The Basha Uhuru Freedom festival commemorates the committed and fearless spirit of youth of ’76, who demanded education in a language they could understand and learn in. The Visions of Freedom Film Festival – Student Edition wants to honour this spirit by centring student films.

Forty-nine years since the 1976 Student Uprising, quality education remains inaccessible to many youth across the globe. And for those who do have access, many struggle with finding safe and dignified student accommodations and still many struggle to pay their fees. Despite these challenges students film students continue to complete their studies and raise money to make their graduation films with passion and dedication. These are the victories the festival wishes to platform.

Student films that speak truth to power; highlight youth issues past and present; speak to student politics; as well as themes of youth-led innovation will be privileged.

Awards & Prizes

Best Performance
Best Student Film
Award for Spiritedness
Rising Star Award

Rules & Terms

Thank you for your interest in the Basha Uhuru Visions of Freedom Film Festival – Student Edition.
Please read our Rules & Terms carefully before submitting:

The Basha Uhuru Visions of Freedom Film Festival submission rules require:

1. Original work, no unauthorized materials, and no promotion of goods/services.
2. Granting the festival a license to screen and exhibit the video.
3. Warranties that the submission is original and doesn't infringe on copyrights.

ELIGIBILITY
Open to student filmmakers only.
Films must have been completed within the last 5 years.
Filmmakers must be 35 years old or younger at the time of submission.
Proof of student status may be requested (e.g., student card, enrollment letter, or recent transcript).

The festival reserves the right to exclude applications that breach these rules and disclaims liability for damages. Disputes will be settled through conciliation or arbitration.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Final Cuts Only – No rough cuts or works-in-progress will be considered.
All genres and styles are accepted.
Films can be in any language, but non-English dialogue must include English subtitles.
Films do not need to have been previously distributed to qualify.
Horizontal format only – Square or vertical films must be presented within a 1920 x 1080 frame with black sidebars.
Technical Specifications:
Full HD: 1920 x 1080 pixels minimum
Format: MP4 (H.264 codec) minimum or DCI-compliant
Data rate: Minimum 10 Mbps

SELECTION & PROGRAMMING
Submission does not guarantee selection or screening.
The Festival reserves the right to curate and program the official selection.
All decisions by the Selection Committee are final.

AWARDS
The Festival reserves the right to determine all award recipients.
Awards are based on originality, technical excellence, and alignment with the festival’s vision.

LIABILITY
The Festival is not responsible for lost, delayed, or misdirected submissions.
Proof of submission is not proof of receipt.
By submitting, you authorize the Festival to use excerpts, stills, or titles for promotional purposes.