NEXTWAVE YOUTH FILM COMPETITION is a youth engagement and education initiative that is part of the annual Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF). The competition provides premier regional film and media exhibition opportunities to youth pursuing an interest or career in filmmaking. It is a celebration of the up-and-coming generation of cinematic story-tellers, and an opportunity for their stories to be seen by an audience of 45,000 festival-goers and industry professionals.
It will be hard to predict what conditions we will face in the spring of 2021, but we are committed to promoting the art of film as a medium that fosters cross-cultural understanding, education, entertainment, and exploration. We intend to continue offering audiences unique opportunities to experience the wealth of international cinema, to engage with and learn from international filmmakers, and to share these experiences as a community. While we are hopeful the festival can return to traditional screenings in theater venues in 2021, our current planning includes virtual and live screening settings.
As we are planning for the 40th Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival and the Nextwave Youth Film Competition, we will be closely monitoring health and safety guidelines. We will strive to communicate any news about possible event changes if and when they may occur. Potential changes could include dates, venues, and formats.
We have signed Seed & Spark’s 2020 Film Festival Survival Pledge, and have adjusted premiere requirements and production deadlines.
Youth Jury Favorite Film Award
Excellence in Youth Filmmaking Award