DGA Student Film Awards
Annual awards from the Directors Guild of America recognizing outstanding student directing in narrative, documentary, and other categories, with cash prizes and DGA recognition.
Overview
The Directors Guild of America (DGA) Student Film Awards are presented annually to recognize outstanding directorial achievement in student films. The DGA is the professional guild representing directors and members of the directorial team in film, television, and new media, and its student awards carry significant weight within the industry.
The awards program recognizes student directors in several categories, including Narrative, Documentary, and additional categories that may vary by year. The competition is open to students at accredited film schools and universities across the United States. Winning a DGA Student Film Award signals to the professional community that a young director has been recognized by the guild that represents the industry's working directors.
The awards ceremony takes place in Los Angeles and provides student winners with direct exposure to DGA members, working directors, and industry professionals. The credential of winning a DGA Student Film Award is a powerful addition to a director's early career resume.
What It Covers
- $2,500 cash prize for winners in each category
- DGA recognition -- winners are honored at a DGA ceremony and acknowledged by the guild's membership
- Industry exposure -- the awards connect student directors with working professionals and guild leadership
- Career credential -- the DGA Student Film Award is recognized across the entertainment industry as a mark of directorial talent
Eligibility
The competition is open to student directors at accredited colleges, universities, and film schools in the United States. Films must have been produced as part of the student's academic program. The student must have served as the director of the submitted film. Films must meet specific length and format requirements published annually by the DGA. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible.
How to Apply
Films are submitted through the DGA's application process. Submissions typically open in the spring with a deadline in June. Schools may need to verify enrollment and the academic nature of the production. There is typically no entry fee. Submissions must include the film, a credit list, and verification of the director's student status.
Who Should Apply
Student directors at US film schools whose work demonstrates strong directorial vision, effective use of visual storytelling, and the ability to work with actors and crew to realize a creative concept. The competition rewards directors who show command of the craft and a distinctive point of view.
See Also
For understanding directing careers and guild membership, visit the Filmmaker Glossary. To plan your student film production, use the Production Budget Calculator.
