Our mission:

We believe in the power of storytelling to protect important places, to reveal deeper meaning and truth, and to connect us together through shared experience.

MAKE A DONATION TO ST. CROIX RIVER TALES

FILM CRITERIA:

Runtime of 5 minutes or less
New or recently completed non-copyrighted original work
Filmed in the St. Croix River Valley
Films can be made by individuals or teams

TOPIC EXAMPLES:

Create a film that is a contemplative study of the St. Croix River Valley natural environment that we need to protect.
Use the project-provided drone footage for a visual poem.
Create a “Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou” inspired St. Croix River Valley comedic short about mussels.
Tell a story about an outdoor experience you had that encapsulates the St. Croix River Valley and why you love the area.
Create a historical documentary that illuminates an issue or story with a strong connection to the St. Croix River watershed.

NEVER MADE A FILM BEFORE? NO PROBLEM

We want to support the work of emerging, new filmmakers. If you have a story, but have never made a film, we can help connect you with production support. This support might range from guidance and mentorship to actually pairing with filmmaker who can help you edit your film. We could also help make connections with musicians who might score or contribute music for your film.

FREE ACCESS TO DRONE FOOTAGE

Participating filmmakers can use any portion of the drone footage from the Youtube clips below. After completing the project registration Google Doc and license agreement, simply email us and we’ll send you a footage download link without the logo watermark. You could use the drone footage for a portion or the entirety of your project and add your own audio track.

PRIZES:

Cash prizes: $1,000 First place – $500 Second place – $250 Third place – $350 Emerging Filmmaker Award
Your film will be part of the October 2026 St. Croix Riverboat “Square Lake Film Showcase” as part of the Stillwater Film Festival.
Selected films will be included online at St. Croix 360.
We will include select films in a screening at the 2026 MN State Fair.

TIMELINE:

10/17/25: Community Outreach in advance of project start.

01/1/26: Submissions open

April, 2026: Filmmaker Forums: