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Auburn Science Film Festival 2025
1. What is the Auburn Science Film Festival?
The Auburn Science Film Festival is a unique event showcasing science-themed short films created by middle school, high school, undergraduate, and graduate students to promote scientific curiosity and creativity through storytelling and filmmaking.
The Auburn Science Film Festival is a unique event showcasing science-themed short films created by middle school, high school, undergraduate, and graduate students to promote scientific curiosity and creativity through storytelling and filmmaking.
2. Who can participate in the festival?
The festival is open to:
- Middle school students
- High school students
- Undergraduate and graduate students
The festival is open to:
- Middle school students
- High school students
- Undergraduate and graduate students
3. What are the themes for the short films?
Participants can create films under one of the following themes:
1. Explaining a scientific experiment
2. Research video (3-5 minutes) for graduate and undergraduate researchers only
3. Real-life science documentary
4. Sci-fi short film
5. A day in the life of a science researcher
2. Research video (3-5 minutes) for graduate and undergraduate researchers only
3. Real-life science documentary
4. Sci-fi short film
5. A day in the life of a science researcher
4. What is the maximum duration for a short film?
Each short film should not exceed 20 minutes, including credits.
Each short film should not exceed 20 minutes, including credits.
5. Can students work in teams?
Yes, students can participate individually or in teams, with a maximum of 5 members per team. In the description, please include the names of all team members along with their roles. Additionally, for school submissions, ensure that all team members’ names are listed in the permission letter provided by the school.
6. Are there any fees to participate?
No, participation in the festival is "completely free".
No, participation in the festival is "completely free".
7. How do I submit my film?
Upload your film to your school or university’s Box file or Google Drive and ensure the link is shareable. Send the download link to nobcche@auburn.edu and complete the application form provided on the event website.
8. What additional materials should be submitted with the film?
Along with the film, submit:
- A brief paragraph describing your movie
- A photograph or poster related to your movie
9. Do middle and high school students need special permissions?
Middle and high school students are required to include a permission letter from their school or science teacher confirming their eligibility to submit a science-related short film. Teachers must review the film before signing the form to ensure it complies with school policies and community standards.
10. Is a permission letter required for university students?
No, university students are not required to submit a permission letter. However, they must use their university email address when completing the submission form.
11. What is a research video submission for undergraduate and graduate students?
A research video is a 3-5 minute video explaining the research you are conducting. Awards will be given based on creativity and how effectively you present your work. All videos will be screened to a large audience, giving you a unique opportunity to showcase your research to the world.
We will not share any research videos on social media, and all rights to the content remain with the creator. The judging panel will include experts from various scientific disciplines, filmmakers, and educators.
12. What is the submission deadline?
All submissions must be received by March 15, 2025. Late entries will not be considered.
13. What file formats are accepted?
Accepted file formats include MP4, MOV, and AVI. Ensure the file size does not exceed 2 GB.
14. What are the judging criteria for the films?
Films will be evaluated based on:
- Creativity and originality
- Scientific accuracy
- Storytelling and presentation
- Technical quality (e.g., editing, sound, visuals)
Films will be evaluated based on:
- Creativity and originality
- Scientific accuracy
- Storytelling and presentation
- Technical quality (e.g., editing, sound, visuals)
15. Will there be awards for participants?
Cash prizes and certificates will be awarded in multiple categories, with first, second, and third-place winners. The award ceremony will be held on the same day as the screenings, in conjunction with ASEF 2025.
16. Can I use copyrighted material in my film?
Participants must avoid using copyrighted material unless they have explicit permission or utilize royalty-free resources. AI-generated content is not permitted for this purpose; however, AI tools may be used for editing.
Participants must avoid using copyrighted material unless they have explicit permission or utilize royalty-free resources. AI-generated content is not permitted for this purpose; however, AI tools may be used for editing.
17. When and where will the festival take place?
The festival will be held in April 2025 at Auburn University. Exact dates and venue details will be announced closer to the event.
The festival will be held in April 2025 at Auburn University. Exact dates and venue details will be announced closer to the event.
18. Will films be screened publicly?
Yes, selected films will be screened during the festival, and participants will have the opportunity to present their work to an audience.
Yes, selected films will be screened during the festival, and participants will have the opportunity to present their work to an audience.
19. Can I submit more than one film?
No, each individual or team may submit only one film to the festival.
No, each individual or team may submit only one film to the festival.
20. Who can I contact for further questions?
For any inquiries, email us at nobcche@auburn.edu. We’ll be happy to assist you.
For any inquiries, email us at nobcche@auburn.edu. We’ll be happy to assist you.