Youth Education & Outreach - Boulder International Film Festival
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Youth Education & Outreach

“The question of educating the public to a better, more critical appreciation of the films is a question of the mental health of nations.” 

–Bela Balazs, THEORY OF FILM

Film is a collaborative art with a language we can learn and apply to both create and appreciate movies. There are layers of explicit and implicit meaning conveyed in scene, set and story. Through technical innovation and imagination, worlds become created, communicated and culturally braided.

We believe that the study of film theory and production is no small act. It has big returns–blockbusting, inspiring effects for ethical, political and social change.

BIFF’s Education Outreach Program is committed to enlivening the study of film so students become media literate, critical thinkers and mavericks in the art of making and appreciating film.

Our goal is to connect students with filmmakers, resources and opportunities to elevate different voices and points of view and inspire the next, most educated, empathetic generation of artists, enthusiasts and critics.

Youth Education & Outreach

“The question of educating the public to a better, more critical appreciation of the films is a question of the mental health of nations.” 

–Bela Balazs, THEORY OF FILM

Film is a collaborative art with a language we can learn and apply to both create and appreciate movies. There are layers of explicit and implicit meaning conveyed in scene, set and story. Through technical innovation and imagination, worlds become created, communicated and culturally braided.

We believe that the study of film theory and production is no small act. It has big returns–blockbusting, inspiring effects for ethical, political and social change.

BIFF’s Education Outreach Program is committed to enlivening the study of film so students become media literate, critical thinkers and mavericks in the art of making and appreciating film.

Our goal is to connect students with filmmakers, resources and opportunities to elevate different voices and points of view and inspire the next, most educated, empathetic generation of artists, enthusiasts and critics.

Teen Short Film Competition

Our annual Teen Short Film Competition celebrates the short film. Students (ages 12-18) are invited to submit their shorts for competition. Youth judges screen and decide top films, culminating in an energetic Academy-Awards style night announcing winners during our annual festival weekend where they come together to inspire us and each other. Watch the 2024 winners.

Cinema 2 Schools

Through our program, filmmakers from around the globe immerse themselves in school settings, panel discussions and interactive Q&A sessions to screen their films, discuss filmmaking careers, techniques, advice and knowledge to students in the classroom.

Festival Volunteering

Students are invited to immerse themselves in the celebration of the festival weekend, as well as the beyond-the-scenes elements that go into producing an artistic, technical and public media experience.

Teen Jury

A panel of students is selected by BIFF to serve on the selection and screening committee for the Teen Short Film Competition. Students screen all entries and judge them based on a cinematic rubric of standards for writing, sound design, cinematography, editing and directing.

Workshops

BIFF is privileged to partner with local artists and art organizations including the Dairy Arts Center and the Boulder County Film Commission to bring workshops to students like How to Be a Production Assistant and How to Watch a Movie.

Teen Short Film Competition

Our annual Teen Short Film Competition celebrates the short film. Students (ages 12-18) are invited to submit their shorts for competition. Youth judges screen and decide top films, culminating in an energetic Academy-Awards style night announcing winners during our annual festival weekend where they come together to inspire us and each other. Watch the 2024 winners.
We believe that the study of film theory and production is no small act. It has big returns–blockbusting, inspiring effects for ethical, political and social change.

BIFF’s Education Outreach Program is committed to enlivening the study of film so students become media literate, critical thinkers and mavericks in the art of making and appreciating film.

Our goal is to connect students with filmmakers, resources and opportunities to elevate different voices and points of view and inspire the next, most educated, empathetic generation of artists, enthusiasts and critics.

Cinema 2 Schools

Through our program, filmmakers from around the globe immerse themselves in school settings, panel discussions and interactive Q&A sessions to screen their films, discuss filmmaking careers, techniques, advice and knowledge to students in the classroom.

Festival Volunteering

Students are invited to immerse themselves in the celebration of the festival weekend, as well as the beyond-the-scenes elements that go into producing an artistic, technical and public media experience.

Cinema 2 Schools

Through our program, filmmakers from around the globe immerse themselves in school settings, panel discussions and interactive Q&A sessions to screen their films, discuss filmmaking careers, techniques, advice and knowledge to students in the classroom.

Festival Volunteering

Students are invited to immerse themselves in the celebration of the festival weekend, as well as the beyond-the-scenes elements that go into producing an artistic, technical and public media experience.