On February 1-2, 2025 the 2025 Y-CAM High School Film Festival at DCIFF brought young filmmakers and the film community together for an unforgettable celebration of creativity and storytelling. With an inspiring lineup of films spanning multiple genres and styles, we were thrilled to showcase the incredible talents of high school filmmakers from across the globe.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and supported this year’s festival. From the filmmakers who poured their hearts into their projects to the audiences who cheered them on, your passion made this event truly special.

Now, we are proud to announce this year’s winners and honorable mentions.

Honorable Mentions

Urbex
directed by Cam Poteet and Nicholas Kosemund
(United States)

Snake Skin
directed by Maxwell Downer
(United States)

Mother Tongue
directed by Shriya Surana
(United States)

Best Animation

Clean Slate
directed by Ally Cao
(United States)

Third Place

Wick
directed by Kayling Iris Taylor
(United States)

Second Place

A Tribute to the Starry-Eyed Girl
directed by Zoe Novella Epperson
(United States)

First Place

Where
directed by Ziquan Wang
(China)

Congratulations to all of our winners, honorable mentions, and every filmmaker who submitted their work. Your dedication to storytelling is inspiring, and we cannot wait to see where your journeys take you next!

Thank you once again for making the 2025 Y-CAM High School Film Festival an event to remember. Until next year, keep creating, keep exploring, and keep sharing your stories with the world!