Palisades Teen Plans Film Festival: ‘One Evening, Many Voices’

That’s how The Phoenix Project was born—a film festival created for teenagers who lost their homes in the 2025 Los Angeles fires. Its message is simple and powerful: “One evening. Many voices. One fire we lived through.” Who can enter? If you’re 13–19 years old and you lost your home in the 2025 fires—whether in Altadena, Palisades, Malibu, or other affected areas—this festival is for you. What should you submit? A short film (any style—documentary, narrative, animation, experimental) that’s 10 minutes or less. Your story can be big or small, loud or quiet. It can be about what you lost, what you found, or what you’re still figuring out. What happens at the festival? The night will include: 30 minutes of short films (about 3–5 teen-made films) 30 minutes of conversation with fire survivors A closing reception with refreshments, community, and connection Important dates + location Submission deadline: June 1 Festival date: Wednesday, June 10, 7:00–8:30 p.m. Where: Darren Star Theater, East Melnitz Hall, UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television 235 Charles E. Young Drive, Westwood Why you should enter Oliver created The Phoenix Project because he believes film can do something special: it can hold memories, make sense of chaos, and help people feel less alone. So if you’ve been carrying a story from the fire—one you haven’t known how to tell—this is your chance. Submit your short film by June 1, and let your voice be part of The Phoenix Project. Website: https://phoenix-story-hub.lovable.app/#story