Students on the River film contest entries due March 1

The Upper Merced River Watershed Council has announced its first-ever Students on the River film contest.

Open to all school-age Mariposa County youth, this contest invites young people to share what is special about the Merced River and its watershed through their unique lens.

Student filmmakers can win prizes and have their films featured at the Merced River Fest and Wild and Scenic Film Festival event at the Grove House in Mariposa on April 19.

First ($500), second ($300) and third ($200) place films will be selected by a panel of filmmakers and Watershed Council board members.

Guidelines

• Must be a school-age student within Mariposa County

• Films should be up to three minutes

• Content must be suitable for all ages

• Group projects are allowed but should be student-created and directed

• Submissions are due March 1, 2025.

Possible topics include

• Tell a story about something you love about the Merced River and watershed

• Water conservation and why it’s important

• Wildlife or cool plants in the watershed

• Any artistic explorations in the Merced

• River watershed that tells a unique or inspiring story

Interested students and parents/ guardians are welcome to join an intro to filmmaking video call on Dec. 17 from 6-7 p.m.

This informational session will feature award-winning local filmmaker Steve Bumgardner, known for his Yosemite Nature Notes series.

Bumgardner will talk with young filmmakers about the equipment he uses and his process for making movies, from inspiration to the completed project.

For more information and the link to the Dec. 17 video call, visit www.merced-river.org/filmcontest or send questions to mercedwatershed@gmail.com.

This program is funded in part thanks to the generous support of Mariposa County and the Mariposa Arts Council.

The Upper Merced River Watershed Council is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Mariposa County.

Its mission is to protect and enhance the Merced Wild and Scenic River and its watershed through education, stewardship and partnership-based projects.

To learn more about the Upper Merced River Watershed Council and how you can get involved, follow the Council’s Facebook page and Instagram at Upper_ Merced_ River or visit www.merced-river.org