Join us for this theater experience where we welcome a variety of local creators to the big screen. Highlights will include short films, music videos, and more. Submission is free (see below).

Date: September 2026

Location: Del Oro Theater

On the first Tuesday of each month, Nevada County Media will post the prompt/s for the monthly film challenge project. Participants will have one month to write, record, and edit their film. These are a fun way to make a short film.

When: 1st Tuesdays @ the Creatives Gathering

Join us for a FREE in-studio watch party of current and past Thru the Lens submissions. Limited seating - Registration is required.

When: Watch our calendar

Location: Nevada County Media

Details for ALL Submissions

  • Entry fee: NO ENTRY FEE

  • Submission Deadline: 1st Monday in August (August 3rd, 2026)

  • Submission: USB flash drive or Digital Delivery (of your choice)

  • Duration: Between 2-20 minutes

  • Project must include opening titles and credits

  • Can be past creations

  • Video frame rate: Any industry standard

  • Must be filmed in landscape mode

  • Video export size: 16:9 or 21:9 aspect ratio, 1920 x 1080p (absolutely no other resolutions allowed, letterboxing is okay).

  • Video export encoding: MP4 (.mov or .mp4), progressive, high quality bitrate (we will be converting these to DCPs)

  • All creations must have a short description, thumbnail for YouTube and poster graphic accompany the submission

  • All projects must come with a rating - G: General audiences, appropriate for all ages, PG: Parental guidance suggested, some material may not be suitable for children, PG-13: Parents strongly cautioned, some material may be inappropriate for children under 13, R: Restricted, persons under 17 are not admitted unless accompanied by parent or adult guardian, NC-17: No one 17 and under admitted, adults only

  • All projects make it into our digital distribution and are considered for inclusion in our Thru the Lens Theater events

  • NO copyright music or images allowed

  • These are open to participants in Nevada, Sierra, Yuba, and Placer Counties

Enjoy past films created by local filmmakers. Click the Watch on YouTube for a higher resolution.