YOUNG VOICES

Digital media and the moving image are the language of today’s youth. Hamptons Doc Fests’s Young Voices programs aim to teach students the language of film and social engagement through documentary screenings and filmmaking workshops. The Young Voices Education Program provides a showcase for East End middle and high school documentary filmmakers through the Hamptons Doc Fest (HDF) Hometown Heroes Documentary Film Contest. The Young Voices program has hosted hundreds of students from middle- and high schools on the East End, expanding on the filmmaking and story telling skills.

Young voices is supported by the Yaffa Foundation

Hometown Heroes
Documentary Short Film Competition

Instructions

Superheroes don’t just exist in comic books or movies – we meet heroes every single day! Middle and high school students on the East End are invited to create a documentary short film honoring the local everyday heroes who make a significant impact in the local community.

HDF invites students from Montauk to Westhampton to submit original 3–5 minute documentaries about someone in their community or family who has inspired them. After registering, students receive resources with tips and guidance on creating a successful documentary film. A workshop led by a professional documentary filmmaker is offered either in person or via Zoom to review program guidelines and answer questions. Mentors are also available to work one-on-one or in small groups to help students develop story ideas and production plans. Submissions open September 15 and close October 31.

Student films are evaluated by a jury of professional filmmakers. The top three winners receive certificates and cash scholarships at a special breakfast and awards ceremony during the HDF December festival. The winning film is screened as part of the festival program. Admission is free for students, families, and teachers.  

As part of the program, Hamptons Doc Fest also invites teachers to bring their classes to Bay Street Theater for a masterclass, The Six Secrets to Making a Great Documentary Film. Student-produced films are screened, followed by a workshop led by a professional filmmaker who discusses the key elements of effective documentary storytelling using the student films as examples. Student filmmakers also participate in a moderated Q&A with audience participation.

To learn more and register interest in bringing your class for the Young Voices filmmaking workshop, email Sarah Alford at education@hamptonsdocfest.com.

Prizes

The 1st place winning film will screen in the weekend Shorts & Breakfast Bites Program.

All winning filmmakers will receive a limited amount of tickets to the Shorts & Breakfast Bites Program.

Cash prizes:

  • 1st place - $300 scholarship

  • 2nd place - $200 scholarship

  • 3rd place - $100 scholarship

The Hometown Heroes contest is promoted widely throughout the East End. Educators, school administrators, and community organizations receive information to share with students. Flyers are distributed in schools and libraries, and advertisements appear in local newspapers. HDF also promotes the contest through its 5,000+ subscriber email list and social media channels, all linking directly to the program page and submission form on the HDF website. Promotion continues through the submission deadline.

To learn more about the competition and submission guidelines, email Sarah Alford at education@hamptonsdocfest.com. 

 
 

2025 Hometown Heroes Doc Short Film Competition Awards

Hamptons Doc Fest is proudly announced the winners of the 2nd Annual  “Hometown Heroes” documentary short film competition. Middle and high school students on the East End were invited to create a documentary short film  honoring the local everyday heroes who have made a significant impact in their lives or in the local community.

1st Place: "Shelter Island's Lifeline" by Jackson Rohrer, 11th grade, Shelter Island High School 
2nd Place: “Mother in The Country” by Francisco Vasquez, 8th grade, Springs School
3rd Place: “CTREE: A Center for Therapeutic Riding of the East End" by Zoe Weaver, 12th grade, East Hampton High School

Honorable Mentions:
“My Hero” by Coral Borsack, 8th grade, Springs School
“Bridgehampton’s Hometown Hero MR. COX.” by Ian Brabo, 10th grade, Bridgehampton School

The films were judged by a panel of industry professionals who assessed the films on their subject matter, effort  and effective storytelling. An award ceremony honoring all the young documentarians took place at Bay Street Theater on Sunday, December 6th at 10am. The winning doc film, “Shelter Island’s Lifeline” was screened during the Hamptons Doc Fest’s Shorts &  Breakfast Bites program scheduled that morning.