Student Filmmakers Commercial Contest

Each year, the City of Bend, Central Oregon Daily, and BendFilm invite students in grades 6-12 from Bend to film a 30-second TV commercial about water conservation, river protection, and related water topics. Winners receive cash prizes and recognition. The Grand Prize includes $1,000 and a chance to work with a TV producer to adapt the winning video for broadcast. Two division winners receive $100 each, and teachers of winning students receive classroom supply awards. Selected videos are shown locally on television.

2027 Applications will open in the new year!

For 2026, the theme focused on celebrating 100 years of Bend’s Water Services and students are asked to tell a compelling story about one part of the city’s water system history.

Ace Ridden won the Grand Prize in the 2025 One Water Student Video Contest. As the grand prize winner, Ace worked with Central Oregon Daily to turn the winning video into a professional public service announcement that will air on local television, in the Tin Pan Theater, and you can see it below!

Ryan Nelson was also recognized as the Division Winner for his work in the contest, and Matt Fox was selected as the Inspiring Teacher for his support and encouragement of student participation.

The winning PSA will premiere at a Bend City Council meeting in the fall before its broader broadcast on Central Oregon Daily.

The One Water Student Video Contest is hosted by the City of Bend, BendFilm, and Central Oregon Daily. It invites local students to create short videos exploring water conservation, river protection, and watershed awareness.