Documentary
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Documentary
Suzanne Niedland Documentary Award
Sponsored by Suzanne Niedland
Suzanne Niedland is a passionate storyteller and filmmaker, dedicated to capturing real-world stories that inspire, challenge, and illuminate. Through her work in documentary film, she brings attention to voices and experiences that might go unheard. As the sponsor of the Documentary Award, Suzanne champions emerging filmmakers, encouraging them to explore the power of truth, craft compelling narratives, and bring meaningful stories to life.
Student directors are encouraged to submit documentary films that focus on factual content. A documentary may be filmed in actual occurrence or incorporate partial reenactments, stock footage, still images, animation, stop-motion, or other techniques, provided the emphasis remains on fact rather than fiction. Works that are primarily promotional or instructional, as well as unfiltered recordings of performances, are not eligible.
Only individual documentary works qualify; this excludes multi-part or limited series, episodes taken from larger series, segments from composite programs, alternate versions of ineligible works, and documentary shorts created by cutting down or repurposing completed, publicly exhibited feature-length documentaries.
Open to Florida High School and College Students
Film must be a minimum of 5 minutes and not exceed 15 minutes (TRT) (excluding credits)
$2,000 Award
Funds are awarded to the submitting student
Submitted projects will be judged on the following set of criteria:
Story/Story Structure
Writing
Direction
Score/Sound
Cinematography
Lighting
Special Effects
Editing
SUBMISSION PROCESS:
1. Register as an applicant by clicking the Submit Your Project button below, which will direct you to the FilmFreeway platform for the SSOF. If you don't already have an account with FilmFreeway, you must create a free account to upload and submit your project.
2. Once on FilmFreeway, click the Green SUBMIT NOW Button, and select your category to complete the submission process including uploading your documentary film.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Students are highly encouraged to use their own originality and creative abilities in developing and producing their projects. Students should disclose whether AI was used in the creation or production of their submission. SSOF reserves the right to request additional information regarding the use of AI when necessary to determine compliance with these rules. Failure to disclose material AI use, or providing materially false or misleading information regarding AI use, may result in disqualification. SSOF reserves the right to disqualify submissions where AI has substantially replaced the student's creative work.
Phone
800.745.FILM (3456)
561.233.1000
Address
2195 Southern Blvd., Suite 520
West Palm Beach, Florida 33406
