Welcome to the Mobile Movie Makers Youth Film Competition & Festival (M3)!

The Mobile Movie Makers Youth Film Competition & Festival (M3) is an Atlanta-based platform dedicated to empowering middle and high school students nationwide to tell impactful stories using mobile filmmaking technology. Through creativity, innovation, and hands-on storytelling, M3 gives young creators the opportunity to develop original films and showcase their voices while gaining real-world industry exposure.

Founded in 2018, M3 brings together students, educators, and entertainment professionals through a unique combination of film screenings, workshops, panels, mentorship, and interactive experiences. The competition culminates with an exciting in-person festival in Atlanta, hosted at the Microsoft Campus at Atlantic Station, where finalists and participants celebrate creativity and connect with fellow storytellers and industry leaders.

2026 Competition Timeline
Submission Period: April 2026 – September 2026
Submission Deadline: First Week of September 2026
Festival Event: October 2026 (Date TBA)
Entry Fee: FREE for all student film submissions

M3 encourages young filmmakers to explore meaningful topics, strengthen their storytelling skills, and create content that inspires change. Whether you're creating your first short film or continuing your journey as a content creator, M3 provides a platform to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page or contact us at m3filmteam@gmail.com.

SEE THEIR VOICES.

SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE: First Week of September 2026

Awards & Prizes

The Mobile Movie Makers Youth Film Competition & Festival (M3) celebrates the next generation of storytellers by recognizing outstanding creativity and innovation in mobile filmmaking.

Three (3) finalists will be selected in each category.
Winning films will be screened at Regal Atlantic Station as part of the festival experience.
Winners will receive official recognition during the M3 Festival in Atlanta.
Finalists and participants will gain free access to workshops, industry panels, networking opportunities, and interactive experiences hosted during the festival at the Microsoft Campus at Atlantic Station.

Rules & Terms

FAQ

Q: Do I have to edit on my phone?
A: No. You are only required to shoot on a mobile device. You may edit on a tablet, computer, or other editing platform.

Q: Can an adult help with my submission?
A: Yes. Adults may assist, but students must serve as the primary creative leads during production and post-production.

Q: Can I compete in both the SongBuilders and Mobile Movie categories?
A: Yes.

Q: How do I upload my project to FilmFreeway
A: Complete the application and upload your file directly to FilmFreeway. You may also provide a YouTube or Vimeo link.

Q: Can I compete in multiple genres?
A: Yes. You may enter multiple projects and genres.

Q: How many people can work on a project?
A: You may have as many cast members or participants as needed, but only one to three students may receive credit as the primary creators.

Q: Is blood and gore allowed?
A: All projects must remain PG or G rated. Graphic violence is prohibited, and judges will determine whether content is appropriate.

Q: How old do I need to be to submit?
A: Participants must currently be enrolled in middle school or high school.

Q: How long can my submission be?
A: Film and sports submissions may be up to 5 minutes long. SongBuilders submissions may not exceed 4 minutes.

Q: How will I know my project was received?**
A: You will receive a confirmation email after your submission has been successfully received.

Q: Will I be notified if I advance in the competition?
A: Yes. Finalists and advancing projects will be notified by email.

Things to Keep in Mind for Film & Sports Submissions

* Finalists will be selected in each category.
* AI-assisted projects and non-AI projects will be judged separately.
* All projects must be PG or G rated.
* Projects must include a beginning, middle, and end, plus ending credits and cast information.
* Individuals or teams of up to three students may receive credit.
* Projects must be filmed on a mobile device. Editing may be completed on a phone, tablet, or computer.
* No graphic violence.
* No stand-up comedy, reality shows, or music videos.
* Films may be live action, comedy, drama, horror, adventure, animation, silent short films, sports, or Latinx stories.
* Sports submissions may include documentaries, athlete profiles, game-day stories, training journeys, women in sports, community impact stories, behind-the-scenes access, hype reels, soccer stories, and AI-enhanced sports storytelling.
* Three winners will be selected in each category.

Things to Keep in Mind for SongBuilders Competition

* Video projects should creatively showcase the music-making process.
* Entries must include at least 30 seconds of music creation footage.
* Videos and music must be recorded on a mobile device.
* AI-assisted music and non-AI music will be judged separately.
* No explicit lyrics.
* Visual content must remain PG or G rated.
* Submissions may not exceed 4 minutes.
* Unlimited participants are allowed, but only one to three students may receive credit as the primary creators.
* Music submissions may be created in collaboration with a film team; however, entries in the Music Category will be judged solely on the music.
* A song used in a film must also be submitted separately to be eligible for Music Category awards.
* Categories include Jazz, Hip Hop, Neo Soul, Pop, R&B, Reggaeton, Latin Pop, and Reggae.
* Three winners will be selected in each category.

AI Guidelines

* AI-assisted films, music, and sports projects are welcome.
* Projects created with AI will be judged separately from projects created without AI.
* AI should be used responsibly to enhance creativity and storytelling.
* Students must retain creative control over their projects and clearly indicate whether AI tools were used.
* All submissions must adhere to M3's standards for originality, age-appropriate content, and ethical storytelling.

Most importantly: Have fun and let your voice be heard!