Short films made by kids, for kids. On the BIG screen.
Rocket Reels is Houston’s film festival for young filmmakers.
Any elementary or middle school student in Houston can participate by submitting an original short film for a chance to premiere on the big screen at our inaugural festival in April 2027.
All genres, all imaginations, and all experience levels are welcome.
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 school 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 summer filmmaking camp, and creating countless movies with friends for his YouTube channel, David decided that Houston needed a kids film festival of its own.
This year’s inaugural festival is made possible with support from the City of Houston and Houston Arts Alliance, helping bring David’s idea to life and create a new forum for celebrating young filmmakers across Houston.
