The “What Do You See?” Short Film Fellowship & Premiere invites South Florida youth (ages 10–18) to explore what creativity means to them through the lens of a camera and the power of their own voice. Inspired by The Center’s award-winning short film of the same name, this program gives young storytellers the opportunity to craft and share their ideas via original short films.
With the guidance of professional mentors in the film industry, participants will gain media literacy, collaboration skills, and creative confidence, all while sparking dialogue across families and communities.
- Applications Open to South Florida Youth
Apply to be a “What Do You See?” Student Filmmaker. - Student Filmmakers Selected
Upon review of the applications, students will be chosen to participate in the competition. - Kick-Off Meeting & Workshop 1: Scriptwriting
Selected students will come together at a Center-led kick-off meeting to learn about the process and be introduced to mentors. - Mentor Workshops
Student filmmakers will meet with their mentors for three additional skill-building sessions (pre-production, storyboarding and filming, and editing) prior to each portion of the filmmaking process to present the concept, do the work, and come back for the next workshop as a check-in and to learn the next skill. - Short Film Submissions Due
Dream it. Film it. Submit it. Complete short film submissions are due. - Short Film Screening & Awards Event
The big moment is here! Our student filmmakers take the stage to share their stories, premiere their films, and celebrate their creative journeys. The night wraps up with awards and a special prize.
The 2026 “What Do You See?” Short Film Fellowship has wrapped, and we are so proud of what this year’s fellows created. What started as an invitation to explore creativity through film became something bigger: a collection of original short films made by South Florida youth that are honest, bold, and worth watching.
These are the five young filmmakers behind this year’s “What Do You See?” short films. Each fellow brought their own story and their own answer to the question: “What do you see when you think of creativity?”
Ella
Guadalupe
Josue
Nashla
Pixie
