Design Student Film Festival

Design Student Film Festival Centers Cross Disciplinary Connection and Strong New Voices in Art, Architecture, and Design: National festival invites student filmmakers to submit short films for screening at iconic venues  including the arthouse Coolidge Corner Theatre. 

 Boston, Massachusetts—The inaugural Design Student Film Festival will emphasize cross disciplinary  exchange, artist-driven storytelling, and fresh visual perspectives from students in the fields of  art, architecture, and design. Taking place April 9-11, 2026 the festival invites undergraduate and  graduate students from across the country to submit original short films; narrative, documentary, or  animated, up to 15 minutes in length. 

Screenings will be held at multiple venues, including the newly renovated Coolidge Corner Theatre,  a historic pillar of Boston’s independent film scene. In addition to film screenings, the three-day  festival will feature keynote talks by renowned designers and filmmakers, guided tours of design  landmarks, receptions, networking between design disciplines, and a closing night party. 

“We’re creating a platform where art and design students can collaborate and share their creative  voices on screen.” said Dr. Aisha Densmore-Bey, Founder and Festival Director. “Creatives and the  youth have always pushed culture forward and imagined alternative and brighter futures.” 

Submissions open December 1, 2025 until January 31, 2026. Films will be reviewed by a jury of  design and film professionals and may be selected for awards in categories such as Best Narrative,  Documentary, Animation, and Audience Choice. 

Event Highlights: 

• Screenings of student made short films. 

 • Talks from Eric Höweler of Höweler+ Yoon Architecture and Sharon M. Samuels, Filmmaker,  Architect, and Art Director of television shows like The Chi and Lovecraft Country. 

• Q&As; with the filmmakers. 

• Opening and closing night events, receptions, curated festival inspired treats, and guided design tours. 

• A portion of the final day of the festival will be “Community Day” and free to the public, because  art and design should belong to, and be enjoyed by, everyone. 

Festival awardees will receive a one-year student membership to a professional or arts organization  of their choice, along with the opportunity to have their films featured on the official festival  channel and showcased on the Telly Award winning podcast Best Psychology in Film.

 The festival schedule, passes and individual tickets will be announced and go on sale in March  2026. For submission guidelines and festival updates, visit www.studentfilmfestival.design

Contact: Dr. Aisha Densmore-Bey, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP , Founder/Festival Director 

+1 857 225 5107 

info@studentfilmfestival.design or [email protected] 

www.studentfilmfestival.design