PYFF 2024

The Pope Youth Film Festival (PYFF) is an opportunity for anyone ages 12-19 in Newfoundland and Labrador to create and share their short film.

PYFF aims to encourage aspiring young filmmakers to create stories, present arguments, and learn to use filmmaking as a powerful medium.  PYFF is not about having the best equipment or the most resources, but about giving a platform to young filmmakers

Young filmmakers are eligible to register for and submit a short film (5 minutes or less) in any category they chose (comedy, horror, romance, or documentary) to PYFF from February 22nd to April 8th.  

While we encourage filmmakers to work with a partner or a team of friends to make their films come to life, but only one submission form is allowed per film. 

Submissions will be judged by a committee of volunteer filmmakers from Newfoundland and Labrador. In addition to industry recognition, winners will be selected in a variety of categories. Select films will be featured on the big screen at the Majestic Theatre in downtown St. John’s.  

PYFF seeks to celebrate a diversity of views. PYFF encourages people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and backgrounds to participate. 

Previously established for two years as the Newfoundland and Labrador High School Short Film Fest,  the now-rebranded Pope Youth Film Festival has been renamed after founder Paul Pope.  Pope was a leading force behind the creation of the now-booming film and television industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. Pope spent more than 40 years working on hundreds of film and television projects in the province through his company, Pope Productions.

For more on the ins and outs of making a film, check out our socials!