South Carolina ETV Launched NextLens Film Festival
The statewide network has opened submissions for the third annual festival highlighting South Carolina student filmmakers.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Scholarships
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South Carolina ETV has opened entries for the third annual NextLens Online Film Festival, inviting students aged 16 and older to showcase their work. Participants must be enrolled in South Carolina high schools, colleges, or universities to qualify for the event.
Why it matters
The festival provides a platform to highlight student talent, creativity, and original storytelling. By offering a professional showcase, the program supports emerging artists across the state.
The festival marks the third annual iteration of the event for students at least 16 years old. Filmmakers must follow specific submission guidelines outlined on the SCETV website to participate.
The players
South Carolina ETV
This is the state's public educational broadcasting network that produces and distributes local, educational, and cultural content.
The details
Selected student films will be broadcast across several platforms, including SCETV.org, YouTube, Facebook, and the PBS and SCETV applications. Alongside the festival, SCETV released a video series to provide students with technical resources in areas such as lighting, editing, and sound design.
Timeline
Submissions for the festival close on Jan. 22, 2027.
Honorees will be announced on March 8, 2027.
The NextLens Online Film Festival will take place from March 15-26, 2027.
Roadmap
The festival follows a pattern established by the SCETV KnowItAll.org digital education portal by providing targeted multimedia resources to South Carolina students. This initiative reflects a broader trend of public media networks investing in youth-driven digital content creation.
Eligible students can utilize the provided video series on production design and camera operation to improve their entries before the January deadline. Participants whose films are selected will gain professional visibility on statewide platforms and earn a commemorative trophy.
The takeaway
Student filmmakers should prioritize the provided technical resources on the SCETV website to refine their storytelling and production quality. Engaging with these materials early can help applicants meet the strict criteria for the upcoming spring festival.
What happens next
Submissions for the film festival will close on Jan. 22, 2027, followed by an announcement of honorees on March 8, 2027, and the festival event from March 15-26, 2027.
Further reading
For more opportunities for students, visit South Carolina Scholarships.
More information
To review eligibility requirements and submit entries, visit the NextLens festival submission information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by South Carolina ETV.
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