MORE THAN A SCREENING.
A LAUNCHPAD.
The On The Rise Student Film Festival is Charlotte's first film festival dedicated entirely to junior high, high school, and early college filmmakers. If you've made something worth watching, this is your stage.
September 19, 2026 · Independent Picture House · Charlotte, NC
WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE
Screenings. Recognitions. Professional workshop. Live Q&A with working filmmakers. Lunch on site. And a room full of people who came to watch what you made.
This is not a small local screening. This is a platform.
SCREENINGS THROUGHOUT THE DAY
PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOP
AWARD RECOGNITIONS
LIVE Q&A SESSIONS
FOOD TRUCKS
FILMS ACROSS EVERY GENRE
Student films will be curated into themed screening blocks, each highlighting a different style of storytelling.
DRAMA
Stories that move you
COMEDY
Laughter that lands
SUSPENSE
Edge-of-your-seat tension
HORROR
Fear done right
ANIMATION
Imagination visualized
DOCUMENTAY SHORTS
Truth told creatively
Industry Panel
An interactive workshop open to all attendees, featuring a panel of directors, producers, actors, and creative industry professionals currently working in the Charlotte film community.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN
Career advice
from those actively working in the field
Behind-the-scenes industry insight
you won't find in textbooks
Guidance on breaking into regional film markets
— starting right here in Charlotte
Live Q&A opportunities
— ask the questions you actually want answered
YOUR STORY DESERVES THE BIG SCREEN
WHO CAN
SUBMIT?
Junior high school students
High school students
Schools or clubs submitting on behalf of their students
FILM
REQUIREMENTS:
Short format only — films must be 15 minutes or under; 20 minutes absolute maximum
Student-led production — films must be written, produced, and directed by students. Mentor input and guidance is permitted, but creative ownership must remain with the student.
Created within the last two years (2024–2026)
Students must operate all equipment and hold all technical positions during production
Teachers/instructors may provide guidance on set but cannot take on any hands-on technical role
SUBMISSION
TIMELINE:
SUBMISSIONS OPEN: March 1, 2026
EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: April 1, 2026
REGULAR DEADLINE: May 1, 2026
FINAL DEADLINE: June 1, 2026
RECOGNITIONS
Recognition categories will be announced based on submissions received.
SEE WHAT OUR STUDENTS CREATE
An interactive workshop open to all attendees, featuring a panel of directors, producers, actors, and creative industry professionals currently working in the Charlotte film community.
Professional tools. Real mentorship. Serious results.
Professional tools. Real mentorship. Serious results.
Professional tools. Real mentorship. Serious results.
FILM FESTIVAL SPONSORSHIPS
Presented by The Creative Cornerstone, On The Rise brings together student filmmakers, families, educators, creatives, industry professionals, businesses, and community leaders for a full day celebrating youth creativity and storytelling.
Your partnership helps us create more than an event. It helps create a moment a young filmmaker may never forget.
A DAY OF BOLD STORIES.
FRESH VOICES. REAL FUTURES.
Whether you're a film enthusiast, a parent of a young creative, or simply curious about the next generation of storytellers — this festival is for you.
Spend a day immersed in original student cinema, connect with Charlotte's film community, and witness the power of youth creativity when given real tools, mentorship, and opportunity.
What Makes This Festival Different:
A platform for the next generation — This festival exists to give young creatives a stage to showcase their work, amplify their voices, and share their perspectives with the community
Mentorship from industry professionals — Students receive guidance from working filmmakers who understand the craft and the industry, creating real pathways to opportunity
Student-created content from their point of view — Every film is written, produced, directed, and operated by students. These are their stories, told through their lens, with their vision leading the way
Professional-grade production quality — Real equipment, real instruction, real results
Community-centered celebration — We celebrate growth, creativity, and courage — honoring the process as much as the final product
Everything You Need to Know
Q: Who can submit films?
A: Individual students — Schools or clubs submitting on behalf of students.
Junior High: Grades 6–8
High School: Grades 9–12
Q: Where do I submit my film?
A: All submissions are processed through Film Freeway. Submit Here.
Q: Can I attend if I'm not submitting a film?
A: Absolutely. The festival is open to the public, and workshops are included with admission.
Q: Where is the festival held?
A: Independent Picture House, Charlotte, NC — a premier indie cinema venue.
Q: Is there a fee to submit my film?
A: Yes — there is a submission fee. All submission details, including fees and requirements, are listed directly on our Film Freeway page. Visit Film Freeway to review everything before submitting. VIEW SUBMISSION DETAILS ON FILM FREEWAY
Q: How long can my film be?
A: Films should be 20 minutes or under. If your film runs slightly longer, reach out to us at info@creativecornerstonenc.com before submitting and we'll review on a case-by-case basis.
Q: What is the maximum film length?
A: Short films only — preferred length is 15 minutes or under, with a 20-minute maximum.
Q: Can teachers or instructors help with production?
A: Teachers and instructors may provide guidance and be present on set, but they cannot take on any hands-on technical role. Students must operate all equipment and hold all technical positions during production (camera, sound, lighting, editing, etc.).
Q: Can parents attend with their student filmmakers?
A: Yes. This is a family-friendly, community-centered event. We encourage families to come celebrate their young creatives.
Q: Will films be available to watch online after the festival?
A: Selected films may be featured on Creative Cornerstone's platforms with filmmaker permission. Details will be shared with accepted filmmakers.
Q: Can a school or teacher submit on behalf of students?
A: Yes. Schools, clubs, and organizations may submit on behalf of their students. The student filmmaker(s) must still be available to attend the festival.
Q: I have more questions. Who do I contact?
A: Reach out to us at info@creativecornerstonenc.com and we'll get back to you.
Q: When are submissions due?
A: Submissions open March 1, 2026. We offer tiered deadlines:
Early Bird: April 1, 2026
Regular: May 1, 2026
Final: June 1, 2026
Q: What are the award categories?
A: Award categories will be announced based on the submissions we receive.
Q: What if I'm not from Charlotte?
A: We welcome submissions from all student filmmakers. While the festival is rooted in Charlotte, great storytelling has no geographic limits.
Q: Do I have to be from North Carolina to submit?
A: No. On The Rise is open to student filmmakers from North Carolina, South Carolina, and anywhere in the world. The requirement is that you must be present at the festival in Charlotte on September 19, 2026. If you cannot commit to attending in person, please hold your submission until you can.
Q: Where do I go to submit?
A: All submissions are handled through Film Freeway. Visit our Film Freeway page for full details, requirements, and to begin your submission. SUBMIT ON FILM FREEWAY
Q: What genres are accepted?
A: All genres are welcome — drama, documentary, comedy, animation, horror, experimental, and more. If you made it and it has a story, we want to see it.
DON'T MISS CHARLOTTE'S FIRST STUDENT FILM FESTIVAL
September 19, 2026. One day. Hundreds of stories. Endless possibility.
Whether you're submitting, attending, or helping curate — be part of building something meaningful.
CREATIVE CORNERSTONE
Empowering youth through media
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