Short films made by kids, for kids. On the BIG screen.

Rocket Reels showcases the the creativity and storytelling of Houston’s young filmmakers. It is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.

Any elementary or middle school student in Houston can participate. Just create an original short film and submit it for consideration. Our student producers will select films to premiere on the big screen at the inaugural Houston Kids’ Film Festival in Spring 2027!

No Hollywood budget, fancy equipment, or filmmaking experience required. Friends and families can team up to bring a story to life. Every young filmmaker is welcome,

ABOUT ROCKET REELS
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How It Started

Rocket Reels was founded by David Cutrufo, a seventh grader at Houston’s Lanier Middle School, with help from his mom, Shannon Moriarty.

The idea was inspired by the PS 187 Film Festival in New York City, where David attended through first grade. His family loved going to screenings at United Palace in Washington Heights and watching all of the creative short films made by kids in the neighborhood.

After a moving to Texas, spending many summers at Aurora Picture Show filmmaking camp, and creating countless movies for his YouTube channel, David decided that Houston needed its own film festival for kids.

This year’s inaugural Houston Kids’ Film Festival is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.

A young boy stands on a red carpet in front of a backdrop with logos, smiling for the camera at an event. Several adults are nearby, taking photos or standing around.
A woman is recording alphabet letters on whiteboards with a camera, while a computer monitors the ongoing digital alphabet game setup. Several children and adults are visible in the background at a busy indoor event.