Film Submissions

Submissions to the Highbridge Film Festival are judged for acceptance based on their technical professionalism and storytelling strength. Although all potential applicants are encouraged to submit their films, the Highbridge Film Festival production team wishes to emphasize that the festival is an opportunity to showcase the very best talent at Asbury University and from high school applicants. Accepted films will exhibit above-average skill by the filmmakers as directors and writers. The festival selection panel also reserves the right to reject a film if its content contains gratuitous or explicit violence or obscenity. The Highbridge Film Festival is open to different expressions of truth, but is dedicated to maintaining a high standard of redemptive storytelling.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Requirements for high school students differ from those for college students. To ensure that your entry can be accepted, please make sure to reference the applicable requirements. High school films must have been completed when the student was enrolled in 9th-12th grade, and the academic year of entrant must be verified, in writing, by a school administrator. Students must complete an entry form which includes a complete list of entry requirements.

Download and complete the Submission Form (PDF). Email the form as an image or PDF and the other requirements to hbfilmfest@gmail.com. Instructions are included on the form for preparing your film to the proper specifications and uploading your finalized film to Google Drive. You must include a link to this uploaded file on your submission form before

Emailing it to us (instructions for getting this link are included with the submission form). Once you’ve e-mailed us your complete entry form with a link to your film, pay the $15 submission fee online at this link.

SUBMIT ENTRY FEE

The High School submissions is Monday, March 30, 2026.

ASBURY STUDENTS

Films are due and submitted to the vetting and selection committee two weeks prior to the Highbridge event. This allows filmmakers time to implement any changes that may be requested by the committee for official festival selection. The 2026 university student submission deadline is April 3.

For university students, only films completed while enrolled in Asbury University can be entered (eligibility to enter extends for December graduates up to the close of the following Spring semester). In addition, films may not be submitted more than two years after their completion dates. To ensure that your entry can be accepted, please make sure to reference the applicable requirements. Submissions must be accompanied by an Entry Form, which includes a complete list of entry requirements.

To prepare your film submission, please read the file specification and upload instructions (PDF). Then proceed to complete the online form linked below.

Complete the online submission process (access requires your Asbury user ID and password).

SUBMIT ONLINE

The university submission deadline is Friday, April 3, 2026.

Producing a successful Highbridge film….

The Power of Story

The Highbridge Film Festival is dedicated to expressing and exploring the human condition through the power of the visual story. We place special value on the ultimate spiritual truths illustrated through the struggles, joys, tragedies and the miracles we as people all experience. Consider the following tips to increase your chance of being chosen:

  • Keep it Short, Sweet, and to the Point! These are short films, after all.
  • Story is Key: in a format as short as this, your storyline must be tight and the pacing strategic.
  • Keep it Moving: The inciting incident must happen in the first 15-30 seconds for a short film.
  • This Isn’t a Home Movie: Every background, every setting must add to the story. Consider the composition of every shot and never underestimate the value of a tripod.
  • Storytellers Matter: Cast actors who can actually tell your story, not just your best friend.
  • Listen Carefully: Pay careful attention to your film’s sound. You can’t always fix it in post!
  • Stay Legal: Do not use any copyrighted music, footage, logos, or images that you have not secured the right to use.
The Fine Print

By entering your film, you agree to the following:

  • Judges’ decisions are final. All prizes need not be awarded.
  • You will provide the Festival committee with requested marketing and promotional materials.
  • Your film has been completed within two years of the entry deadline.
  • You are currently enrolled as a student at Asbury University (or a graduate as of the most recent December).
  • You have secured all the necessary rights for all material in the film for Festival play and the subsequent duplication and sale of your film.
  • The Festival retains the right to use all submissions for unlimited promotion, screenings, and any compilation media. Entries cannot be returned.
Award Categories

Each official selection film will premiere at the Highbridge Film Festival. University filmmaker entries are eligible for the following awards:

  • Drama
  • Comedy
  • Documentary
  • Supershort
  • Screenplay
  • Costuming & Makeup
  • Production Design
  • Cinematography
  • Editing
  • Sound Design
  • Visual Effects
  • Original Score
  • Actress
  • Actor
  • Director
  • Audience Favorite

The best high school film is chosen from among the high school entries, and includes a $1000 scholarship to Asbury University.

All winners will receive a Highbridge Film Festival Award. Winning films will also be available online through the Highbridge Film Festival website.