In partnership with the American Federation of Teachers and the Tribeca Festival, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights created the annual Speak Truth to Power Video Contest, encouraging middle and high school students to use film as a tool to discuss human rights issues that resonate with them. In creating these short three- to five-minute videos, whether they be documentaries, narrative films, or experimental, students not only learn about human rights but also become champions of change and social justice. Students from all backgrounds can participate in the contest without needing expensive equipment or prior video editing skills. This year, special awards will be presented to filmmakers who use only an iPhone to create their videos.
The Grand Prize winner will participate in a Tribeca Festival event in New York City, where their video will premiere.
This year’s Speak Truth to Power competition will also bring together students, educators, and human rights defenders, for the first-ever Archewell Foundation Award for Gender Equity in Student Film. The Award will recognize students who have harnessed the power of visual storytelling to highlight a woman who has uplifted her community and, in doing so, changed the course of history for women everywhere. The new award will be presented along with the Grand Prize winner during a 2023 Tribeca Festival event in New York City.
Archewell Foundation is an impact-driven non-profit created by Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The foundation's core purpose is to uplift and unite communities - local and global, online and offline - one act of compassion at a time. Learn more at https://archewell.com.
The Grand Prize winner and The Archewell Foundation Award for Gender Equity in Student Film winner will participate in a Tribeca Festival event in New York City, where the videos will premiere.
Submissions are judged by a panel of film industry experts, actors, and educators.
Contest Deadline: April 26, 2023 11:59 p.m. EDT
Questions?
Email Ben Higgins at Higgins@rfkhumanrights.org or Allison Gilmore at gilmore@rfkhumanrights.org
Grand Prize
Winners will travel to New York to participate in the Tribeca Festival, where their film will premiere at a special Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights event.
First, second, and third place winners for the high school (grades 9-12) and middle school (grades 6-8) levels will receive a certificate and a Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights prize package.
Depending on the entries received, additional awards may be given to:
Most creative
Best video created with only an iPhone
School or community projects inspired by the creation of your video