The deadline for entries for the Strand Youth Film Fest (SYFF) is approaching; submissions must be received by midnight on Oct. 31. 

The Strand Youth Film Fest is an opportunity for young people living in Midcoast Maine, and surrounding areas, to create and submit their own short films. All filmmakers must be in 5th-12th grade in the 2020-21 school year, or ages 9-18 years old; the Junior division includes grades 5-8, or ages 9-13, and the Senior division includes grades 9-12, or ages 14-18. Participants must live in the Midcoast including Knox, Waldo or Lincoln; or Hancock, Kennebec, Penobscot and Sagadahoc counties.  

Films must be 1-5 minutes long and follow a G or PG rating from among these categories: Narrative (fiction), Documentary, Music Video, or Animation. Prizes will be awarded in each film category for both divisions, plus one “Best of Fest” prize. Only one film per submitter is permitted. Films must be submitted in .mov or .mp4 format. “Most iPhone and iPad videos follow these formats,” notes Strand Education Coordinator Brittany Parker. “And downloadable video editing apps such as StoryBuilder or DIY doc work well for a project like this!” More information, including submissions, instructions and resources can be found at www.RocklandStrand.com.

Awards and a public, virtual presentation of the films will take place in December. Prizes will be awarded by a panel of judges consisting of local film professionals and Strand staff. The winners in each category will be awarded $75 each, and Best of Fest winners will take home $100. Additionally, winners will receive an official Strand Youth Film Fest Geiger Award. Winners will be selected for both Junior (grades 5-8) and Senior (grades 9-12) divisions. 

The Strand Youth Film Fest is made possible with support from the Harvey & Pam Geiger Charitable Fund.

The Strand Theatre is located at 345 Main St. in Rockland.