PB Film

Florida Students Set Record Participation In The Palm Beaches Student Showcase Of Films

The submission period for the 31st Annual Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films has officially closed, marking another milestone year for Florida’s largest statewide student film competition and award show. A record 636 entries were received from 95 high schools and colleges across the state, reflecting outstanding growth in student participation.

With the 2026 submissions now in, the competition advances to the judging phase. Forty-seven industry professionals from across the United States will evaluate this year’s submissions. The panel represents a wide cross section of the entertainment industry, including feature film and television production, casting, digital art, visual effects, performing arts leadership and media education.

The 2026 Showcase embraces a “Set-Jetting” theme, highlighting how destinations inspire storytelling and turn location into character, celebrating the powerful connection between place and narrative.

Among this year’s judges are Theodore Melfi, Academy and Golden Globe Award-nominated writer, director and producer of Hidden Figures, St. Vincent and The Starling; Robert “Vanilla Ice” Van Winkle, known for his Billboard hit Ice Ice Baby and his work as an actor and television host; Michael Jordan, a director and cinematographer with more than 25 years of experience whose credits include Avengers: Endgame, Ant-Man, Stranger Things and Yellowstone; Bruce J. Soscia Sr., an executive producer, action actor and philanthropist who has appeared alongside Liam Neeson, Rob Lowe and Adrien Brody and is committed to mentoring emerging filmmakers; and Elsten Torres, a multicultural Grammy nominated singer-songwriter, producer and musician.

The panel also includes Dr. Alicia Haywood, an award-winning producer, educator and founder of iSpeakMedia, a nonprofit focused on media literacy and adolescent wellness; Laurence Gartel, internationally recognized digital art pioneer and official artist of the 57th Annual Grammy Awards; Gilbert Khoury, an award-winning independent filmmaker and frequent jury member for international festivals; Elayne “EK” Keratsis, film and television producer and production manager whose credits include Burn Notice and Bad Monkey, and co-author of the true crime bestseller Citizen Somerville; Dominic Giannetti, an independent film producer, writer, and director with 30+ years of experience, having worked with major studios and Hollywood A-list talent. He is also a pioneer of vertical filmmaking in South Florida; Suzanne Niedland, actor, award-winning filmmaker and Broadway/West End producer of Spamalot and Plaza Suite; and Tania Rogers, longtime WPTV and WFLX news anchor and community advocate.

Judges will review submissions across multiple categories spanning film, animation, documentary, commercials, music videos, digital media, and screenwriting. Finalists will be announced during the live awards ceremony on May 1, 2026, at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre in Jupiter, Florida. The red carpet begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by the awards show at 10:30 a.m.

A full list of judges, including biographies and headshots, is available at pbfilm.com/judge-panel
For more information about The Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films, visit pbfilm.com/SSOFTop of Form

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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, equipment, and in-kind services to Florida students.