Student Summit
Sponsored by Gary & Aimee Dake
Applications for the 2026 Student Summit Closed on June 26th. The 2026 Student Summit Class will be announced in mid-July.
About The Program
Film festivals are one of the best ways for college students to refine their craft and build industry connections that can last a lifetime. However, the costs to attend a film festival have risen so exponentially that it has created significant barriers for emerging filmmakers to attend. The Lake Placid Film Festival Student Summit program works to break down these barriers by providing 8-12 college students the opportunity to experience a film festival firsthand with almost no financial burden.
All Student Summit awardees receive:
Additionally, students will also:
Who Should Apply?
This program seeks a diverse group of college students from various majors, backgrounds, and regions – including both film majors and non-film majors, as well as students from different geographic locations and cultural backgrounds.
The most important qualities we look for are an ability to add to discussions with other students and LPFF special guests, a willingness to learn and participate in a rigorous schedule, and an overall passion for film. With so few slots available, it is imperative that each student fully commits to the program.
Student Summit Class of 2026
Anastasia Kipshidze
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Gavin Desbois
SUNY New Paltz
Barrett Funderburk
Genesee Community College
Cadence Vanderstouw
SUNY Oswego
Jake Pletsch
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Keegan McNeill
SUNY Geneseo
Kercel Montes
Hudson Valley Community College
Máté Novák
Hunter College
Sarah Win
New York University
Trey Holmes
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Jaden Penney
SUNY Oneonta
Reem Mohamed
Hunter College
FAQ
The LPFF Student Summit is a mentorship program for undergraduates and recent college graduates to experience a film festival firsthand.
Students will take their knowledge of film outside the classroom and receive extensive industry knowledge through a wealth of workshops and seminars, as well as exclusive screenings of new international and independent films. This program is the perfect opportunity to network with like-minded students and film professionals from around the country.
Students participating in the summit will meet every morning for group discussions before joining a curated collection of workshops, seminars, and film screenings. Here is an example schedule:
Thursday
- Afternoon: Check In, Student Orientation
- Evening: Dinner and Opening Night film screening
Friday
- Morning: Morning Roundtable and Short Film Screenings
- Afternoon: Workshops, Seminars, and Feature Film Screenings
- Evening: Feature Film Screenings and Evening Activity (Trivia)
Saturday
- Morning: Morning Roundtable and Workshops
- Afternoon: Workshops, Seminars, and Feature Film Screenings
- Evening: Awards Ceremony, Passholder Party
Sunday
- Morning: Morning Roundtable/Wrap Up and Check Out
The 2026 LPFF Student Summit application opens March 9th and closes June 14th June 26th.
There is no application fee for the LPFF Student Summit!
Yes! This program is open to any current or recently graduated college undergraduate who has a passion for film and is open & ready to learn more about the industry.
Those who have graduated during the 2025-2026 academic year will be eligible to apply to the 2026 edition of the Student Summit program.
The LPFF Student Summit is only for college undergraduates at this time, however, we still encourage you to attend with our discounted student festival pass!
Your essay is an opportunity for you to share your passion for film with us!
Select any film of your choosing and in 750 words or less, explain why that film has left an impact on you. While writing, focus on formal elements (i.e. the cinematography, editing, screenplay, etc.) and/or your personal connection to the film.
Your letter of reference can be from a college professor, academic advisor, internship contact, or any other mentor you may have.
Your reference should send your recommendation to noah@adirondackfilm.org by 11:59PM EST on June 26th. The subject line of the email should read: “(Your Name) Student Summit Recommendation”.
As part of the Student Summit, accepted students will receive accommodations for three nights (shared with one other student of the same gender), a stipend of meal and hospitality expenses, an all-access festival pass, and an exclusive Student Summit t-shirt to commemorate the event.
*Students are responsible for transportation to and from Lake Placid.
Our Director of Communications and Student Summit Lead Contact, Noah Ramer, has extensive experience in planning and booking trips. Contact Noah at noah@adirondackfilm.org with any questions or additional assistance.
If you are accepted, you will be required to participate in the entire program from 4pm on Thursday, November 5th through Sunday, November 8th (departure the morning of November 8th).
We are happy to call and/or provide a personal Lake Placid Film Festival letter to your school or employer that explains the merit of the Student Summit program.
Still have questions? Contact Director of Communications and Program Coordinator, Noah Ramer.