Finalist

Florida Student Filmmakers Named Finalist For The 31st Annual Palm Beaches Student Showcase Of Films

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL (March 27, 2026) – The Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission has announced the finalists for the 31st Annual Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films (SSOF), Florida’s largest student film competition and award show.

A record-breaking 636 submissions from 95 high schools and colleges across Florida were entered this year, demonstrating the depth of creative talent emerging from the state’s next generation of filmmakers, animators, writers, and digital storytellers. Finalists were selected by an esteemed panel of 46 industry professionals, making this year’s competition one of the most competitive in the program’s 31-year history.

“Student Showcase of Films continues to highlight the incredible creativity and storytelling talent developing across Florida,” said Michelle Hillery, Film Commissioner of the Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission. “Programs like SSOF play an important role in supporting workforce development and ensuring the next generation of filmmakers have opportunities to grow, collaborate, and contribute to Florida’s thriving film and media industry.”

Winners will be revealed live on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, (Jupiter, Florida) where more than $30,000 in scholarships, cash awards, and prizes will be presented to students from across the state. The live award ceremony will be hosted by three-time Emmy-nominated entertainer Frank Licari, an award-winning producer, writer, actor, musician, and host of the PBS series On the Town in The Palm Beaches with Frank Licari. A longtime supporter of SSOF, Licari brings a dynamic mix of humor, musical talent, and stage presence that has made him a favorite among students, educators, and industry professionals. His background in television, film, improv comedy, and live performance reflects the diverse creative pathways available to emerging filmmakers and performers.

This year’s optional theme, “Set-Jetting,” explores how film and television inspire audiences to travel to destinations seen on screen. The concept highlights Florida’s versatility as a filming location and encourages students to view real-world settings as an extension of storytelling. The theme also reflects Palm Beach County’s continued growth as a film-friendly destination supporting production, workforce development, and creative industries.

The Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films has served as a cornerstone of the Commission’s education outreach since 1995, helping to cultivate Florida’s future creative workforce. The program remains free to enter for all Florida high school and college students.

2026 FINALISTS
(Listed alphabetically by category)

BURT REYNOLDS SCHOLARSHIP FINALISTS
Izzy Huntley, G-Star High School of the Arts
Lilian Amiryan, Seminole Ridge Community High School
Lyla Claggett, G-Star High School of the Arts
Tamsin Lee, Seminole Ridge Community High School
Taylor Simms, Seminole Ridge Community High School

“I’ve spent more than five decades working in film in Palm Beach County, and it is an honor to help identify and support the next generation of student filmmakers,” said Frank Eberling, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and SSOF Burt Reynolds Scholarship judge. “Burt Reynolds believed strongly in creating opportunities for Florida talent, and through this scholarship, his commitment to supporting creativity and career pathways in filmmaking continues to inspire students today.”

ANIMATION FINALISTS
Eliana Anselmo, Ringling College of Art & Design, Loud & Proud
Elizaveta Makarenko, Ringling College of Art & Design, Beautify
Sofia Tonin, Ringling College of Art & Design, Praying for Love

COLLEGE FEATURE/SHORT FINALISTS
Caleb Cook, Florida State University, Lovesick, Fallout.
Nico Wilcox Cano, Florida State University, Little Dark Rooms
Rodrigo Perez, Ringling College of Art & Design, Contigo

COMMERCIAL PSA FINALISTS
Emily Rice, University of Miami, Not Just a Ballerina.
Ryder Hawk Carmean Gonzalez, Design & Architecture Senior High, Big Water
Selena Gonzalez, G-Star High School of the Arts, We All Bleed the Same

DOCUMENTARY FINALISTS
Anais Ramentol (+Sarah Leon, Michael D'Alessio, Natalia Irizarry), University of Florida, Love Thy Neighbor
Sam Perez Laurenza, Florida State University, The Golden Touch
Zoey Nettles, Flagler College, Waves of the Future

ENVIRONMENTAL PSA FINALISTS
Camille Sanchez, Gulf Coast High School, Trash: Take One
Landon D’Alessandro (+Ethan Malka), Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, A Cleaner Future
Lilian Amiryan, Seminole Ridge Community High School, Don’t Trash Our Treasure

HIGH SCHOOL FEATURE/SHORT FINALISTS
Ethan Malka, Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, The Experiment
Sophie Drost, Lakeland Christian School, Water’s Memory
Zachary Newman, NSU University School, What’s Really Inside

MUSIC VIDEO FINALISTS
Emi Optekar, NSU University School, Nobody Does
Julian Ramirez, University of Tampa, Daylight
William Markgraf (+Gabriel Gray), Seminole Ridge Community High School, Buy Me a Boat

PALM BEACH COUNTY TOURISM PSA FINALISTS
Adam Perez, Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Tourism PSA
Gavin Henry (+Omari Higgins), Palm Beach Gardens High School, Discover The Palm Beaches
Ivan Krsak (+Bradley Walker, Alexander LaSalle, Madison Rueca), Palm Beach Gardens High School, Palm Beach County Tourism PSA

POSTER FINALISTS (based on 2027 theme: Sound & Vision)
Daniela Buenrostro, SouthTech Academy
Jaquez Cato, SouthTech Academy
Paulency Merove, Suncoast High School

SCREENWRITING FINALISTS
Emi Optekar, NSU University School, What’s Left Inside
Ethan Malka (+Landon D'Alessandro), Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, Encore
Indi Rivers, Hillsborough College, The Lost Bird

TEACHER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Austin Parenti, The King’s Academy
Matthew Baker, Port Charlotte High School
Shaun Olavarria, DeLand High School

EVENT DETAILS
31st Annual Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films
Maltz Jupiter Theatre
1001 E Indiantown Rd, Jupiter, FL 33477
Friday, May 1, 2026
Red Carpet: 9:30 a.m.
Award Show: 10:30 a.m.

More information, including event updates and program details, is available at pbfilm.com/SSOF
Interviews available upon request.

ABOUT THE PALM BEACHES STUDENT SHOWCASE OF FILMS (SSOF)
The 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 their work.

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, and the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. 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.