In the Texas UIL State Film Festival, the narrative category refers to a competition section where participants submit films that tell fictional stories through visual storytelling. These films can be short narratives or longer films, and they often focus on character development, plot progression, and creative storytelling techniques. The narrative category showcases the filmmakers’ ability to captivate the audience with compelling narratives and imaginative storytelling, making it one of the most popular and competitive categories in the festival.

2022-2023 – THIRD PLACE
“Return (A Short Film)”
Aubrey HS, Aubrey

In the Texas UIL State Film Festival, the digital animation category is a competition section where participants submit films created using computer-generated imagery (CGI) or other digital animation techniques. These films can be short animations or longer projects that showcase the filmmaker’s creativity and technical skills in bringing characters, objects, and scenes to life through digital artistry. The digital animation category is a platform for filmmakers to explore imaginative storytelling, unique visual styles, and innovative animation techniques. It allows participants to demonstrate their proficiency in animation software, visual effects, and artistic storytelling, making it an exciting and visually captivating category in the festival.

2022-2023 – THIRD PLACE
“Reunion”
Stephenville HS, Stephenville

In the Texas UIL State Film Festival, the traditional animation category is a competition section where participants submit films created using traditional animation techniques. Unlike digital animation, traditional animation involves hand-drawing each frame of the animation sequence on paper or using other physical media. These hand-drawn frames are then photographed or scanned and compiled into a sequence to create the final animated film.

The traditional animation category celebrates the timeless art of hand-drawn animation and showcases the filmmakers’ artistic talent, attention to detail, and dedication to the craft. It allows participants to explore classic animation methods, such as frame-by-frame animation and cel animation, and to bring characters and stories to life through the magic of hand-drawn artistry. The traditional animation category is a tribute to the rich history of animation and serves as a platform for filmmakers to demonstrate their creativity and mastery of this classic animation technique.

2022-2023 – THIRD PLACE
“Girls Can Race”
Lindale HS, Lindale

In the Texas UIL State Competition for Film, students have the chance to show off their filmmaking skills and tell amazing stories through movies. Each school can submit up to three films in different categories. The films should be created during the current school year or the months just before the competition. It’s important that the films are original and don’t use copyrighted material without permission. Teachers can help with some parts of the movie, like acting or guiding, but the students are the ones in charge of making the film. The best films will be shown and rewarded at the state festival. Just remember to follow the rules and guidelines, and have fun telling your unique stories through film!

Links:

• UIL Film Handbook – UPDATED 8/30/22 Contest Rules, Deadlines and FAQ’s
• Description of Film Categories
• Constitution and Contest Rules – Section 1036 – Film
• Getting Started with the UIL Film Festival Presentation by Heidi Whitus, UIL Film Consultant
• Film Technology for all Budgets Capital Conference Presentation by Heidi Whitus UIL Film Consultant
• Understanding the Tabulation System for Film

Here are the rules:

Section 1036: FILM

(a) THE CONTEST.

(1) Purpose. The purpose of the Young Filmmakers Festival is to provide students with the opportunity to explore the art of cinematic storytelling.

(2) Contest Format. The films shall focus on storytelling using the techniques and tools found in the cinematic arts.

(b) ENTRIES.

(1) Representation. Each member school shall be allowed to submit three entries in each category as defined in the current Young Filmmakers Guide.

(2) Deadlines. Entry deadlines can be found in the current Official Calendar and the current Young Filmmakers Guide. See the UIL website for official changes.

(3) Faculty Sponsors

(A) Sponsors in the UIL Young Filmmakers Festival shall be full-time employees of the school districts the entries represent.

(B) Adult involvement in the project is limited to on-screen talent and/or behind the scenes in a faculty advisor capacity.

(c) CONTEST ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES.

(1) Eligible Material. Only those films produced during the current school year or spring and summer months immediately preceding the competition will be considered for submission into the festival.

(A) Submitted films must be original works and are required to have clearances for music or other copyrighted material used in the project. Films containing copyrighted material used without permission will not be eligible for screening.

(B) The administration of the producing school shall assure that the production does not offend the moral standards of the community. When the final edited product is examined and approved by the administration of the producing school, the production is eligible for presentation at any contest site. A “community standards and copyright compliance form” included in the entry form serves to certify that the production has been carefully examined and approved for presentation.

(2) Entry Procedures. The entry procedures, deadlines and categories shall be posted on the UIL website.

(3) Evaluation. Films submitted to the festival shall be previewed and scored by adjudicators. The top entries in each category will be screened and awarded at the state festival.

Additional Texas Competition Film Festivals

In addition to the Texas UIL State Film Festival, high school students in Texas have several other film festivals where they can showcase their filmmaking talents. Some of the notable film festivals for high school students in Texas include:

• All-American High School Film Festival: This festival celebrates high school filmmakers from all over the United States, providing a platform to screen their films in New York City.
• South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival: While SXSW is a renowned festival for professional filmmakers, it also has a dedicated section for high school filmmakers, showcasing their work during the festival in Austin, Texas.
• Austin Film Festival (AFF) Youth Competition: AFF hosts a youth competition, providing opportunities for high school students to submit their short films and screen them at the festival.
• Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF) High School Day: DIFF hosts a special High School Day, allowing students to attend screenings, participate in workshops, and interact with industry professionals.

Keep in mind that film festivals may have specific submission guidelines, deadlines, and eligibility requirements, so it’s essential to check each festival’s website for more details on how to participate. Participating in film festivals can be a great way for high school students to gain exposure, receive recognition for their work, and connect with other young filmmakers and industry professionals.