PB Film

SUBMISSIONS CLOSING SOON FOR THE 31st ANNUAL PALM BEACHES STUDENT SHOWCASE OF FILMS

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL - January 29, 2026 – Final call for Florida’s next generation of filmmakers. The submission window is closing fast for the 31st Annual Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films (SSOF), and time is running out for high school and college students to take their shot at Florida’s largest student film competition and awards celebration.

With just days remaining before Wednesday, February 4, 2026 deadline, student directors, producers, filmmakers, and digital media artists are encouraged to submit now and secure their place in this year’s Showcase.

The 2026 Award Show embraces a stylish set-jetting theme, inspired by the bold, escapist flair of Palm Royale and iconic favorites like Miami Vice, Dolphin Tale, Bloodline, The White Lotus, Game of Thrones, and The Lord of the Rings. This year’s Showcase celebrates destinations that spark imagination and transform place into story.

For more than three decades, SSOF has championed emerging storytellers across Florida. Last year set a record with 617 submissions from 85 schools, and 2026 is on track to exceed that milestone as students showcase their talents across film, animation, digital media, and screenwriting. Entries are submitted through FilmFreeway via a simple, one-step process. Category requirements and submission guidelines are available at pbfilm.com/SSOF.

“As the cornerstone of our educational outreach, the Student Showcase of Films proudly celebrates 31 years of inspiring creativity and opening doors for young filmmakers as they take their first steps toward professional careers,” said Michelle Hillery, Film Commissioner of the Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission. 

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

Award categories include:

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 encouraged to enter now, share their stories, and take their place among Florida’s rising creative voices before the February 4 deadline. For full details and to submit, visit pbfilm.com/SSOF.

# # #      

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.