Boca, Roll the Cameras!
Image Courtesy: Melbourne Writers Festival
After all the hard work, sleepless nights, and filming challenges—technical difficulties, timing issues, and self-doubt—we are finally ready to share our film. Everyone involved, including myself, has put so much effort into this short film. Okay, yes, it was mostly created as an assignment, but it became a milestone in my career! Also, as a point of pride for the many other students and aspiring filmmakers who worked alongside me. Now, the question is: where else can we showcase it?
Good news! Boca Raton will be hosting its first-ever film festival.
This festival celebrates the world of cinema while introducing a wide range of films, developing filmmakers, and recognized talent. Anyone who is interested in attending can look forward to screenings, panel discussions on current films, and opportunities to connect and engage with the directors and crew behind each film!
Boca Raton is organizing its inaugural film festival for young adults and aspiring filmmakers who have created or are currently working on short films. The festival, named "The Dewey Festival," will take place at the Boca Raton Public Library on February 6, 2027.
Since this is the very first year for The Dewey Festival, it really feels like we might be witnessing the start of something special for Boca Raton’s young creative crowd. If things go well, I can see it turning into a yearly event where up-and-coming filmmakers get the chance to show off their work, meet others who share their passion, and start building real experience in the film world. This first run could lay the groundwork for all sorts of future programs, partnerships, and opportunities that help young people all over South Florida dive into filmmaking.
This is an exciting chance for growing filmmakers to submit their work and share it with a live audience. To my filmmakers, make sure you mark every calendar you have! Submissions for this “upcoming first time” event already jumped-started on September 15, 2026, and the final opportunity to submit your film is approaching on December 1, 2026. Once you’ve submitted your work, you won’t have to wait long to learn your determined fate—notifications regarding the status of your submission will be sent out by January 3, 2027.
Beyond the filmmakers and everything else going on within this festival, this would truly be a time for Boca Raton and the South Florida community to strengthen the bond and create a space for local artists and creators. Locals are able to get a look for themselves to witness the growth within the community of filmmaking.
Aspiring filmmakers aged 18 and older can submit short films between 13-15 minutes. While the exact screening location has yet to be disclosed, more details will be released soon. Selected filmmakers will be notified by January 3, 2027, and will have the unique opportunity to connect with others in the film industry during the festival, which may include workshops and networking opportunities.
The festival hopes to inspire and cultivate new generational talent in the film industry rather than promote competition. It is designed for Florida students and independent filmmakers, creating a space for filmmakers and audiences to connect. The library hosting The Dewey Festival highlights the wide range of storytelling, artistic expression, technical pinpointing skills, and love for experimentation. Showing your work at this festival will not only be a touching and prideful event for creators but can also inspire others who share similar passions.
Not all details have been finalized or fully released, such as the exact screening location, schedule, ticketing information, picks for the judges, and award categories. This is an open call to all first-time filmmakers, short film creators, emerging directors, and South Florida film students. Anyone who loves film or wants to support this opening event in Boca Raton is encouraged to get involved and make connections!
Strike Out,
Brooklyn Gibson
Boca Raton
Brooklyn is a multimedia journalism major at Florida Atlantic University. Nicknamed “Bubbles” for her bubbly and bright personality, she is most of the time found at home bingeing any new TV series. Somehow, you will always find her with headphones as she is listening to a wide range of music, especially K-pop. Along with dreaming of her secret love hobby of horseback riding. You can connect with her at her email: saniyabrooklyn24@gmail.com or her Instagram @itg_brooklyn
