The 2026 Montgomery County Youth Media Festival celebrates youth voices in the media arts industry in the Greater Washington, D.C. area. ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST BE BY YOUTH FROM MARYLAND, VIRGINIA AND WASHINGTON, DC.

The annual Festival promotes the creativity and impact of young filmmakers and artists as it showcases youth talent, highlights social issues, and inspires positive action. Through screenings and dialogue, the festival fosters connections in our community.

Submit your video or photographs via FilmFreeway.

For more information: https://www.youthmediamd.org/youth-media-festival

Awards & Prizes

The Festival welcomes participation from YOUTH MEDIA ARTISTS, AGED 12 - 25 FROM MARYLAND, VIRGINIA AND WASHINGTON, DC.. Prizes for selected entries include cash awards, an opportunity to feature your film/artwork at the AFI Silver Theatre and in Action Youth Media's studio in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Rules & Terms

FESTIVAL DETAILS:

Submission Deadline:
February 28, 2026 11:59 pm

Festival Date:
Saturday, May 16, 2026, 11:00am-1:00pm

Submission Mediums:
•Photography
•Narrative Short Film (no greater than 8 minutes in length)
•Documentary Short Film (no greater than 8 minutes in length)

Submission Theme/Topic Choices:
We encourage filmmakers to explore issues that are most important to them and their community. Subjects explored in past festival include: mental health, climate change, immigrant experiences, justice reform, digital equity and more.

Grand Prize:
$500
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FAQ’s:

Who can participate?
•Media Artists aged 12-25 from across the DC/MD/VA region are invited to participate in the competition. Those who do not live or attend school in the region will be disqualified.
•Submissions are grouped by age:
- Middle School Students
- High School Students
- Young Adults (18-25)

To submit your film via FilmFreeway:
•Please ensure your submission is exported at the highest quality possible.
•If a password is required to view your submission, make sure the password is included in your description.

To submit your via FilmFreeway:
•Please ensure your submission is exported at the highest quality possible.
•Ensure that the images are tiff, jpg or png format.

You can submit the following types of work:
•Short films (documentary, narrative)
•Photography

How many submissions can I make?
•Individuals are limited to submitting only one piece for one category and age group. Multiple video or category submissions will be disqualified. Multiple photos presented as one inclusive series are permitted.

How long can the video be?
•Minimum length for films is 1 minute.
•The maximum length for films is 8 minutes, including credits.

When will I hear back about my submission?
•Participants will be notified of acceptance no later than Sunday, April 26th.

If you have additional questions, please contact us at info@youthmediamd.org
GOOD LUCK!
9 Reviews
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  • Aryan Verma

    My first film festival submission and it got selected really grateful and this festival has given me to motivation to work hard towards my filmmaking goal .

    July 2025
    Helpful
  • ADITI Khamkar

    an amazing film festival it is!!!!

    May 2025
    Helpful
  • Yanjia Yang

    I had a fantastic experience with the MoCo Youth Media Festival! The communication was clear, the organizers were supportive, and the overall atmosphere of the festival felt very encouraging for young filmmakers. It was inspiring to see the creativity and talent of others in the community. Thank you for creating such a welcoming and professional space to share youth voices through film!

    May 2025
    Helpful
  • Luis Rafael Rodriguez Barrera

    Very good festival, thank you very much for letting me be part of it

    May 2025
    Helpful
  • Ryan Crean

    Was a great 2nd film festival experience. Would recommend to any aspiring filmmakers!

    May 2025
    Helpful