New Hampshire Media Teachers and Media Power Youth have announced a new partnership, introducing the Spotlight Community Impact Awards as a category at the 2026 New Hampshire High School Short Film Festival.
For almost two decades, the festival has served as the state’s premiere platform for student filmmakers, featuring short films from students across the state.
In 2026, the Festival is highlighting the new Spotlight Community Impact Awards Category — encouraging student storytelling about local impact, inviting young people to share a story about a group, individual or project that has had a positive influence on their school and broader community. The Spotlight Community Impact Awards program is supported in part by the Charitable Foundation.
Its inclusion as an award category builds on the New Hampshire High School Short Film Festival’s long-standing focus on student storytelling, encouraging participants to use their creative skills to highlight the people and projects that make their communities stronger.
Submissions for the main film festival and the Spotlight Community Impact Awards category are both due on April 19, 2026. Works will be evaluated by a panel that includes community members, industry professionals and students from the Media Power Youth advisory board. Selected works will be showcased on May 17 at Chunky’s Cinema in Manchester.
To learn more about the festival and how to share your story, visit www.nhmediateachers.org/nhhssff.
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