ABOUT PHYFF
We are a 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
2026-27
The Philadelphia Youth Film Festival team is comprised of volunteer high school filmmakers and aficionados from Germantown Friends School!
Festival Director
Sarah
Stumacher
Sarah is currently a senior and is so excited to be directing this year's festival! Outside of school, she loves to play golf, watch movies with her brother, bake treats for her friends, be with her family (and her dog!), and use her telescope to stargaze.
Festival Director
Rebecca
Pomeranz
Rebecca is a senior and has been involved in PHYFF for four years. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and sewing. She is looking forward to PHYFF 2027!
Associate Director, Video Producer
Rachel
Cornejo
Rachel Cornejo is currently a senior. She has been passionate about films since her sophomore year, the year when she began taking film classes. Outside of filmmaking, Rachel enjoys playing field hockey and swimming.
Publicity and Media Team Lead, Branding, Design and Website Manager
Joey
Szpilczak
Joey Szpilczak is a senior. Outside of school, she likes to spend time drawing and painting. She also likes to watch movies!
Event Coordination Team Lead, Publicity and Media Team
Alana
Horne
Alana is a Senior who joined PHYFF in her sophomore year. When she's not in school she enjoys crocheting, reading, and watching movies. Alana also enjoys playing field hockey and softball.
Event Coordination Team, Judge / Speaker Outreach Coordinator
Kelly
Ding
Kelly is a Senior. This is her second year in PHYFF. She enjoys a wide range of music.
Assistant Event Coordinator, Publicity and Media Team, Website Manager
Justin
Tao
Justin is a junior and joined PHYFF last year. During freetime, besides coding weather-related programs in Python, he also likes to analyze the effect of background music to audiences' perception of the film.
Submissions and Awards Coordinator
Gabe Sullivan
Gabe is in 11th grade. He likes film, music, and playing the guitar.
Judge / Speaker Outreach Coordinator
Maria
Pappas
Maria is a sophomore who joined PHYFF in her freshman year. Outside of school, she enjoys playing field hockey, hiking, waterskiing, reading, and listening to music.
Submissions and Awards Coordinator, Video Producer
Aiden Laver
Aiden is someone who LOVES movies. He plays baseball and likes to talk to people and laugh.