Help us welcome a variety of local creators to the big screen. Highlights will include short films, music videos, and more. Submission is free (see below). Then join us for an awards style event at NCM.

  • September 26, 2026

  • 9:30 -12:30am (Matinee) Del Oro Theater

  • 3:00 - 6:00pm (Awards Party). Slip into your best attire and join us for light refreshments and awards

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

Prompts for Short Films

  • January - Include dialog with your innerself about forgetting to put on deodorant

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.