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September 17, 2025
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Submissions Now Open for the 31st Annual Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films

CommunityPress ReleaseEducation

The Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films (SSOF), Florida’s largest and most prestigious student film competition, is officially open for submissions. Now in its 31st year, the program celebrates creativity, innovation, and the cinematic spirit of Florida’s young storytellers.
 
This year’s award show theme, “Set-Jetting,” will highlight how films inspire audiences to travel, explore, and experience destinations seen on screen. The concept aligns with Palm Beach County’s reputation as a film-friendly destination and encourages students to imagine Florida not just as a backdrop, but as a star of their stories. While optional, students can incorporate the theme into this year’s submissions, offering an exciting way for entrants to link their storytelling with travel and cultural exploration.
 
“Set-Jetting is more than a trend, it’s a movement that brings together the power of film, tourism, and culture,” said Michelle Hillery, Palm Beach County Film Commissioner. “Students are welcome to explore the theme if it inspires them, but above all, we invite every kind of story that showcases the imagination and originality of Florida’s next generation of filmmakers.”
 
KEY DATES & DETAILS
 
  • Submission period: Opens Friday, October 24, 2025, and closes Wednesday, February 4, 2026
  • Award Show / Red Carpet Event: Scheduled for May 1, 2026 at Maltz Jupiter Theatre: 1001 E Indiantown Rd, Jupiter, FL 33477
    9:30 AM preshow, 10:30 AM awards
  • Entry Fee: Free for all students
  • Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in high school or college in Florida
  • Official site & guidelines: Visit pbfilm.com/SSOF for comprehensive rules and regulations
Last year’s Showcase drew a record 617 submissions from 85 schools statewide and awarded more than $30,000 in cash, scholarships, and prizes. For over three decades, the competition has launched careers and cultivated Florida’s creative economy by supporting aspiring filmmakers, screenwriters, and digital artists.
The competition offers a rich slate of categories to reflect the diversity of cinematic expression:
 
Burt Reynolds Scholarship
High School Feature / Short
College Feature / Short
Documentary
Music Video
Animation
Environmental PSA
Commercial PSA
Palm Beach County Tourism PSA
Screenwriting
Poster Design (based on the 2027 theme)
Teacher of the Year

Student submissions are viewed and evaluated by a panel of industry professionals from around the globe. Past judges include writer, artist, actor, and host Vanilla Ice; Grammy-nominated songwriter Elsten Torres; award-winning director Wes Ball; writer, director, and producer Theodore Melfi; visual effects artist Michael Campbell; actor and producer Suzanne Neidland; writer and animator Monte Young; writer and producer Mo Fitzgibbons; composer Jamie Cuadra; digital artist Laurence Gartel; producer Elayne "E.K." Keratsis; screenplay consultant Michael Chasin; producer Molly Conners and many more.
To view categories, guidelines, past winners and judges or to submit your entry 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.
 

Submissions Now Open for the 31st Annual Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films
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Ribbon Cuttings

Preparation

Ribbon Cutting time availabilities Monday- Thursday 9:00a.m, 12:00a.m. or 5:30p.m. at host location or area location. (Palm Beach County, FL) 1st Friday of the month 1:00p.m. after the Ambassador meeting.

Pictures are always better with a banner, or sign and designated area to set up for photography. Identify the best place for the picture in advance to ensure a smooth event.

The Chamber of Commerce Membership Services Associate will arrive 20 minutes before the start of the event with a camera, ribbon, and scissors. They will assist in choosing the best position for the photo, if necessary. The person selected to cut the ribbon will be directed and assisted as to where to stand during the picture and how to handle the scissors.

Ambassadors of the Chamber of Commerce will hold the ribbon as the ribbon is cut. Ambassadors meet and greet your guests. Photographer will prompt you when to cut the ribbon, after several photos taken of the group are posed and ready.

We look forward to a great event!

Possible Participants:

  • The Chamber Ambassadors can be invited to participate. Additional committees can be included as appropriate.
  • Company staff including owner, CEO, CFO, COO, management, staff and invited guests.

Food/Refreshments- Optional. Your event will be better attended with refreshment provided. The food preference and the theme for your Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is entirely up to you.

Photos will be placed on the Chamber website, launched on the Chamber’s social media platforms and forwarded to the Ribbon Cutting host.

For the Membership Services Associate:

  • Please state if there are any special driving instructions, parking instructions, and if there are any special requests.
  • Please submit the Ribbon Cutting Request Form one month in advance.
Ribbon Cutting Request Form