The St. Louis Youth Film Festival (STLYFF) was founded by Thomasina Clarke, an accomplished actor, director, musician, writer, and former St. Louis Public Schools District middle school drama instructor. She started her acting career in grade school and earned a BA in Theatre Arts from Xavier University. What follows is why she founded STLYFF:
I am a retired drama instructor. One of my yearly projects involved having students write original short stories, which we would then adapt into scripts and produce as plays. As technology progressed, we transitioned into making films.
In my final years of teaching, as the students’ ability to commit to after-school programs waned, I pivoted toward videography, adapting my approach to keep creativity alive and accessible. Embracing Final Cut Pro, I discovered new ways to capture and tell stories, not just for my students but also for myself. Since retiring, my expertise in video editing has grown, leading to the selection of two of my films being showcased in St. Louis film festivals—a validation of this evolving skill.
Pursuing innovative storytelling has always been a primary objective, and now the goal of highlighting original narratives by youth is the driving force behind this festival. I have lived in St. Louis for most of my life and have decided to host the event for and in partnership with local residents. Creating a space for young artists and audience members to engage with one another is an essential part of the celebration, and honoring creativity is crucial. This is just the beginning for STLYFF.
STLYFF launches in 2025 with STL SHORTY SHORTS, featuring 3 to 10-minute narratives, documentaries, and animations. Six entrants will be chosen and designated 2025 STLYFF OFFICIAL SELECTIONS. They will be celebrated at STLYFF’s first festival at St. Louis Public Library, Central Location at 1301 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103 on Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 11AM-1:00PM where their short film will be presented to the public and they will discuss their work. Honorable Mention videos will be shown on monitors in a designated area at the venue, with opportunities to greet these creatives. A link to all selections will be made available on our website. Students, adults, and professionals may assist with videography and editing. There are no submission fees and the festival is free and open to the public. Find out more about our guidelines and submission requirements.
STLYFF is funded by The Regional Arts Commission (RAC) and is cosponsored by the St. Louis Public Library, Central Library.◙