Are you a high school student with a documentary film?
Submit your entry for Salem Film Fest 2026, taking place March 18-21, 2027 in Salem, MA. Keeping it Reel is a showcase for Massachusetts high school students to present their short documentary and experimental documentary films. Open to current high school students (individuals or groups) who live in Massachusetts. Entries must be 10 minutes or less in duration.
Please note the following rules and guidelines for entry:
Submissions are FREE! There is no entry fee.
Films must have been completed in 2026 or 2027.
All forms of documentary are welcome.
No unauthorized use of copyrighted images or music is allowed.
Films that have been previously considered will not be reviewed again.
Entries will be judged by a panel of filmmakers and industry professionals.
Festival tickets and prizes will be provided by Salem Film Fest and our sponsors.
Submission deadline is February 12, 2027.
Congratulations to all of our 2026 Keeping It Reel film participants!
A LITTLE BIT OF THE NORTH END
Directed by Sarah Vose
Small Italian restaurant brings big flavor.
GROWTH
Directed by Aniyah Thomas
Experiences and surroundings impact how you are, but at that moment it doesn't define who you are. Growth is possible, and reflecting on the past is important.
PETER WALLACE CARTOON ARTIST
Directed by Leila Wallace
Peter Wallace---a former freelance cartoonist with the Boston Globe---shares his experiences, inspiration, and the struggles of cartooning in the digital age..
MORGAN’S MESSAGE
Directed by Margaret Pollard
High school athletes have an advocate for their mental health in Morgan's Message.
VOICE OF THE YOUTH: ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY
Directed by Finn Hanger
This documentary captures Advocacy Day, where Massachusetts students march to the State House in Boston to advocate for climate legislation. Featuring Salem High School Student organizer Rylan Workman, the film highlights youth activism through an interview, protest footage while marching to the state house, speeches delivered outside the state house, and explanations of the specific climate bills being advocated for.
LYNN MUSEUM
Directed by Mía Pavón-O’Farrill
Welcome to Lynn Museum.
THE CONNECTION OF COOKING
Directed by Ellie Elektra Ioannidis
The story of how one household uses cooking to cultivate connections with people and culture.
“ART”IFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Directed by Theo MacQuarrie
Is AI taking the humanity out of art, and how can artists survive the age of AI?
THE ART OF RESTORATION
Directed by Olivia O’Connor
Antique collector and repairman Kevin Murphy shares the story behind his passion for collecting antiques and preserving the past. He explains why he collects antiques, where he finds his items, and what drives his dedication for restoration.
MVCHO’S ROOM
Directed by Emmy DeBoever
Meet Marco Collins of Mvcho's Room.
XIAO SHUN AND DUMPLINGS
Directed by David Guo
David loves food. He especially loves dumplings. In this short doc, David explores ideas of connection and belonging as he talks with his grandparents about their commitment to dumplings and to family.
MY GUATEMALA BAKERY
Directed by Danian Lima Martinez
Learn the story of Lynn's My Guatemala Bakery.
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
Directed by Benjamin Goldlust
A series of testimonials by students, alumni and parents outlining the valuable skills, opportunities, and experiences provided by the drama club and theater classes at Reading Memorial High School.
