We are thrilled to launch the first-ever High School Film Competition at the Tel Aviv International Student Film Festival! In the realm of higher education student films, we often wonder: when do we start imagining, becoming interested in the people around us, and creating? In a world where capturing and documenting moments is integral to our daily lives, especially during the teenage years, we are curious about what interests teenagers today.

The competition features a variety of film genres, including feature films, documentaries, intimate pieces, comedies, and more. Each film features a primal yet strong perspective, looking truth in the eye, presenting it without hesitation. This complexity is what we aim to showcase in this competition. These young creators, not yet engaged in professional career pursuits, unapologetically explore questions of identity, resulting in unique films that are honest rather than polite.

The High School Competition provides a platform for young filmmakers on the brink of graduation to enlighten us about what young adults are interested in these days. From what we’ve seen, they are truly and fully engaged.

We were deeply moved to see numerous films reflecting the current atmosphere in Israel, especially in light of the ongoing war that began on October 7th. The consequences of this conflict echo in almost every film, whether through direct or indirect engagement with the war, or the loss and bereavement that war brings. Our youth are not indifferent to these events. They live them everyday and reflect them in their films.

Noa Porat & Shira Marom

Directors of the High School Competition