DocuJam is a unique international youth documentary showcase presented by Downtown Community Television Center (DCTV) in association with the Paley Center in New York. We seek outstanding documentaries and narrative films produced by young people across the globe. All submitted films should be powered by social or political stories that reflect the realities of your community.

ABOUT DCTV YOUTH MEDIA

DCTV Youth Media teaches New York City teenagers and young adults (ages 13 - 24) how to use media to tell important personal stories and help ignite social change. Our programs are always free, and we encourage diverse students from all five boroughs, regardless of experience or background, to join us. In addition to learning about filmmaking and creating original films, students receive mentorship, college counseling, and opportunities for professional development in the media industry.

Student films have been broadcast on HBO and WNET, and students have won numerous awards for their films, including 4 local Emmy Awards, a Sundance Grand Jury Prize, Best Animation from the Tribeca Film Institute's Our City, My Story, and an RFK Prize for Excellence in Journalism. In 2021, DCTV Youth Media premiered Covid Diaries NYC on HBO.

ABOUT THE PALEY CENTER

The Paley Center for Media is the leading, nonprofit 501(c)(3) cultural institution whose mission is to preserve our media history and explore media’s powerful shaping influence on our culture and society.

During the year, the Paley Center produces unmatched programs for the public and industry. On the public side, our programs, such as PaleyFest, celebrate the very best of television, digital content, and interactive entertainment. On the industry side, the Paley Center serves as a think tank, convening the most influential business leaders to explore and debate the most critical issues and opportunities within the industry while also fostering a sense of community amongst peers. Through our respected PaleyImpact series, we educate and explore how media impacts culture and shapes public discourse on important societal issues.

*Screening
DATE: TBD
TIME: TBD
LOCATION: The Fire House Cinema 87 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013

DocuJam Rules and Terms

-DocuJam is a non-competitive festival.
-There is no entry fee requirement; all submissions are free.
-Please limit submissions to three per individual or group.
-Please review your film before submitting it. All screeners must be submitted digitally online. (Video and/or audio glitches may affect selection.)

Final selections will be contacted by email and through FilmFreeway.

You must be 6 - 22 or under to submit your video to DocuJam.
All entries must be a film that presents a viewpoint on a specific story or issue.

🌟 New for 2024! In addition to documentaries, DocuJam is now accepting narrative films and animation. All films should be powered by social or political themes that reflect the realities of your community.

DocuJam Video Format/Film Guidelines

Before you export your final video, be sure to do the following:

If your film contains a language other than English, please include subtitles. Make sure all audio levels do not exceed -6db, and background music or ambient sound should not exceed -12db.

Listen to your film on headphones to ensure all audio is panned to the center where appropriate.

Listen to your film on speakers to confirm that music does not drown out any voiceover or dialogue.
Render all videos and titles before submission.

Video Settings
Compression Type: H.264
Frame Rate: Current fps (should match your original footage)
Size: HD 1920x1080 (16:9)
Quality: High (80-90)

Audio Settings
Format: Linear PCM or AAC
Channels: Stereo (L R)
Rate: 48.000 kHz

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • The Burning Woman

    Such a wonderful festival made by wonderful people!

    November 2025
  • Bianca Gontijo Carreira Alvim

    Wonderful festival. it was everything amazing

    November 2025
  • Merci pour l'organisation et de mettre en avant le talent des enfants et des jeunes.
    Longue vie au festival!

    November 2024
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the kind words. We as a festival will always work towards hearing youth filmmaker's stories.

  • Odessa Whitlock

    I felt so honored to show my film, they were lovely to work with

    November 2024
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your attendance at last year's event! It was so wonderful to have you and the students in attendance learned so much from you! Doors are always open!

  • Mohammad ferajzadeh

    I would like to express my special thanks to the festival for including my short film in the shortlist.

    November 2024