Friday, April 10, 2026
7:00 p.m. CT
On campus + Online
Telling Stories Since 2007
The Five16 Film Festival is an annual festival featuring short films produced by the students of the University of Northwestern in Saint Paul, Minnesota. What started in 2007 as a small showcase of student work has grown into a community-wide event drawing over 1,350 attendees.
The festival is named after Jesus' words in Matthew 5:16, which says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Films featured in the festival are evaluated on their portrayal of Christian values in addition to their storytelling and production quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to submit a film?
Students who have been enrolled at University of Northwestern anytime in the 12 months before the festival are eligible to enter. Films by those who are not enrolled at Northwestern in spring 2026 must have had at least 50% of production completed while the entrant was a student.
If I submitted a film and it didn't win, can I submit it again?
Films that have previously screened in the Five16 Film Festival are not eligible for submission. Films that have been previously submitted but not chosen for screening are only eligible if they have been heavily re-edited.
How long does my film need to be?
All films must have a running time of eight minutes or less, including credits. Documentary films must not exceed 4 minutes running time, including credits.
What are the submission requirements?
The following materials are required for student submission:
- Completed entry form.
- Upload of your film with your name and your film’s title.
- If you have any questions, please contact us
(five16filmfestival@unwsp.edu or 651-631-5315).
Can I submit more than one film?
YES! A student may submit more than one film, but each film must be on a separate flash drive/file and accompanied by its own completed entry form.
Is there a prize if I win?
Selected films will participate in one of the festival’s four categories, the winners of which are chosen by a panel of three professional judges. The winning film in each category will receive an Amazon gift card. All films screened in the festival are eligible for the Audience Choice Award, which is chosen based on ballots submitted by the festival audience. The film receiving the highest number of ballots will receive the title of “Audience Choice”.
What are the categories?
Animation, Narrative Short, Documentary, and Music Video. All student films screened in the festival are additionally eligible for the Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Screenplay, and Best Sound Design Awards.
Have a question not answered above? Contact us!
