We’re calling on bold, creative voices to explore one of the most
powerful themes out there: HOME — Rooted and Reimagined.

What does home look like when it’s inherited? When it’s lost? When it’s
something you have to build from scratch? Whether your interpretation is traditional, reimagined, or completely unexpected, we want to see what "home" means through your lens—or your brush, your voice, your sound.

For youth in foster care, “home” is often a fluid and fragile idea. Many
grow up without the stability to plant roots or the space to build
lasting memories. That’s why we’re seeking art that reflects these
realities—honestly, inventively, and with heart.

HOME (Haven of Memorable Experiences) is all about using art to shift
narratives and spark connection. Our love for creativity lies in its
power to bring together music, story, visual art, and voice—all under
one roof—to uplift the stories that matter most.

We’re accepting short films (10 minutes or less, any genre—animation,
documentary, experimental, music video, or student work), visual artwork (painting, illustration, digital art, mixed media), and music (original songs, instrumentals, spoken word, soundscapes). All pieces should engage with the theme and center the meaning of “home” in bold, imaginative ways.

Please note: Films longer than 10 minutes will be automatically
disqualified.

Here’s the best part: our selection committee is made up of youth
currently in foster care in the Houston area. They’ll be the ones
watching, listening, and choosing the work that resonates.

If your creativity pushes boundaries, centers truth, and reimagines what
home can be—we want to experience it.

Awards & Prizes

We have the following winning categories:

Best Short Doc
Best Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Direction
Best Animation

The total First Place cash prize is $2500! There is no monetary prize for the runner up films; however, those films will be notified that they will be screened at the festival.

At the conclusion of the festival, a youth transitioning from foster care in the greater Houston area will receive a scholarship. Winner will be announced at the actual screening.

Due to limited funds, the organization is unable to provide transportation to the screening; however, the winner will be notified a head of time in the event they want to tape an acceptance message to be screened at the festival. Anyone is welcome to attend the festival at their own expense.

Several films will be chosen to be screened at the festival. Those films will be notified ahead of time and awarded the title of Festival Finalist and provided a laurel.

Rules & Terms

Film Length:

* All entries must not exceed 10 minutes in duration, including
credits.
* Any film over 10 minutes will be automatically disqualified.

Eligibility & Review Process:

* Submissions will be reviewed by a panel that includes youth
currently or formerly in CPS custody, as well as social workers,
festival staff, and volunteers.
* This is a youth-led initiative focused on uplifting voices and stories
from and about the foster care experience.

Submission Fee:

* There is a $10 submission fee for each entry.
* High school students may submit for FREE but must email us at
havenofmemories@gmail.com to receive a submission code prior to submitting.

Authorization & Screening Rights:

* By submitting your work, you grant HOME the right to exhibit it as
part of the festival (both in-person and online) sole purpose for marketing and promotion of the festival on all digital media platforms but not excluded.
* Artists and filmmakers retain full ownership of their work.

Content Guidelines:

* Profanity, nudity, or explicit content of any kind will not be
accepted.
* All submitted work must be suitable for a youth audience and
community-centered event.

🎬 Film Format & Delivery Accepted Categories:

We accept shorts, documentaries, animation, fiction, and narrative
works.

Format Requirements:

Films must be submitted as MP4 or MOV files only.

Submissions must be uploaded through a secure online screener via
FilmFreeway.

Ensure your video is high-quality and includes both audio and visuals as
intended.

Final Cuts Only:

Please submit the most complete version of your film.

We cannot guarantee that updated or replacement cuts will be reviewed.

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🎨 Visual Art Submissions

Accepted Mediums:

* We welcome - digital illustrations, paintings, photography, mixed
media, and collage that explore the theme HOME — Rooted and Reimagined.

Format:

* All visual art must be submitted as high-resolution JPEG or PNG files
(minimum 300 DPI preferred).
* Include the title of the work, artist name, and a brief 1–3 sentence
artist statement describing how the piece connects to the theme.

Display Rights:

* Selected artworks will be featured in our in-person festival gallery
and online showcase.
* By submitting, you grant HOME permission to publicly display the work
during the festival. Artists retain full rights.

📩 Feedback

Due to the high volume of submissions, we are unable to provide
individual feedback at this time. We appreciate your understanding and
the heart you put into your work.

❓Questions?

We’re here to help! Email us at havenofmemories@gmail.com with any
questions about submitting.

This is the first festival of its kind**, led by and for youth with
lived foster care experience. Our goal is to bring visibility to the
realities of foster care—both while in the system and after aging
out—through the power of art and storytelling.

We can’t wait to see your vision of HOME — Rooted and Reimagined.