Florida Student Filmmakers Named Finalists for 31st Annual Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films

Record-breaking 636 entries highlight the next generation of creative talent across the state

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:54pm

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The Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission has announced the finalists for the 31st Annual Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films (SSOF), Florida's largest student film competition and award show. A record-breaking 636 submissions from 95 high schools and colleges across Florida were entered this year, demonstrating the depth of creative talent emerging from the state's next generation of filmmakers, animators, writers, and digital storytellers.

Why it matters

The Student Showcase of Films continues to highlight the incredible creativity and storytelling talent developing across Florida. Programs like SSOF play an important role in supporting workforce development and ensuring the next generation of filmmakers have opportunities to grow, collaborate, and contribute to Florida's thriving film and media industry.

The details

Finalists were selected by an esteemed panel of 46 industry professionals, making this year's competition one of the most competitive in the program's 31-year history. Winners will be revealed live on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, where more than $30,000 in scholarships, cash awards, and prizes will be presented to students from across the state. The live award ceremony will be hosted by three-time Emmy-nominated entertainer Frank Licari.

  • The Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films has served as a cornerstone of the Commission's education outreach since 1995.
  • The 31st Annual Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films will take place on May 1, 2026.

The players

Michelle Hillery

Film Commissioner of the Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission.

Frank Eberling

Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and SSOF Burt Reynolds Scholarship judge.

Frank Licari

Three-time Emmy-nominated entertainer, award-winning producer, writer, actor, musician, and host of the PBS series On the Town in The Palm Beaches.

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What they’re saying

“'Student Showcase of Films continues to highlight the incredible creativity and storytelling talent developing across Florida. Programs like SSOF play an important role in supporting workforce development and ensuring the next generation of filmmakers have opportunities to grow, collaborate, and contribute to Florida's thriving film and media industry.'”

— Michelle Hillery, Film Commissioner of the Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission

“'I've spent more than five decades working in film in Palm Beach County, and it is an honor to help identify and support the next generation of student filmmakers. Burt Reynolds believed strongly in creating opportunities for Florida talent, and through this scholarship, his commitment to supporting creativity and career pathways in filmmaking continues to inspire students today.'”

— Frank Eberling, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and SSOF Burt Reynolds Scholarship judge

What’s next

Winners will be revealed live on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, where more than $30,000 in scholarships, cash awards, and prizes will be presented to students from across the state.

The takeaway

The Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films has served as a cornerstone of the Commission's education outreach since 1995, helping to cultivate Florida's future creative workforce. The program remains free to enter for all Florida high school and college students, demonstrating the state's commitment to supporting the next generation of filmmakers, animators, writers, and digital storytellers.