Lights, Camera, Create!
The Tumbleweeds Film Festival for Kids, Utah’s premier film festival for young audiences, is thrilled to announce the 5th Annual Tumbleweeds Kids Film Competition!
Calling all Utah students in grades K–8—it’s your turn to tell a story! Whether you dream of directing an action-packed adventure, creating an animated masterpiece, or sharing a true story through documentary filmmaking, this is your chance to bring your ideas to life. Submit an original fiction or nonfiction short film and let your creativity shine.
A panel of judges will evaluate each film for its storytelling, creativity, artistic style, and technical skill. Finalists will be invited to celebrate their achievements at a special red-carpet screening, reception, and awards ceremony on Friday, April 23, 2027, where selected films will be shown on the big screen, and winners will take home exciting prizes.
Parents — this is a wonderful opportunity to encourage your child’s creativity, build confidence, and celebrate their unique voice through the art of filmmaking. We can’t wait to see the stories only they can tell!
Deadline to submit countdown
FILM COMPETITION IMPORTANT DATES
2027 FILM COMPETITION SUBMISSIONS OPEN: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
FINAL SUBMISSION DATE: Monday, March 15, 2027
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED: Thursday, April 1, 2027
AWARDS CEREMONY: Friday, April 23, 2027
Who Can Enter?
-Open to all Utah students in grades K–8.
-You may submit fiction or nonfiction films.
-You may enter more than one film.
-Films you’ve entered in other festivals or contests are welcome, but please don’t resubmit films from previous Tumbleweeds competitions.
-You must enter for the grade level you are currently in, not the grade you MADE the film in.
Your Film
-Your film must be 5 minutes or less (credits don’t count toward the time limit).
-There is no required theme—tell any story you want!
-Students must do the creative work, including writing, filming, and editing. Adults may teach and support but should not create the film.
-Your film cannot use or display AI-generated music, voices, images, or material.
Choose a Category
Fiction – Stories created from your imagination, including dramas, comedies, thrillers, animation, and more.
Nonfiction – True stories, documentaries, biographies, public service announcements, news stories, or films based on real people or events.
Credits & Copyright
-Include end credits for any music, images, video, or sound effects you didn’t create yourself.
-Nonfiction films should also include sources for facts and information.
-Only use media that you created yourself or that you have permission or the proper license to use.
-Please avoid showing recognizable brand logos whenever possible.
Technical Requirements
-Maximum length: 5 minutes
-File format: MP4
-Resolution: 1920 × 1080 (HD)
-Frame rate: 30 fps
-Film in landscape (horizontal) whenever possible.
-Make sure your audio is clear and easy to hear.
-English subtitles are appreciated for films in other languages but are not required.
Optional Extras
You can also include:
-1–5 still images from your film
-A short synopsis (200 words or fewer)
Submit Your Film
Submit your film through FilmFreeway by 11:59 p.m. on March 15, 2027.
Keep It Appropriate
Your film should:
-Be respectful and appropriate for young audiences.
-Tell truthful stories if you’re making a nonfiction film.
-Respect copyright laws and other people’s work.
-Avoid harmful, offensive, violent, or inappropriate content.
Films that don’t follow these rules may not be eligible for screening or awards.
Finalists
If your film is selected as a finalist, you’ll receive additional media release and licensing forms so we can screen your film at the festival and include it in the awards ceremony.
Winners are selected by category (fiction or nonfiction) and grade level. Finalists will be invited to a special red carpet screening where all nominated films will be shown, awards will be presented, and prizes—including filmmaking gear, gift cards, workshops, and Tumbleweeds Film Festival passes—will be awarded.
Winners will be selected by category (fiction and nonfiction) and age group. Finalists and winners will be invited to a red carpet screening event on Friday, April 23, 2027, at the Viridian Event Center in West Jordan. All nominated films will be screened at this event, winning films will be announced, and prizes will be distributed.
Winners will receive prizes such as filmmaking equipment, gift cards, and more!
Finalists and winners of the Tumbleweeds Kids Film Competition will receive FREE access to exclusive filmmaking workshops from leading Utah filmmakers to improve their craft and FREE all-inclusive passes to the Tumbleweeds Film Festival for Kids on April 24, 2027.
Stay tuned as we get closer to the competition!
