Now more than ever, children, teachers, and parents yearn for messages of hope and courage to face the challenges that lie ahead. The MY HERO web site hosts thousands of stories of remarkable individuals written by children and adults alike. These stories serve to remind us that we all have the potential to overcome great obstacles and achieve our dreams by following in the footsteps of our heroes.

The MY HERO International Film Festival brings together professional and youth filmmakers who honor local and global heroes working for positive change in the world.

Prizes are awarded to elementary, middle school, high school, college and professionals in a variety of categories including: documentary, narrative, music video, animation, experimental, and more.

STUDENT FILMMAKERS SUBMIT FOR FREE. Please contact us for waiver.

Awards & Prizes

SPECIAL CATEGORIES:

The Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award, sponsored by One World One Ocean, is presented to the film that best promotes the stewardship of our oceans and marine life. FINAL DEADLINE FOR THIS AWARD IS MAY 1st.

The WOJ Youth Reporter Award is offered to youth reporters who create short documentaries on heroes making a positive difference in their community and the world - open to filmmakers 8 - 18 years old. The award is in honor of Esther Wojcicki for her leadership in foward thinking journalism and inspiring youth around the world to tell stories that matter. This award has an extended deadline of October 1st.

The Ron Kovic Peace Prize will honor the filmmaker who best addresses the issues of Peace in a short film.

The Dan Eldon Activist Award will honor the filmmaker who best addresses the theme of activism in a short film.

The Relationships First will honor short films that depict, in innovative ways, the powerful and poignant connections in any type of contemporary family relationships.

The Women Transforming Media Award honors women filmmakers as well as films highlighting incredible women who are transforming media.

The Immersive Storytelling Award is presented to innovative Virtual Reality content that promotes engagement, activism & social good.

The Sing for Hope Music Video Award honors inspiring music videos.

Additional Prizes:
SHURE will donate prizes to select filmmakers.
ThinkTank Photo will donate prizes to select filmmakers.
Select film festival winners will receive a 4-month InkTip Pro Membership. As an InkTip Pro Member, thousands of filmmakers can find and read your scripts, and you'll be able to pitch directly to production companies every week. With over 3,000 options and 400 movies made, InkTip is the place for independent film.

Rules & Terms

ALL WORK NEEDS TO BE APPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN:

MY HERO will not accept films that promote hatred, violence, or intolerance. We strive to be an all-ages friendly site, so please keep that in mind when submitting a film for consideration. Work submitted to this film festival must celebrate a hero, explore concepts of heroism, or examine hero-related topics.

1. All work must be original, unless you have the express written consent of the original owner for use in your work.
2. Only videos 10 MINUTES AND UNDER will be accepted. This includes excerpts from longer works.
3. Acceptable film formats: Links to work in Vimeo preferred, Youtube accepted. Prefer public links (no passwords please).
4. A panel of judges will review the films and award individuals in each of the following categories:
* Elementary School Student
* Middle School Student
* High School Student
* College/Grad Student
*Mentor/Student
* Enthusiast
* Professional
6. 1st Place winners will receive a certificate. Selected works will be featured on the MY HERO web site throughout the year. Sponsored Awards (listed above) come with cash prizes from $500 - $1500.00 (see website for details: myhero.com/special-awards).

We prefer Submissions with a downloadable, public link to the film.

Rights & Clearances

By submitting your film to MY HERO, you grant MY HERO permission and rights to place your film, if accepted, in its entirety on the MY HERO film festival website. You also grant MY HERO rights to publish selected screenshots from your work on the MY HERO Web site and in promotional materials. You also grant MY HERO non-exclusive rights to use your film for promotional and educational purposes.

25 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Karina Loerchner

    What a fun festival this was to participate in! Very professionally run, and communication was second to none. It is so good to see a group that helps us see a glimmer of hope when there is currently so much wrong in the world. I am so humbled and honored that my film 'Crescendo' was chosen an award!

    February 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the kind words. We appreciate your excellent work and wish you lots of success!

  • Collins Reagan

    What a worthwhile festival that celebrates the best of humanity. People, service, community. And the festival is run by true professionals.

    May 2023
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  • Cheryl Bookout

    I love the mission and vision of The MY HERO International Film Festival and was thrilled to have INSIDE THE BEAUTY BUBBLE selected as a 2022 winner!

    November 2022
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  • Susan Hillary

    Very thoughtful interview process - really appreciated the opportunity to discuss my process. Thank you.

    November 2022
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  • Cali Gilbert

    Discovered this festival when I first arrived in L.A nearly a decade ago and envisioned one day being able to showcase my work here. This year my film, WHAT IF? was selected and I was thrilled. Great staff and great festival. Look forward to submitting again in the future and hope they return to in-person screenings.

    November 2022
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