KIDS FIRST! Film Festival: A Global Showcase for Young Audiences
Established in 2000, the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival stands as a premier international platform dedicated to championing independent and student filmmakers. By showcasing exceptional short films, feature films, and screenplays from around the globe, we bridge the gap between visionary creators and eager young audiences, while providing aspiring writers with invaluable professional feedback.
A Global Network of Impact
We believe that extraordinary stories belong on the big screen. To ensure maximum reach and engagement, KIDS FIRST! partners with a curated network of more than 30 prestigious venues and partner festivals worldwide. Our esteemed collaborators include:
• Major US Festivals and Venues: Planet Classroom, Epic Fest, Phoenix Film Festival, New Mexico Museum of Art: Vladem Contemporary and Atlanta Children's Film Festival.
• International Partners: Roshan Rahain (Pakistan) and Ukraine Matters (Ukraine).
• Community Anchors: Leading children's museums, educational institutions, and youth-centric nonprofit organizations.
This expansive distribution network grants filmmakers unparalleled international exposure, helping them connect with deeply engaged, diverse global audiences.
Our Curatorial Focus
KIDS FIRST! prioritizes high-quality, age-appropriate media that fosters cross-cultural understanding, promotes deep inclusion, and inspires young minds. We actively seek projects that:
• Celebrate Diversity: Amplify authentic voices from Indigenous, Latinx, Black, and other historically underrepresented communities.
• Address Crucial Social Issues: Explore vital contemporary themes such as environmental conservation, social justice, gender equity, and animal welfare.
• Inspire & Empower: Introduce positive, dynamic role models who encourage youth to realize their full potential.
• Spark Intellectual Curiosity: Engage young viewers with thought-provoking concepts that challenge them to question and understand the world around them.
• Embrace Cinematic Creativity: Celebrate the transformative power of storytelling across diverse formats, including live-action, animation, documentary, music, and screenwriting.

Key Eligibility & Submission Criteria
To maintain our high standards of media literacy and educational value, all submissions must adhere to the following benchmarks:

Criterion Requirement Details
Completion Status: Only fully completed, finished works are eligible for submission.
Language: Films must be in English or include clear English subtitles.
Rights & Clearances: Filmmakers must possess full copyright compliance for all music, imagery, and intellectual property utilized.
Age Appropriateness: Content must be specifically tailored for target demographics: ages 2–5, 5–8, 8–12, 12–18, or general family audiences.
Positive Messaging: The film should have an uplifting message.
Strictly Prohibited: Gratuitous violence, physical or emotional abuse, inappropriate sexual content, unsafe behaviors, or any bias based on race, gender, culture, or religion.

Our Distinguished Jury
Every submission undergoes a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a multifaceted panel of experts. Our jury comprises:
• Seasoned educators and media professionals
• Dedicated youth advocates and parents
• KIDS FIRST! Film Critics and rigorously trained youth jurors

Filmmaker Benefits & Operational Notes
• No Screening Fees: To ensure equitable access for our global exhibition partners, KIDS FIRST! Film Festival affiliates do not charge screening fees.
• Premiere Status: While a film's premiere status is factored into curatorial decisions, it is not a mandatory requirement for acceptance.
• Constructive Feedback & Support: We are committed to nurturing talent. Filmmakers receive actionable, constructive criticism and industry insights designed to help them refine their craft and advance their careers.

Join the KIDS FIRST! Community
Submitting your project to the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival is more than a festival entry—it is an entry into a global movement. Gain access to an international network of venues, elevate your filmmaking career, and contribute to a legacy that empowers the next generation of global citizens through the power of cinema.

Awards & Prizes

Awards, Distribution, & Screenwriter Benefits

Venue-Specific Awards: To celebrate cinematic excellence, official awards and accolades are presented directly by our individual global venue partners.

Exclusive Distribution Opportunities: Accepted feature films gain exclusive consideration for international distribution through our esteemed partner, Soundview Media Partners.

In-Depth Screenplay Analysis: We are dedicated to nurturing literary talent. Every screenwriter receives a comprehensive, professional screenplay analysis as a foundational part of the application process. This diagnostic feedback offers invaluable insights to help you refine your narrative structure, polish your dialogue, and elevate your script's industry viability.

Script Exhibition: While the majority of our exhibition partners prioritize screening finished films, select venues within our network actively showcase and celebrate exceptional, high-ranking screenplays.

Rules & Terms

Targeted Age Demographics
To ensure accurate curation, filmmakers must specify the precise target audience for their project during the submission process. Please select from the following categories and refrain from using broad terms like "all ages":
• Ages 2–5 | Ages 5–8 | Ages 8–12 | Ages 12–18
Authorization, Warranties, & Indemnification
• Authority: The individual submitting the project warrants that they hold the legal authority to submit the film for festival consideration and that the project meets all required screening formats.
• Indemnification: The submitter agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless KIDS FIRST! and the Coalition for Quality Children's Media from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, and expenses (including attorney's fees) related to copyright infringement, trademark, screening rights, or other legal matters.

Film Acceptance, Exhibition Window, & Withdrawal Policy
• Exhibition Window: Upon official acceptance, filmmakers grant KIDS FIRST! a two-year showcase permission to program the film across our global network of partner festivals and events.
• Withdrawal Terms: To protect the programming integrity of our venue partners, a film cannot be withdrawn during its active festival run once accepted. However, filmmakers retain the right to formally withdraw their film from the network after the initial six months of the showcase period has elapsed. Your submission constitutes a binding agreement to this policy.

Technical Specifications & Submission Formats
All submissions are accepted exclusively through FilmFreeway. A separate entry form, processing fee (non-refundable, USD), and screener are required for each individual project.
Preview Formats
• Preview Screeners: Must be submitted as embedded on the FilmFreeway platform. We do not accept downloadable links, Blu-Rays or DVDs.
Required Deliverables (Due Within One Week of Acceptance)

Failure to provide the following digital assets within seven calendar days of notification may result in the revocation of your acceptance status:
1. Final Festival Screening Files: Accepted films must be delivered as a downloadable file in mov or mp4 format in in HD (1920x1080). You may allow the file to be downloaded from the FilmFreeway site or uploaded to the KIDS FIRST! dropbox. Instructions will be sent upon acceptance. Files must be entirely free of watermarks, timecodes, or ownership markings.
2. Promotional Imagery: A high-resolution poster or two high-quality production stills (JPEG, PNG, or TIFF format at 300 DPI).
o Note: These may be made downloadable directly from FilmFreeway or emailed to KIDS FIRST! Instructions will be sent upon acceptance.
3. Marketing Links: Active links to official film trailers, if available.

Optional Production Assets (For Accepted Films)
To maximize promotional opportunities, programmed filmmakers are encouraged to provide:
• Director's headshot (300 DPI), biography, and filmography.
• Comprehensive cast and crew billing block.
• Physical promotional materials (posters, lobby cards, festival swag) to be mailed directly to specific venues upon request from the venue.

Programming Logistics & Communication Protocol
The Exhibition & Booking Process
• Secure Review: Once accepted, your film is uploaded to a secure, password-protected programmer online site accessible exclusively by our vetted venue partners.
• Venue Bookings: To maximize efficiency, the executive office does not engage in back-and-forth communication regarding tentative venue bookings. You can trust our team to secure screening opportunities that match our high organizational standards.
• Direct Partner Connections: When a KIDS FIRST! venue partner officially books your film, we will notify you immediately. From that point forward, the venue representatives will communicate with you directly to coordinate any additional assets, event appearances, customized local promotion, or travel arrangements.
• Digital Screenings & Geoblocking: All standard acceptances cover exhibition at live, in-person events. For virtual components, you will have the option to opt in for digital screenings tied to that specific venue. Our partners are contractually required to strictly enforce the specific dates, times, and geoblocking boundaries designated on their digital agreement form.

Communications & Status Notifications
• Primary Point of Contact: All correspondence will flow through the primary submitter listed on FilmFreeway. If the "distributor" section is left blank, the submitter’s details default as the primary contact.
• Language & Submissions: All administrative communication, entry forms, and marketing materials must be in English and processed online.
• Response Times: During peak festival curation seasons, please allow several business days for our administrative team to respond to inquiries.
• Status Notifications: Acceptance and non-acceptance notifications are dispatched via FilmFreeway on or before the listed notification date. Once selected by a specific venue, additional screening notifications are sent out every Monday for new bookings.

Rulings & Agreement
The KIDS FIRST! Film Festival administrative staff and executive leadership reserve the right to make final, binding rulings on any unforeseen cases or circumstances not explicitly covered in these rules. Your submission signifies full acceptance of this Participation Agreement and all accompanying Rules & Terms.

Contact Information
KIDS FIRST! Film Festival
112 W. San Francisco St., Suite 305A
Santa Fe, NM 87504
Email: admin@kidsfirst.org

131 Reviews
Overall Rating
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  • Everett Stephenson

    KIDS FIRST! Film Festival is an outstanding platform for family-friendly and educational storytelling. The communication was excellent, and the team does a great job supporting creators who are producing meaningful content for young audiences. I appreciate their commitment to highlighting films that inspire creativity, learning, and positive values for children around the world. It was an honor to have The Manifest Show included among such impactful projects.

    March 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Everett, for your kind words. We love working with filmmakers like you. The Manifest Show is certainly one to be proud of and we look forward to sharing it with our international audiences. KIDS FIRST!

  • Cristobal Justiniano

    Participating in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival was a truly meaningful experience for Taínos. As one of the most respected platforms dedicated to quality children’s media, the festival stands out for its strong educational values, thoughtful curation, and commitment to culturally enriching storytelling.
    The communication from the programming team was professional and supportive throughout the process, and the selection itself reinforces the film’s alignment with youth audiences seeking stories that are both entertaining and culturally significant.
    Being part of KIDS FIRST! confirms that Taínos resonates beyond borders, bringing Caribbean heritage to young viewers in a way that is accessible, respectful, and inspiring.
    We are grateful to be included in a festival that champions meaningful content for children and families worldwide.

    March 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Cristobal for your kind words. We have truly enjoyed working with your team and love the film you have created that explores a little known bit of history of the Caribbean for young viewers.
    KIDS FIRST!

  • Danna Wilberg

    We are truly grateful to have our film, "Sherlock Holmes and the True Believer" chosen for the Kids First Festival! We are looking forward to the feedback from the participating parties.

    Dänna Wilberg - Writer/Director

    March 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks for your kind comments, Danna. Your film, Sherlock Holmes and the True Believer, is exactly the type of programming we love to get behind. You and your team have been terrific to work with.

  • Camy De Mario

    The KIDS FIRST! Film Festival has been an incredible experience, even without attending in person. Having my film reviewed by their jury was truly an honor, and the thoughtful, professional feedback they provide is outstanding. It’s clear that KIDS FIRST! is deeply committed to uplifting quality children’s media and supporting the filmmakers behind it. The opportunities they create, both for exposure and for meaningful recognition, are exceptional. I’m grateful for the platform they offer and highly recommend them to any filmmaker looking to reach and inspire young audiences.

    March 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your kind comments, Camy. We love supporting filmmakers like you and brining outstanding and unique programming to kids and families worldwide.
    KIDS FIRST!

  • Philip Hain

    My experience with KIDS FIRST! so far has been truly wonderful.
    Even though I have not attended in person, the selection process, the communication, and the thoughtful jury reviews have been exceptionally professional and encouraging.

    I am honored that both of my short films were chosen for their curated festival program. The team is warm, quick to respond, and shows a genuine passion for children’s cinema.

    I’m excited to continue the journey as my films move through their network of partner festivals. A great festival for filmmakers creating films for young audiences.

    December 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks for taking time to write this, Philip. You have been wonderful to work with as well and your films, The Magical Return and Mystery of the Abduction have made wonderful additions to our festival. They are fun, interesting, and well made -- perfect for our youth and family audience. We hope you will continue to be pleased with your relationship with KIDS FIRST! cheers, Julie and the team