Welcome to 187 Film Festival
We empower young voices through the art of filmmaking.
At 187FF, students don’t just watch films — they create them. Our festival is a platform for kids to tell their stories, explore visual storytelling, and experience the thrill of seeing their work on the big screen. Along the way, they raise funds that go right back into their schools.
How It All Started
In January 2014, while attending the New York International Children's Film Festival with his sons, Michael Bridenstine had an idea:
“What if kids made their own films and screened them in a real theater?”
That question sparked the beginning of the 187 Film Festival — a celebration of student creativity, collaboration, and community support.
From Idea to Impact
Since that first spark, the festival has grown into something extraordinary:
550+ original student films created
Countless hours of creativity and teamwork
Thousands of dollars raised for school PTOs