SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 4, 2026
The March On! Festival strives to increase awareness of the events and heroes of the Civil Rights Era and inspire renewed passion for activism. The festival uses the power of film, music, and the arts to share these important stories.

The Festival continues its Competition for Emerging and Student filmmakers to submit short form content, both narrative and documentary, which focuses on civil rights movements, the civil rights era and social justice issues.

STUDENTS: must be currently enrolled in school, or graduated within 6 months of the Festival. Any selected Student filmmaker will be expected to provide proof of student status.

EMERGING ARTISTS: must have made their first film no earlier than 2021.

Awards & Prizes

The March On! Festival Student and Emerging Filmmaker Competitions will award 5 prizes, as follows:

4 Jury Awards for Best Narrative and Documentary Short, Student and Emerging Artist
Jury Award Prizes:
-- $2,000 Cash Prize
-- Up to $1,400 towards travel to DC

1 Grand Prize
From the four Jury Award winners, March On! will select one Grand Prize Winner, who will also receive:
--Featured recognition across festival communications, including the official press release, website, email marketing, and social media
--A post-festival collaboration with March On! that includes a film discussion and impact guide, technical assistance, and a co-hosted public program

The 5 Prizes will be selected from a Shortlist of 12 finalists. All Shortlisted films will have a public screening at the 2026 March On! Festival.

All Shortlisted filmmakers will also receive:
--A virtual screening at the 2026 March On! Festival
--A listing on this year’s March On! website.
--Full festival access for two persons to the 2026 March On! Festival
--Recognition across festival communications, including the official press release, website, email marketing, and social media
--The opportunity to have their film shared with national social justice organizations for potential use in organizing and advocacy efforts

Rules & Terms

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
**FILM SUBJECT MUST BE ON CIVIL RIGHTS OR SOCIAL JUSTICE**

**Projects must have been completed after September 1, 2023
**Films must have a composite optical sound
**Entries must be completed – including Vimeo link and payment – by the Extended
Deadline date
**Films may not have been released theatrically or aired on television in the U.S. prior to the festival. If the film has been screened online, the filmmaker is required to include this information in the film’s submission materials

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
**Submissions must be made via FilmFreeway
**Keep a copy of your completed application for reference
**Applicants can check the status of the submission by emailing:
submissions@marchonfest.org

Applicants will be notified of the festival’s decision by early August.
10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Alexandra Strunin

    Grateful for the Grand Prize for 'I Gaze at the Sky' (org. 'Patrzę w niebo')!
    The March On Film Festival stands out as professionally run and beautifully curated, bringing together empathetic, engaged people around films that matter. Thank you for your work!

    October 2025
    Helpful
  • Kristal Sotomayor

    Great festival! Very thankful to be selected as an honorable mention!

    September 2025
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  • Christopher Thomas Brown

    MOWFF is more than a festival. It is a celebration of Civil Rights as a culture that honors the stories and storytellers that elevate Civil Rights narratives. It's festivals like March On Washington that create opportunities for equity in show business. Extremely humbled and honored that 'Thoughts Are Things' was selected to participate in its rich legacy.

    December 2022
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  • Debbie Africa

    The March on Washington Film Festival although virtual was great!
    It was very well organized. The notice was a week in advance and well put together.
    I really enjoyed the whole experience. I loved the category break down
    of students, and/or "newbys" as opposed to the already seasoned film
    makers. Thank you Michael and I were honored to be a part of this festival.

    December 2021
    Helpful
  • Amin Anari

    It was my pleasure to attend at this wonderful festival...

    October 2021
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