About New England High School Film Festival

Mission

Our mission is to champion and give voice to young filmmakers across New England. We want to provide them with a platform where they can unleash their creativity, tell their stories, and ignite their passion for film. We believe in breaking down barriers, providing equal opportunities to every student, regardless of experiences or resources, and creating a place where every student can shine and enjoy the fun of filmmaking.

Vision

We believe that in every student, there is an aspiring filmmaker who waits for a chance to tell their story and whose dream it is to become the next great director, writer, or cinematographer. Our vision is to cultivate that interest and allow them to truly pursue their passion by collaborating with other young artists, learning from the best in the industry, and sharing their perspectives with the world. This festival showcases films and fosters the passions and interests of young students who will shape the future of cinema.

Dear Filmmakers,
Dreamers, and Storytellers,

It started with routine assignments for our school’s newspaper - filming school events, cutting clips, adjusting audio, making things watchable. But somewhere along the way, I began to care more about what that shot could mean. The lens itself became a voice.

Living in Andover, Boston, I’ve met so many students with powerful voices who’ve never had the chance to explore film. Not because they aren’t curious, but because they don’t have the tools, mentors, or space to begin. I couldn’t stop thinking: what stories are we missing out on?

During my junior year, I co-led my school’s film club, Andover Movie Maker’s Club. We had aging equipment, a tiny budget, and often felt misunderstood by adults who didn’t quite “get it.” But we kept going.

We made videos to support Relay for Life and crafted marketing videos for student clubs, and slowly built something real. Eventually, we secured funding to upgrade our gear, hosted free editing workshops, and co-organized public screenings for powerful documentaries. The most meaningful moment for me was watching my peers light up when their work was finally seen and heard.

That’s why I created the New England High School Film Festival.

Young filmmakers need more than just resources—we need a platform. A place where creativity isn’t limited by budget, experience, or zip code. A place where every student, whether filming with a DSLR or a smartphone, has the chance to share their voice.

The film world should welcome everyone, no matter their background or the challenges they face. NEHSFF, led by and for young people, champions fresh voices and serves as a global platform for emerging filmmakers.

Inclusive Learning – We aim to make filmmaking education accessible by providing free workshops, screenings, travel and lodging support, and adapted resources for participants with disabilities.

Expanding Access – By recognizing and addressing cultural, geographic, and economic obstacles, we actively create pathways for underrepresented storytellers to enter the industry.

Creative Community – We encourage collaboration across film, TV, and other creative fields, building a space where artists can connect and grow together.

Industry Connection – We help new filmmakers build genuine relationships with professionals by removing the rigid barriers of traditional networking.

This festival is just the beginning. My hope is to support high school film clubs across New England—helping them grow, connect, and celebrate one another. And one day, we hope to expand beyond this region. Because no matter where we’re from, every young storyteller deserves the chance to be heard.

Your story matters. Our dreams are unframed.

Let’s make something unforgettable.

Lights, camera, action.

Edward Chen

Founder, New England High School Film Festival