“Spotlight Community Impact Award” Category Celebrates Student Storytelling and Local Heroes.
MANCHESTER, NH — New Hampshire Media Teachers and Media Power Youth (MPY) are proud to announce a strategic partnership for the 2026 NH High School Short Film Festival (NHHSSFF). This collaboration introduces a new category designed to celebrate the students, educators, and community members who help New Hampshire’s schools and neighborhoods thrive.
For nearly two decades, the NHHSSFF has sparked imagination across the Granite State, serving as the state’s premier platform for student filmmakers. Every year, students are invited to submit 6-minute short films in a genre of their choosing, encouraging them to lead their own learning and find their unique cinematic voice.
“The NHHSSFF is an important event for students across New Hampshire because it provides a platform for students to showcase their work, gain feedback, and engage with a creative community,” says Aleesha Pinkham, Director of the NHHSSFF. “The festival is an integral part of many high school curriculums and is one of the few options in high school where you can turn regular coursework into a project that promotes self-expression and confidence. We are so excited to see what amazing work students bring to the festival this year!”
New Category: Spotlight Community Impact Awards
This year, the festival is highlighting the Spotlight Community Impact Awards, presented in partnership with Media Power Youth with support from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. This category invites students to use media as a springboard for conversation and connection by telling the story of a group, individual, or project that has had a positive influence on their school and broader community. Examples might include a profile of a local coach, a documentary on a community garden, or a photo essay highlighting a school-based mental health initiative.
The Spotlight category is open to both individual students and groups. Participants may choose to submit either a short film or a single photograph accompanied by a short essay (350 – 500 words). Award
recipients in each category will receive a prize basket with tickets to local attractions and shareable goodies, while their school’s media program will receive a $500 B&H Photo Video gift card to support future storytelling.
“Media Power Youth is all about championing young students’ creativity and mental well-being,” remarks MPY Board Member Amanda Andrews. “Our mission is to empower the next generation with media literacy skills and inspire positive use of media in a way that sparks self-confidence. The festival gives today’s youth an outlet to share their passions, while also engaging in meaningful conversations with others in their community.”
Submission Details
Submissions for the main film festival and the Spotlight Community Impact Awards category are both due on April 19, 2026. Works will be evaluated by a panel including local community members, industry professionals, and students from the Media Power Youth advisory board. Selected works will be showcased on May 17 at Chunky’s Cinema in Manchester.
To learn more about the festival and how to share your story, visit www.nhmediateachers.org/nhhssff. #
About Media Power Youth
Media Power Youth is building a world where young people are confident, compassionate, and engaged with their communities. We ignite curiosity and self-confidence through learning experiences that help youth turn everyday digital challenges into opportunities for growth. We provide media literacy tools that empower kids to use technology safely and creatively. By collaborating with media, health, and education experts, we bring these innovative programs to New Hampshire schools, libraries, and recreation centers to help youth thrive in our media-driven culture.
About New Hampshire Media Teachers Group
The New Hampshire Media Teachers Group (NHMTG) is a collective of digital media teachers from across New Hampshire. The group’s goal is to foster a love of the digital arts through visual storytelling, providing statewide competitions where students can showcase their work, including the NH High School Short Film Festival and the Halloween PSA Challenge.