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AlabamaCreates

SUBMIT BY OCTOBER 30

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HIGH SCHOOLERS, MAKE A 1-3 MIN FILM TO

WIN A CAMERA, MACBOOK + MORE

How It Works

High school students create original short films. In exchange, winning filmmakers receive pro equipment, cash, industry mentorship, and real-world experience.

Create a one-to-three-minute response to this year’s prompt, "Dear Future", and enter through the region connected to your school.

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The Prompt: Dear Future

AI is changing how we operate.

What should it help us make?

What must stay human? 

 

Your film can be a letter, comedy, fictional story, future news broadcast,

or something entirely your own.

You bring the film.
We help build what comes next.

Winning filmmakers receive a Creator Kit including:

01

Fujifilm X-M5

02

MacBook

03

Bi-Color LED Light Kit

04

Shotgun Mic

05

Studio Headphones

06

Tripod

07

Apple Creator Studio

08

External Storage

09

Carrying Case

10

Entrepreneurship Micro Grant

And a Seat in the
Film Exchange Fellowship

January - May 2027

Opening-weekend training · Three real-world client projects · Monthly conversations with industry leaders · A professional mentor · A final showcase

Use the kit during the Fellowship. Complete the program.

Keep it all.

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How to Enter

Create an original film that is one to three minutes long, excluding credits, and responds to "Dear Future." Enter alone or with one other student filmmaker. The film must be made by the student or student team from start to finish.

Make It

1

Post the film publicly on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook using #FilmExchange and #AlabamaCreates

No social media? Share a Google Drive link.

Post or Upload It

2

Submit your film link through the official online application by October 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT.

Apply by Oct 30

3

Important

Posting or uploading your film alone does not count as an entry. You must also complete the application.

Choose Your Region to Apply
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Two Regional Programs to Keep Talent Local.

Enter the Film Exchange region connected to the county where you attend school. We're working with community partners to activate statewide by 2030.

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    Anchored in Dothan

    Open to all high schoolers in the following counties:

    Coffee · Crenshaw · Dale · Geneva · Henry · Houston · Pike

    ​

    Selected films will screen at the Wiregrass Film Exchange Festival, Nov 17. Six filmmakers will advance into the spring 2027 Fellowship.

    Enter Wiregrass
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    Anchored in Birmingham

    Open to all high schoolers in the following counties:

    Blount · Cullman · Jefferson · Shelby · St. Clair · Tuscaloosa · Walker

    ​

    Selected films will screen at the inaugural Magic City Film Exchange Festival, Nov 19. Six filmmakers will advance into the spring 2027 Fellowship.

    Enter Magic City

Competition Details

Have more questions?

Ask the Film Exchange Assistant. It knows the competition details, eligibility requirements, deadlines, prizes, and more, and can help you find an answer in seconds.

Launch Assistant

Your FilmCould Be Your Way In

Create a one-to-three-minute response to Dear Future for the chance to earn professional equipment, mentorship, real-world client experience, and a place in the 2027 Film Exchange Fellowship.

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Entries close October 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT.

Choose Your Region
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