***GLOBAL Submissions are now closed. We are only accepting submissions from youth from Maryland, DC and Virginia. All other submissions will be disqualified.***

The 2025 Montgomery County Youth Media Festival celebrates youth voices in the media arts industry in the Greater Washington, D.C. area. 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 via FilmFreeway and your artwork on our website.

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

Awards & Prizes

The Festival welcomes participation from YOUTH MEDIA ARTISTS, AGED 12 - 25. Prizes for selected entries include cash awards, an opportunity to feature your film/artwork in Action Youth Media's studio and in the public lobby at 900 Wayne Ave in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Rules & Terms

FESTIVAL DETAILS:

Submission Deadline:
March 30, 2025 11:59 pm Global Entries
April 6, 2025 11:59 pm Local Entries

Festival Date:
Saturday, May 10, 2025, 11:00am-1:00pm

Submission Mediums:
•Fine Art
•Photography
•Graphic Design
•Short Film (no greater than 10 minutes in length)
•Global Film (no greater than 10 minutes in length)

***This year we are offering a special exhibition of global films. Filmmakers aged 12-25 may submit films for consideration. There will be no cash award for the winners in the global category.***

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 from across the DC/MD/VA region are invited to participate in the competition. Those who do not live 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 photographs, graphic design or fine art:
•Email your submission to festivalmanager@youthmediamd.org
•Ensure that the images are in high resolution and in either jpg or png format.

You can submit the following types of work:
•Short films (documentary, narrative, animated or experimental)
•Photography
•Fine art
•Graphic design

How many submissions can I make?
•Individuals are limited to submitting only one piece for one category and age group.

How long can the video be?
•Minimum length for films is 1 minute.
•The maximum length for films is 10 minutes.

When will I hear back about my submission?
•Participants will be notified of acceptance no later than Friday, April 25th.

If you have additional questions, please contact us at info@youthmediamd.org
GOOD LUCK!
8 Reviews
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  • Luis Rafael Rodriguez Barrera

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

    May 2025
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  • ADITI Khamkar

    an amazing film festival it is!!!!

    May 2025
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  • 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
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  • Ryan Crean

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

    May 2025
    Helpful
  • Bianca Gontijo Carreira Alvim

    Wonderful festival!!! We were so happy to be selected

    May 2025
    Helpful