Student Film Festival on Human Rights in the USA

Film Free Way invites student filmmakers to participate in Student Video Film Festival. The festival aims to encourage middle and high school students to use films as a tool for discussing human rights issues. In creating these short three-to-five-minute videos, whether they be documentaries, narrative films, or experimental, students not only learn about human rights but also become champions of change and social justice. Students from all backgrounds can participate in the contest without needing expensive equipment or prior video editing skills. This year, special awards will be presented to filmmakers who use only an iPhone to create their videos.

CATEGORIES:

• Documentary.
• Stop motion.
• Narrative.
• Digital photo essay.
• Public service announcement.
• Short-form comedy.
• Drama.
• Experimental.
• iPhone only.
• Other innovative techniques.

• GRAND PRIZE: Winners will travel to New York to participate in the Tribeca Festival where their film will premiere at a special Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights event.
• First, Second and Third place winners for the high school (grades 9-12) and middle school (grades 6-8) levels will receive a certificate and a Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights prize package.
• Depending on the entries received, additional awards may be given to:
• Most creative.
• Best video created with only an iPhone.
• School or community projects inspired by the creation of your video.
• NEW FOR 2022
• Honorable Mention: 25 films will receive honorable mentions, and the filmmakers and their teachers will receive RFK Human Rights T-shirts!

• Select a Human Rights Defender from the STTP Lesson Plans or identify a Defender who has worked to promote, protect or advance human rights locally, nationally, or internationally.
• Check out previous contest winners and review these resources to learn more about editing, lighting, sound, and camera work.
• Create a 3–5-minute video that utilizes creative storytelling to engage the viewer in a human rights issue. Videos should creatively answer most of the questions below.
• What is the human rights issue?
• How does the HR issue relate to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
• How did the Defender attempt to improve the situation?
• What is the connection between your chosen defender and the work of RFK? (You can use quotes, archival footage or include a connection in the film’s narration)
• How is the human rights issue connected to your community?
• What can the Defenders’ work teach us?
• How can someone help with this issue and be a Defender?
• What have you done to uplift your community as a result of making your video?
• Make sure your video follows Copyright & Fair Use rules.
• Let everyone know how art can create a more just and peaceful world by spreading the word about the contest through Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat!

About Film Free Way:

Film FreeWay is the world's number one way to discover and submit to film festivals and creative contests. It is the only submission platform that is 100% free for submitters.

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