Student Showcase of Films

EXTENDED DEADLINE FOR THE 31st ANNUAL PALM BEACHES STUDENT SHOWCASE OF FILMS

With submissions pouring in from across the state, the Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission has extended the deadline for the 31st Annual Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films (SSOF) to Wednesday, February 11, 2026 giving students one last opportunity to share their stories, showcase creativity, and step into the spotlight.

High school and college filmmakers, producers, animators, and digital media artists are encouraged to act now. This extension represents the final window to enter Florida’s largest student film competition and awards celebration, and a chance to join a legacy that has launched creative careers for more than three decades.

Momentum continues to build following last year’s record-breaking 617 submissions from 85 schools, and organizers expect even more entries as students race to meet the extended deadline. Entries are submitted through FilmFreeway via a simple, one-step process. Category requirements and submission guidelines are available at pbfilm.com/SSOF.

“We’re down to the final days, and this extension truly is the last chance for students across Florida to be part of something special,” said Michelle Hillery, Film Commissioner of the Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission. “If you’ve been waiting to hit submit, now is the moment. Your story matters, your creativity matters, and this Showcase exists to help launch the next generation of filmmakers.”

Finalists will be announced live at the awards ceremony on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. The red carpet begins at 9:30AM, followed by the award show at 10:30AM.

Burt Reynolds*                                Environmental PSA

College Feature/Short                   Commercial PSA

High School Feature/Short            Palm Beach County Tourism PSA

Documentary                                  Poster Design

Music Video                                    Screenwriting

Animation                                        Teacher of the Year

In honor of legendary actor and longtime SSOF supporter Burt Reynolds, the Showcase will award a $5,000 Burt Reynolds Scholarship* to a Palm Beach County high school senior. Additional scholarships include the $1,000 Film Florida Sara Fuller Scholarship, $1,000 Mel Maron Scholarship, $1,000 Gray Family Scholarship, and $1,000 Dr. B. Carleton Bryant Scholarship.

Submission is free, but time is limited. Students are urged to take advantage of the extended deadline and submit their projects by February 11, 2026, before this final opportunity closes. For full details and to enter, visit pbfilm.com/SSOF.

Website:      pbfilm.com/SSOF
Facebook:  facebook.com/StudentShowcaseofFilms
X:                 x.com/StudentFilmsFL
Instagram:  instagram.com/studentfilmsfl

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ABOUT THE PALM BEACHES STUDENT SHOWCASE OF FILMS

The Student Showcase of Films (SSOF) is the cornerstone of the Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission’s education outreach, celebrating Florida’s student filmmakers since 1995. Designed to inspire and recognize emerging talent, the program strengthens the creative workforce across Palm Beach County and the state. Entry is always free for Florida high school and college students.

SSOF is presented in partnership with the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, Department of Housing & Economic Development, the Film & Television Commission, and the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. With the support of generous sponsors, the Showcase has awarded more than $4.5 million in cash, prizes, scholarships, and in-kind services to Florida students.