Will’s Prize was created in memory of Willem Holden Watkinson of Kennebunk. Will was a visionary filmmaker, a sk8ter, a friend, a son, and was very loved and is very missed. His film April in Maine won the youth competition at the 2025 Vacationland Film Festival.
Filmmaking was a big part of Will’s life. In remembrance, and to encourage other young filmmakers, we are pleased to announce a Youth (18 and under) filmmaking award.
Films can be submitted through the submissions page here
Please reference Will’s Prize in your submission and tell us your age at the time of production.
Deadline: June 30, 2026
Maximum Run Time: 10 minutes, (including all titles and credits)
Age: Director must be age 18 years or under at the time of filming
Genre: Films should be live action and can be documentary or narrative (no AI, please)
Film Must Include: a visual reference to filming in Maine – a town sign, a well-known Maine landmark, a reminder that we are in Vacationland
You are welcome to use any kind of camera. You don’t need to be a pro, just have an imagination.
Consider visual storytelling elements such as editing, camera angles, audio/music/sfx, acting, directing actors, costumes/makeup, titles/vfx/motion graphics, etc. as you work on your film. Remember that your film may be played on a very big screen in the theater.
Films can be submitted through the submissions page here (link to vacationlandfilmfestival.com/submit) Please reference Will’s Prize in your submission and tell us your age at the time of production.
The top 5 films, as determined by a jury of filmmaking professionals, will be screened at the Vacationland Film Festival in the beautiful City Theater, Saturday August 22, with winner(s) announced at the screening.
Good luck!
