Contest Overview

A scream-worthy challenge in just 60 seconds. As the first contest of the STN season, HorrorFest is the perfect way to jumpstart the year with creativity, energy, and a little chaos. This micro film challenge invites middle and high school students to craft a short horror or thriller film based on a provided prompt. Whether you're building suspense or delivering jump scares, the goal is to tell a tight, chilling story that leaves an impact, and fast! Teachers will receive optional lesson resources to help students explore the horror genre and sharpen their storytelling skills. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to get students creating early and build momentum for the year ahead.

Important Dates

  • Prompt Release: Monday, September 29, 2025 at 8AM PT

  • Registration & Submission Deadline: Friday, October 24, 2025 at 5PM PT

  • Winners Announced: Halloween, Friday, October 31, 2025 at 8AM PT

Entry Guidelines

  • $25 per team (up to 6 students)

  • Schools may submit unlimited teams, but a student may only be a registered lead with one team

  • Final film must be 50–60 seconds, including required title graphic and credits (optional)

  • Projects should be 100% student work. Teachers may only advise and not assist in production

  • All films must follow the official STN Contest Rules and Creative Content Policy

  • No judging feedback is provided for this contest due to quick turnaround

No Refunds or Cancellations

Cancellations and/or refunds will not be granted after your registration has been submitted. Plan accordingly!

Questions?

Need help with contests? Contact shonda@studenttelevision.com

CONTEST CATEGORIES

Beginning with the 2025–2026 season, STN is shifting to a skill-based division system for high school contests. This change allows teachers to enter students into contests that best match their current abilities, regardless of program size or STN history. The goal is to create a more fair, flexible, and supportive experience for all students. For full details on the new contest division system, click here.

High School Division I (Advanced)

Master the macabre! For advanced students, this is a fast-paced, high-impact challenge to showcase their command of cinematic storytelling. Using the prompt as a launchpad, students will craft a stylized and technically polished horror film in just 60 seconds. Judges will be looking for exceptional execution of genre techniques, original narrative voice, and a strong emotional impact. Optional teacher resources will be available but are not necessary for students who already understand the conventions of the genre. This division is about precision, bold choices, and cinematic excellence in the most compact form.

High School Division II (Intermediate)

Scare Smarter. This level is for students who have some experience under their belts and are ready to level up their storytelling. Working from the same spooky prompt, students will produce a 60-second horror film that demonstrates more deliberate use of pacing, camera techniques, and story arc. Teachers will have access to optional genre-focused resources to help students analyze what makes horror effective and apply that knowledge to their own work. It’s the perfect way to push creative limits and build confidence early in the year.

High School Division III (Beginner)

Startle Us! This version of HorrorFest is made just for students who are newer to storytelling or film production. Whether it's your first time editing or you're just beginning to explore shot composition, this is a chance to jump into the STN season with creativity and courage. Using a provided prompt, students will create a short thriller that lasts no more than 60 seconds. Teachers will receive optional lesson resources to help introduce students to the basics of the genre, including suspense-building, lighting, and sound design. The emphasis is on trying something new, experimenting, and having fun while learning.

Middle School

Frightfully Fun Filmmaking. This middle school version of HorrorFest is the perfect way to kick off the year with imagination and a little spooky flair. Using a provided prompt, students will create a short horror or thriller film no longer than 60 seconds. The focus is on creative storytelling—think mysterious twists, eerie sound effects, and fun scares, all without needing fancy equipment. Teachers will receive optional resources to help students explore the basics of the genre and learn how to build suspense in a short amount of time. It’s a playful, low-pressure contest designed to spark student interest and help them gain confidence as storytellers.