60 SECOND HORRORFEST

CONTEST CATEGORIES
RULES & RUBRICS
HORRORFEST LESSONS

2026 HORRORFEST PROMPT

PROMPT:  You'll Never Be Alone

PROP:  Must use a flashlight in a scene. 

CINEMATOGRAPHY RULE: The audience must see something that the protagonist never sees. 

SOUND RULE: An important sound must be heard offscreen before the source is revealed visually. 

All entries must adhere to the STN Contest Handbook content guidelines. While horror often includes blood, gore, or strong themes, films should stay school-appropriate and within STN rules.

The 2026 Horrorfest presented by Florida Film Academy Student Travel

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 28, 2026 at 8AM Pacific Time

  • Registration & Submission Deadline: Friday, October 23, 2026 at 5PM Pacific Time

  • Winners Announced: Halloween, October 31, 2026 at 8AM Pacific Time

Entry Guidelines

  • $25 per team (up to 6 students)

  • Schools may submit unlimited entries, but a student may only be registered on one team

  • Entries must include a title graphic displaying the name of the film, similar to standard movie titles. Credits are optional.

  • Final film must be at least 50 seconds, but no longer than 60 seconds (including all graphics)

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

  • All films must follow the official Contest Handbook

  • 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 cheyenne@studenttelevision.com

2025 WINNERS

ADVANCED / DIVISION I

INTERMEDIATE / DIVISION II

BEGINNER / DIVISION III

MIDDLE SCHOOL

STN MASTERCLASS

Featuring Irish Filmmaker Aislinn Clarke

Aislinn Clarke is an award-winning Irish filmmaker and writer from Northern Ireland. She made her feature debut with The Devil’s Doorway (2018), the first Northern Irish horror film directed by a woman, and most recently wrote and directed Fréwaka (2024). Her work blends horror, folklore, and social commentary, earning her recognition as one of Ireland’s leading voices in cinema. We’re proud to welcome Aislinn Clarke as the guest for our very first STN Masterclass!