The Boca Raton Public Library is excited to announce the launch of its first-ever Dewey Film Festival, taking place on Saturday, February 6, 2027, and invites Florida-based filmmakers ages 18 and older to submit their short films for consideration.
Submissions are open from September 15, 2026 through December 1, 2026 and are open to adult (18+) filmmakers based in Florida. Films must be between 3 and 15 minutes in length and meet the festival’s genre requirements. Filmmakers may submit up to three different films for consideration. Submissions will be accepted through FilmFreeway, and filmmakers are strongly encouraged to include a cover letter introducing themselves and sharing the story behind their film. All selected filmmakers will be notified on or before January 3, 2027.
At its heart, the film festival is about giving local storytellers a place to be seen, heard, and celebrated. The festival is dedicated to showcasing the diverse perspectives of Florida’s student and independent filmmaking community while fostering meaningful connections between filmmakers and audiences. Through the festival, the Library hopes to create a space where artistic expression, technical skill, experimentation, and storytelling can come together on the big screen.
The festival will also feature keynote speaker Professor JoAnne Adams from the UCF School of Visual Arts and Design, a former 2D animator in Disney’s Ink and Paint Department, who will bring professional insight and industry experience to the event. The film selection panel will include Professor of Film from the UCF Nicholson School of Communication and Media, Alex Korp, and Graduate Student of the UCF School of Visual Arts and Design, Caitlin Hart.
Film festival facilitator and Library Assistant II, Liyah Francois, notes that she created this film festival because, “Seeing my work onscreen puts everything into perspective. You spend all these years making something and you don’t really get many chances to see it appreciated. I want to give that opportunity to others. I want to give filmmakers opportunities to grow and form community with each other and become more experienced artists.”
The Boca Raton Public Library provides outstanding library services, resources, and programs that meet the educational, recreational, cultural, and informational needs of the Boca Raton community.
