01
Meet the creative minds and rising storytellers behind NJFAME—young filmmakers, visionary mentors, and industry professionals shaping the future of film, one frame at a time.

2026
"Stories that Shape Us"
FILM THEMES
This year’s NJFAME theme, “Stories That Shape Us,” invites students to create short films—using only a cell phone—that reflect identity, values, and growth. Students will choose from three core concepts aligned with New Jersey’s STEAM, literacy, and SEL standards. Film entries must be under 15 minutes

“Behind the Smile”
A student who’s always seen as the class clown secretly struggles with overwhelming anxiety. Through a series of journal entries and encounters with friends and a counselor, the audience sees how humor masks emotion—and how self-reflection and support help the student find healthier ways to cope and express themsel
SEL Focus:
Understanding and Expressing Emotions (1), Managing Stress (2), Self-Reflection (10)

“The Middle of the Argument”
When two best friends fall out over a group project, their misunderstanding spirals into a schoolwide conflict. Told from both perspectives, the film explores how miscommunication can fuel division—and how empathy and honest conversations can mend even the deepest rifts.
SEL Focus:
Empathy (3), Communication (5), Conflict Resolution (8)

“The Promise List”
A student discovers an old list of promises they made to themselves at the start of the year. As they face choices that test their character—cheating on a test, peer pressure, quitting a team—the list becomes a guiding mirror for self-assessment and growth. The film ends with a new list, written with clarity and purpose.
SEL Focus:
Ethical Decision-Making (6), Goal Setting (7), Self-Reflection (10)

2026
"Built Not Born" Series
Every champion has a story. Built Not Born is an NJFAME series dedicated to the grind—the hours unseen, the failures repeated, and the mindset molded by discipline. These short films follow the making of student athletes who forged greatness through effort, not ego.

"Underdog Rising"
In Underdog Rising, follow a team written off by critics and overlooked by their peers as they dig deep, bond together, and rewrite their story. Through sweat, setbacks, and second chances, this doc captures how belief—more than talent—built champions. It's not just a comeback; it’s a movement.
SEL Focus:
-
Self-Awareness
-
Relationship Skills
-
Responsible Decision-Making

"Coach’s Code"
Coach’s Code is an emotional journey into the relationship between a mentor and their team. Beyond wins and whistles, this story reveals the life lessons, the tough love, and the heart behind the clipboard. Meet the coach who shaped players into leaders and left a mark that stats could never measure.
SEL Focus:
-
Social Awareness
-
Self-Management
-
Relationship Skills

"Legacy Makers"
Legacy Makers tells the story of a graduating senior whose leadership transformed a team’s culture. From awkward beginnings to standing ovations, this doc captures the weight of tradition, mentorship, and what it means to pass the torch. Long after the season ends, their impact plays on.
SEL Focus:
-
Leadership & Mentorship
-
Self-Management
-
Social Awareness






