ABOUT PHYFF
We are student-run event dedicated to helping teenage creatives find their voice. We have received submissions from Philadelphia schools and ones across the world.
Founders Note
Creating a community of filmmakers.
"When I was in high school I loved filmmaking, but I was more of a cinematographer and an editor than a writer or a
director. I wanted to meet people who inspired me and people I could work with. I found myself wishing that there
was a place for people like me, for kids who loved film to meet each other and swap stories and ideas and learn
about film. At the same time, I was looking for film festivals to show off some projects I was proud of, but I kept getting turned away by the prospect of competing with college students and professionals. That's when I brought my idea for the GFS Film Festival to the newly formed film club with Sarah, Noah, Hyunji, and Adina. I'm so happy to see what PHYFF has become in the years since I graduated, and I can't wait to watch new young filmmakers explore their passion in the brilliant PHYFF community!"
- Eli Eisenstein, PHYFF Co-Founder.
A Recap of our 2023 Festival
Courtesy of
the phyff Team
2025-26
The Philadelphia Youth Film Festival team is comprised of volunteer high school filmmakers and aficionados from Germantown Friends School
Festival Co-Director
Tanya
Lu
Tanya is currently a senior. She has been part of the PHYFF team for three years. During her free time, she enjoys playing violin and listening to classical music.
Festival Co-Director
Rebecca Pomeranz
Rebecca is a junior and this her third year in PHYFF. She enjoys playing softball, sewing, and listening to music. She can't wait for PHYFF 2026!
Outreach Coordinator and Awards Manager
Sarah Stumacher
Sarah Stumacher is currently a junior. This is her third year on the PHYFF team and her second year doing outreach and awards. Outside of school, she likes to play golf, be with her family (and her dog!), and use her telescope to stargaze.
Website and Publicity Manager
Joey
Szpilczak
Joey Szpilczak is a junior. Outside of school, she likes to spend time drawing and painting. She also likes to watch movies!
Head of Event Coordination and Member of Publicity Team
Alana horne
Alana is a junior who joined PHYFF in her sophomore year. When she's not in school she enjoys crocheting, reading and watching movies.
Member of Event Coordination
Rachel Cornejo
Rachel Cornejo is a current junior who joined PHYFF this year. She has been passionate about films since her sophomore year, when she began taking film classes. Outside of filmmaking, Rachel enjoys playing field hockey and swimming.
Submissions Coordinator
Aiden Laver
Aiden is in ninth grade. He loves movies and tends to watch 5-6 movies a week. His favorite director is Paul Thomas Anderson. He plays lots of sports and loves listening to music. It is his first year in PHYFF, and he is very excited.
Submissions Coordinator
Maria Pappas
Maria Pappas is a freshman. This is her first year involved with PHYFF. In her free time, she likes to play field hockey, read, and listen to music. Her favorite movie is The Parent Trap (1998).
Website Team
Justin Tao
Justin is a sophomore and just joined PHYFF this year. During freetime, besides coding weather-related programs, he also likes to analyze how background music convey emotions to audiences in films.
Submissions Coordinator
Gabe Sullivan
Gabe is in 10th grade. He likes film, music, and playing the guitar.
Submissions Coordinator and Video Producer
Zekie Lieberman
Zekie Lieberman is a senior who’s been on PHYFF for two years. He enjoys both making experimental films and being on the festival side of filmmaking. Outside of filmmaking, he is a jazz pianist.
In Memoriam
Gary Gai