THE NJFAME EXPERIENCE
Platform Overview
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The NJFAME platform is a digital hub where New Jersey students in grades 6–12 create and submit short films using only their cell phones. Students work in teams, follow a themed challenge, and access resources, tutorials, and mentorship. Coaches track progress and support learning aligned with STEAM and literacy standards. Films are judged by professionals and voted on by the public—turning creativity, collaboration, and storytelling into a statewide showcase of student voice.
Power in Your Pocket
At NJFAME, every film is created using one of the most powerful tools students already own—their cell phone. It’s not just about access; it’s about unlocking creativity with technology students use every day.
No Expensive Equipment Needed
Students shoot, edit, and produce their entire short film using only a phone, making filmmaking accessible to everyone—no fancy cameras required.
Real-World Skills, Real Standards
Mobile filmmaking teaches visual storytelling, digital production, and media literacy, all aligned with New Jersey’s STEAM and literacy standards.
Creativity Without Limits
Using their phones, students prove that with vision and resourcefulness, they can craft compelling, professional-quality films that inspire, inform, and compete at a statewide level.
Learning Behind the Lens
STEAM + LITERACY
NJFAME isn’t just a film competition—it’s a learning experience rooted in New Jersey’s core content standards for STEAM and literacy. Every short film project challenges students to apply academic concepts in real-world, creative ways.​
STEAM
in Action
Literacy That
Lives Onscreen
Standards-Based,
Student-Led
From storyboarding (visual design) and scripting (language arts) to sound editing (technology) and shot composition (math and science), students use core STEAM principles throughout the filmmaking process.
Films must be grounded in strong narrative structure, critical thinking, and research-based writing. Students develop communication, storytelling, and analysis skills that align with state ELA standards.
Each film entry reflects mastery of grade-level standards through collaboration, digital creativity, and project-based learning—turning filmmaking into a powerful academic achievement.
Our Partners
Our partners—ranging from industry leaders to educational institutions—provide essential support through mentorship, resources, sponsorships, and real-world opportunities that empower NJFAME students to create, compete, and thrive.
CONTACT US
Our
Story
Get to Know Us
The NJFAME platform is a centralized, web-based hub designed to power New Jersey’s virtual youth film league. Students form school- or community-based teams and compete against other teams across the state in structured brackets, with winners advancing through rounds toward a statewide championship. Each film must be created using only mobile devices and align with New Jersey’s core content standards in STEAM and literacy. Through storytelling, research-based writing, and cinematic technique, students demonstrate academic learning while engaging in creative production. The platform includes training modules, instructional resources, and industry mentorship to help students refine their skills and prepare high-quality submissions. NJFAME blends competition, education, and entertainment into a seamless digital experience—equipping students to become visionary filmmakers and strategic thinkers.