#FilmSA Competition Is Now Open
Published on January 22, 2024
San Antonio youth filmmakers can compete to win cash prizes and be part of a film screening and awards ceremony at Mission Marquee Plaza.
SAN ANTONIO (January 22, 2024) – The San Antonio Film Commission, a division of the City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts and Culture, announced today the launch of its annual #FilmSA Contest. The 2024 #FilmSA Contest’s purpose is to inspire youth to explore the art and craft of filmmaking while expanding their knowledge of and appreciation for San Antonio.
The deadline for submissions is March 25 at 4:30 p.m. CST. A prize of $1,000 will be awarded to the highest-scoring entry in each category for the following age groups: 14 – 17 and 18 – 21. Each winning film will be screened publicly at an Awards Ceremony held at Mission Marque Plaza on May 4.
“The film culture of San Antonio is constantly growing, and we continue to be one of the best places to live and work as a filmmaker in the nation,” said Department of Arts & Culture Executive Director Krystal Jones. “We have several competitive film programs for high school and college level students. Giving these immensely talented emerging artists this type of hands-on experience will only further help to them be the next generation of storytellers pushing the boundaries of film.”
Hosted in collaboration with the City of San Antonio's World Heritage Office, 2024 #FilmSA Contest applicants may enter films in one of two categories: "Beyond the Plate: Exploring San Antonio’s Food System" and "Lights, Camera, Action, SA!"
Beyond the Plate: Exploring San Antonio’s Food System
This category encourages youth filmmakers to explore why they think it is important to support our local food system, especially as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Additionally, it asks them to raise awareness of current challenges in our food system and how our community can get involved.
“Food systems not only supply the food that we consume, but also connect us to our natural environment, culture and traditions,” said Colleen Swain, Director of the City of the San Antonio World Heritage Office. "We invite filmmakers to capture stories that demonstrate the need to support our local food system, ensure that it is equitable, healthier and sustainable while highlighting its importance as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy."
Lights, Camera, Action, SA!
This category encourages San Antonio youth filmmakers to use the power of filmmaking to highlight and showcase the unique qualities that make San Antonio a top-tier filming destination. One of the goals of this category is to ensure that emerging filmmakers are learning industry standards and best practices while practicing their craft and exploring where we’ve been, where we are and where we hope to be as a city in the future.
Additional information, including guidelines on how to enter the 2024 #FilmSA Contest, can be found at FilmSanAntonio.com. Also, follow @FilmSanAntonio for updates on the contest.