South Carolina ETV (SCETV) celebrates the return of the NextLens Online Film Festival, March 2–13, 2026. The annual festival showcases the creativity, storytelling and technical skills of emerging filmmakers age 16 and up, providing a platform for South Carolina’s next generation of media creators to share their work with audiences statewide and beyond.
Designed to spotlight fresh perspectives and original storytelling, NextLens highlights student filmmakers and young creatives exploring topics ranging from personal identity and artistic expression to history, community and human connection. Selected films stream throughout the festival across SCETV’s digital platforms, expanding access to independent filmmaking and celebrating rising talent in the state’s creative community.
Featured films and filmmakers in the 2026 NextLens Online Film Festival include:
Behind the Show: A Books By The River Documentary
Filmmaker: Kristina Cunningham
This documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the SCETV program Books By The River, highlighting how students help produce a nationally distributed series. The film explores how storytelling and education intersect to inspire curiosity, creativity and a love of reading.
Carolina Rain
Filmmaker: Solomon Pardue
Set during the Great Depression, this dramatic short follows siblings Jesse and Rosa Lee as they flee an abusive home in search of safety and freedom. Their journey through the Carolina woods becomes a desperate fight for survival and hope.
COMPANIONS
Filmmaker: Simeon Paolicelli
This experimental film examines the emotional effects of social isolation through the story of a young man disconnected from the world around him. As loneliness deepens, he creates temporary companions from everyday objects, revealing the human need for connection.
empty nester.
Filmmaker: Alexandra Bennett
This animated short captures eagle parents adjusting to life after their chicks leave the nest. Through humor and emotion, the film reflects on change, independence and the bittersweet experience of letting go.
Firethorne Forge
Filmmaker: James Tristan Blackmon
A portrait of McClellanville blacksmith Haywood Nettles, this documentary explores the dedication required to preserve the traditional craft of blacksmithing. The film highlights his work as an artisan, small business owner and community faith leader.
Seconds
Filmmaker: Sharbel Feghali
Created as a student filmmaking project, Seconds presents a nostalgic exploration of love and uncertainty through the lens of a couple facing change. Shot on a vintage camcorder, the film embraces a dreamy visual style to reflect memory and emotion.
Only Dreams Come True
Filmmaker: Hailey Bochette
Cherry, a high school junior obsessed with Filipino soap operas, finds her world turned upside down when her celebrity crush’s brother enrolls at her school. The film blends humor and teen drama with themes of fandom and identity.
When the Sun is Beaming
Filmmaker: Aidan Rafael Renteria
This documentary profiles The Sun Is Against Us, a University of South Carolina artist collective shaping Columbia’s creative community. Through interviews and visual storytelling, the film explores collaboration and the artistic process among emerging creators.
All selected films are available to stream across SCETV digital platforms, including SCETV.org, SCETV Education YouTube, Facebook, the PBS app and the SCETV app. In recognition of their achievements, filmmakers honored in the 2026 festival will receive commemorative NextLens trophies and be featured in SCETV’s Red Carpet on the Road.
Red Carpet on the Road highlights NextLens honorees, featuring conversations with these emerging filmmakers about the inspiration behind their films, the creative journeys that brought their stories to life and the passions that continue to shape their work as the next generation of storytellers. The series will be featured throughout the month of March on SCETV social media platforms and the SCETV Education YouTube channel.
In addition, the NextLens Reel Skills series provides practical guidance for aspiring filmmakers. The instructional series features South Carolina film professionals sharing foundational techniques in storytelling, camera operation, lighting, production design, sound and editing. Through short segments, Columbia director and writer Shayla Raquel, Charleston director of photography Owen Hamilton and Fort Mill filmmaker and editor Thomas Torrey offer insights into building strong narratives, shaping visual storytelling through camera and lighting, crafting tone with music and editing, and using production design to bring characters and worlds to life.
NextLens continues SCETV’s commitment to supporting media education and creating opportunities for young storytellers to develop their craft while connecting with new audiences.
To view the films and find more information on NextLens, visit SCETV.org/nextlens.
QUOTES
“Supporting the next generation of storytellers is central to SCETV’s mission. The NextLens Online Film Festival celebrates the creativity and talent of South Carolina’s emerging filmmakers while giving audiences a chance to experience the powerful stories being created across our state.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“The NextLens Online Film Festival highlights the remarkable creativity and storytelling talent emerging across South Carolina. These filmmakers bring fresh perspectives and bold ideas to the screen, and SCETV is proud to provide a platform that celebrates their work and supports their continued growth in media and filmmaking.” –Senior Director of Audio and Digital Operations Tabitha Safdi
“NextLens creates meaningful opportunities for young filmmakers to share their stories with audiences far beyond the classroom. Each year, the festival showcases innovative voices and demonstrates the exciting future of digital storytelling in South Carolina.” –SCETV Director of Digital Ty Moody
FAST FACTS
- SCETV is proud to celebrate this year’s featured films in the 2026 NextLens Online Film Festival.
- NextLens showcases the talent, creativity and vision of emerging filmmakers age 16 and up.
- The festival not only highlights the unique perspectives of South Carolina’s young storytellers but also nurtures the future of media.
- Films are available to view across SCETV's digital platforms, including SCETV.org, SCETV Education YouTube, Facebook, the PBS app and the SCETV app.
- To view the films and find more information on NextLens, visit SCETV.org/nextlens.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
