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 program has hosted hundreds of students from middle- and high schools on the East End. Expanding on the theatrical viewing experience, HDF partners with Take 2 Film Academy to provide a hands-on class in filmmaking and a tour of LTV Studios. The students have the opportunity to direct, edit, operate cameras and perform on-stage. In short, we put all the tools of filmmaking in their hands. We encourage teachers to sign up now to assure that their classes will have a spot to participate.
To learn more and register interest in bringing your class for the Young Voices filmmaking workshop, email Anita Boyer at education@hamptonsdocfest.com.
Young Voices is supported by the Yaffa Foundation
Hometown Heroes
Documentary Short Film Competition
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.
Instructions
Students create a documentary short film (3-6 minutes in length) showcasing a “Hometown Hero” – anyone from the community or your family who has made an impact. This is a chance to highlight their contributions and tell their story. All films must be original and created solely by the student applicant.
Competition opens on Monday, September 16th and closes on Friday, October 31, 2025.
Entries will be judged by members of the Hamptons Doc Fest Board and staff, professional filmmakers, and Hamptons Doc Fest alumni.
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
To learn more about the competition and submission guidelines, email Anita Boyer at education@hamptonsdocfest.com.
2024 Awarded “Hometown Hero” Filmmakers
1st Place: "The Crow's Nest: A Sag Harbor Story" - Zachary Browngardt
2nd Place: "Peggy DiSunno: Long Island Sound Chorus" - Susanna DiSunno
3rd Place: "Carl Safina: A Voice for the Voiceless" - Ollie Dianora-Brøndal
Honorable Mentions:
"Bill Persky - My Hometown Hero" - Finny Dianora-Brøndal
"Rockwater" - Leo Dekleva Hawker
YOUNG VOICES AT THE FESTIVAL
"For young people born into this world now, it’s absolutely critical that they are guided to learn the difference between art and commerce and between cinema and content." Director, Martin Scorsese