I, Immigrant
The new U.S. Administration proposes policies that threaten deportations, the end of DACA, and the rollback of humanitarian protections. Many families may be torn apart, and communities destabilized. Could these actions embolden other governments to mistreat their immigrants, leaving them nowhere to turn?

CWB wants to bring attention to these issues and give a voice to the many immigrants living in fear.

This urgent film series gives immigrants and their allies a platform to share their stories—stories of resilience, triumph, and the undeniable contributions immigrants make to their communities. The festival’s theme, "I, Immigrant, I am a Citizen of Planet Earth," reminds us that we are all connected and that immigrants’ struggles are humanity’s struggles.

These stories must be told—before it’s too late. Through storytelling, we can inspire empathy, challenge harmful stereotypes, and demand change. But we need your help now. Cinema Without Borders, a nonprofit organization, cannot do this alone.

Are you settled and successful in your community, or doggedly trying to get there? Do you feel hopeful?

If so, this project is about you. Pick up a camera and share your story with the rest of humanity. Whatever your age and wherever you reside, tell a compelling story and you could win a prize. The world will be watching!

I, Immigrant is a user-generated film series launched by the nonprofit Cinema Without Borders Foundation (CWB) that aims to further social justice by putting the spotlight on immigrants who have had a positive experience in their adopted communities.

I, Immigrant, I am a Citizen of Planet Earth!
Showcasing not only the problems of the immigrants and their fears, but also the success of the immigrants and refugees in their new homelands. Highlighting the efforts of the immigrants for piece, overcoming poverty and enviormental risks in the world

Participation in I, Immigrant main subject and its Focus Category is open to amateur and expert filmmakers alike. Shoot a video between 60 secs to 40 mins-long and submit it to FilmFreeway

To learn about the Eligibility to Participate select Rules and for Jury and Awards info select Awards on the top of this page. You may also go to i-immigrant.com

The top three winners , decided by the jury, will receive Cinema Without Borders' Bridging the Borders Diplomas and will receive a comprehensive coverage of their work ina Cinema Without Borders's feature story.

Your donation will ensure these critical stories are seen and heard. Please go to cinemawithoutborders.com and DONATE today. Together, we can stand with immigrants and build bridges, not walls.

Eligibility to Participate
Participation in I, Immigrant is open to both amateur and professional filmmakers in US except to persons officially responsible for administering, advising, and/or judging the competition. Individuals 16 and younger will require written parental consent to be considered.

Films in languages other than English may be submitted provided they are subtitled in English.

General Theme
The positive impact of immigrantsin their new homes
Content Restrictions
Pornography (child or adult), hate speech, promotion of racial, ethnic, gender-based, and/or religious bigotry, libel, and inciting violence and social disturbance will not be accepted.
Format:
Duration: 60 Seconds - 40 minutes
Medium: Digital film shot on a cell phone, video or movie camera

Timeline:
Call for Entries public announcement: NOW
Deadline to submit films: Dec 15, 2024

Film Competition awards announcement and ceremony at Music Hall Theater, Los Angeles : January 20th 2025

A five-member jury composed of individuals committed to immigrants will evaluate the films and select the award winners.

The films will be judged on how well they communicate the role of immigrant healthcare workers in the war against the Coronavirus in the US. The factors that will be taken into consideration include the context, the audio-visual quality, and the verbal content (if any) of the films.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • martin del carpio

    Thank you for the selection for my film a Poet's Seat.

    November 2022