Student Showcase of Films

Florida’s next generation of filmmakers has a new opportunity to take center stage as submissions open for the 32nd Annual Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films (SSOF), Florida’s largest student film competition and award show.

The SSOF competition is free to enter and invites high school and college students to showcase their creativity while competing for more than $30,000 in scholarships, cash awards, and prizes. Winners will also receive the exclusive, custom-designed SSOF award created to commemorate their achievement and become part of an elite alumni community. 

Building on a record-setting 2026 competition that attracted 636 submissions from 95 schools statewide, the Showcase continues its tradition of discovering and celebrating promising student talent from across Florida. Each year, 50 industry professionals from around the globe review and score student entries, bringing a diverse range of professional perspectives and industry expertise to the competition.

“The Student Showcase of Films is about more than recognizing great student work. It’s about building our workforce pipeline,” said Michelle Hillery, Palm Beach County Film Commissioner. “By connecting emerging talent with industry professionals and career opportunities, we want to inspire students to pursue their careers right here in Florida, and especially in Palm Beach County.”

KEY DATES & DETAILS
Submission Period: October 1, 2026 – February 1, 2027
Eligibility: Florida high school and college students        
Entry Fee: FREE
Red Carpet & Award Show: Friday, April 30, 2027, 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter, FL 33477

The competition features a wide range of categories showcasing student creativity across film and media:

COMPETITION CATEGORIES (open to all Florida High School & College Students)
College Feature / Short         
High School Feature / Short     
Documentary
Music Video              
Animation
Environmental PSA 
Commercial PSA
Palm Beach County Tourism PSA
Screenwriting
Poster Design (based on the 2028 "Fiesta" Theme)
Teacher of the Year    
                                        
SCHOLARSHIPS (open to Palm Beach County High School Students)
Burt Reynolds      
Film Florida Sara Fuller Scholarship        
Gray Family Scholarship 

To view competition categories, submission guidelines, past winners and judges, or to submit an entry, visit pbfilm.com/SSOF.

FROM STUDENT FILMS TO A STAR-STUDDED STAGE
The competition culminates with a live red-carpet award show hosted by three-time Emmy-nominated entertainer Frank Licari on Friday, April 30, 2027, at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, where finalists will join filmmakers, industry professionals and celebrity guests for a celebration of student achievement. Past guests include Anthony Anderson, Steven Bauer, Linda Blair, Bruce Campbell, Vincent Cecere, Jeff Corwin, Hector David Jr., Howie Dorough, Zack Gottsagen, Clint Howard, Ice-T, Martin Kove, Mario Lopez, Cheri Oteri, Vincent Pastore, Mélodie Rose Romano, Burt Reynolds, Tico Torres, Vanilla Ice, Billy West, Montel Williams and Nick Zano.

The 2027 awards show will come to life through “Sound & Vision,” a creative theme celebrating the relationship between what audiences hear and see on screen. From unforgettable scores and music to sound design and the dramatic use of silence, the live event will explore how sound can create emotion, build suspense and transform a visual moment.

                                    “Sound & Vision” is the creative theme of the 2027 awards show and is not a requirement for student submissions.

ABOUT THE PALM BEACHES STUDENT SHOWCASE OF FILMS
The Student Showcase of Films (SSOF) is the cornerstone of the Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission’s (FTC) education outreach, celebrating Florida’s student filmmakers since 1995. This unique program is specifically designed to inspire and recognize the talent found within Florida’s award-winning educational system, with a goal to strengthen the workforce in Palm Beach County and throughout the state of Florida. The FTC is committed to promoting student filmmaking without fees for students to enter. 

The SSOF is a partnership between the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, the Palm Beach County Department of Housing & Economic Development, the Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission. Together with our generous sponsors, SSOF has awarded over $4.5M in cash, prizes, scholarships, equipment, and in-kind services to the program during its lifetime. 

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Video Credit: Armando Aybar, Driven Media

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