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.

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. 

 
 

2025 Hometown Heroes Doc Short Film Competition Awards

Hamptons Doc Fest is proud to announce 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 will occur at Bay Street Theater on Sunday, December 7th at 10am. The winning doc film, “Shelter Island’s Lifeline” will be screened during the Hamptons Doc Fest’s Shorts &  Breakfast Bites program scheduled that morning. The program is open to the public.

“What an incredible display of effort and creativity in this year’s submissions! The filmmakers displayed extraordinary talent and we hope this is just the beginning for them as they continue to hone their craft and storytelling abilities.” said Anita Boyer, Education Director.