This is the first festival for this organization. We are seeking short films that define "home" in the traditional or non-traditional sense while highlighting its importance. Youth that come into foster care are most often deprived of having a "traditional" home but are rather uprooted never getting the opportunity to make endless positive memories. We are seeking filmmakers that can execute what that looks like in the form of films.

Our goal is to encourage inventive approaches to the foster care community through the arts and cultural influences. HOME’s love for film resides in its superb ability to combine an assembly of arts under one roof seeking to disband all hindrances from allowing the youth to have a voice.

We are seeking films that address these concerns rather it be in animation form, documentary, experimental, music video, or student.

The selection committee will consist of youth currently in care in the Houston area.

If your film exceeds 10 minutes it will be automatically disqualified.

HOME (Haven of Memorable Experiences) is an organization that seeks to help youth in foster care transition into adult hood more smoothly by supplying them with positive experiences along the way.

Awards & Prizes

The winning film will receive a prize of $1,500! 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 $1,000 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.

While there will only be one winner, 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

Entries should not exceed 20 minutes in duration.

All submissions are screened and evaluated by social workers and youth that are currently and formerly were in CPS custody.

There is a $15 dollar fee to submit to submit to this festival. Students only pay a $10 dollar fee.

Participation in the festival grants us the authorization to show the entered film at our Screening.

FILM FORMAT AND SHIPPING
- Films accepted can be shorts, documentaries, animation, fiction or narratives.

- FILMS MUST BE 10 MINUTES OR LESS.

- Each entry must be submitted In DVD format OR secure online viewing FilmFreeway.

- Label each film with your name, address, telephone number, and film title.

FEEDBACK: Unfortunately, due to the volume of submissions, we are unable to provide individualized feedback to filmmakers at this time.

We strongly encourage you to submit the most complete version of your film possible. We cannot guarantee that replacement cuts will be viewed.

Have additional questions about submitting? Please email havenofmemories@gmail.com

This is a first festival of its kind. This is youth led in an effort to bring awareness to the issues occurring in foster care everyday as well as when a youth leaves CPS custody.