 1).
Entry deadline is 12:00 noon, Monday, February 13th, 2012
Primary Judging
A panel of celebrities and industry professionals will determine the best movies based on the following criteria:
- Spiritual statement – how well does the movie express a relevant issue from a Christian worldview?
- Creativity – how creative and artistic is the movie?
- Originality – Is the story new and fresh?
- Technical merit – how well is the movie directed, filmed, edited, etc?
Screening
The top ten movies in the Middle/High School division and the Best College movie will be screened during the evening festival followed by the gala awards ceremony!
Best Picture Awards
- (first place): $765.43
- (second place): $567.65
- (third place): $456.78
Total Cash prizes: over $1,789.86
Trophies: Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Spiritual Message, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Sound, Best Original Score, and of course, CYFF Best Picture!
Award winners will receive their trophies or giant checks with their whole team on stage. If the winners or their representatives cannot be present, their awards, trophies, and or checks (not the giant ones) will be sent in the mail.
To enter: complete the application, and send application, releases, $50 entry fee, your DVD, and complete list of all credits to:
CYFF Entry
2131 California Ave.
Bakersfield, CA93304
Each entry will receive two really cool all-access passes to the festival which include admission ($30 value), snack bar credit ($15 value), a copy of the 2012 CYFF DVD ($10 value), and a backstage dinner reception with our celebrity judges and the CYFF board of directors (priceless). (additional VIP passes may be purchased for $25.00 each)
Tickets will be available by February 1st at:
- HeritageBibleChurch, 2323 Mt. Vernon Ave. Bakersfield, CA, 93306
- Youth For Christ, 2131 California Ave. Bakersfield, CA, 93304
- At the door
For more information send questions to info@ChristianYouthFilmFestival.org
For interview and autographed photo contact: Joe L Brown; joe@heritagebible.us