SCETV announces 3rd annual NextLens Online Film Festival, showcasing South Carolina’s brightest filmmakers

South Carolina ETV (SCETV) announced the 3rd annual NextLens Online Film Festival, an opportunity for emerging student filmmakers ages 16 and older to showcase their talent, creativity and original storytelling. Submissions for the Spring 2027 festival are currently open and will close Jan. 22.

NextLens is open to students currently enrolled in a South Carolina high school, college or university and provides an opportunity for emerging filmmakers to share their work with audiences across the state through SCETV’s digital platforms.

To further support aspiring filmmakers, SCETV has created a video series featuring South Carolina film industry professionals who share foundational techniques and principles of filmmaking. The series is available on the SCETV website, PBS.org and KnowItAll.org. Each installment explores an essential aspect of filmmaking, including storytelling, camera operation, lighting, production design, sound and editing.

Key Dates:

• Submissions Close: Jan. 22, 2027
• Honorees Announced: March 8, 2027
• Online Festival Dates: March 15-26, 2027

Selected films will be featured across SCETV’s digital platforms, including SCETV.org, YouTube, Facebook, the PBS app and the SCETV app, giving honorees significant exposure. In addition, each honoree will receive a trophy recognizing their achievements and be given the opportunity to showcase their film at local in-person screenings.

Aspiring filmmakers can find submission guidelines and detailed information on how to submit their work on the NextLens page of the SCETV website.

“NextLens gives South Carolina students an opportunity to share their creativity and perspectives while gaining experience as filmmakers. We are pleased to provide a platform where emerging storytellers can showcase their work and connect with audiences, while also making filmmaking resources available to help students develop their skills.”-SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell

“NextLens is about creating opportunities for students to learn, create and share their work. The filmmaking series gives aspiring creators practical guidance from professionals in South Carolina, while the festival gives them a place to put those skills into practice and share their stories with a wider audience.” -Senior Director of Audio and Digital Operations Tabitha Safdi

“Learning the fundamentals of filmmaking can give students the tools and confidence to bring their ideas to the screen. The NextLens festival gives students an opportunity to take those skills and turn their ideas into original films that can be shared with audiences throughout South Carolina.” -SCETV Director of Digital Ty Moody

• Submissions are now open for the 3rd annual NextLens Online Film Festival.
• South Carolina students ages 16 and older – including high school, college and university students – are invited to submit short films before Jan. 22, 2027.
• An SCETV video series featuring South Carolina-born film professionals teaching core skills in camera work, lighting, design, sound and editing is available to support participants.
• Selected films will be featured across SCETV’s digital platforms, including SCETV.org, YouTube, Facebook, the PBS app and the SCETV app.
• Submission guidelines and full details are available on the NextLens page of the SCETV website.

About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio

South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state’s public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Kitchen Curious with Vivian Howard, Reel South and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.