Truth Be Told: Justice Through My Eyes (Truth Be Told) was created to highlight and empower youth voices and visions through film. The aim of Truth Be Told film festival and competition is to engage 13-24 year olds in social justice issues. All films must be 12 minutes or less (8 minutes suggested). Films’ focus may involve various social justice issues including:

• Gender Equity/Equality
• Human Rights
• Food Justice
• Education
• Economic Justice
• Criminal Legal System
• Environmental Issues
• Immigration
• Worker Rights
• And more…

Awards & Prizes

Films designated “official selection” will debut to the public October 2017 at a venue in Richmond, California. Winners will be selected by both 1) panel of media industry & social justice judges and 2) viewers’ choice award. All films selected to be screened at the festival will be awarded “Official Selection” Certificates and designation for Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary, Best Music Video and Best Experimental certificates will be awarded in each age group. Additionally, the following prizes will be awarded:

1) Grand Prize: $275

2) Runner up: $175

3) People’s Choice: $100

Rules & Terms

1. Films must have been completed after January 1, 2014. Films must be available for screening during the RYSE Truth be Told: Justice Through My Eyes Film Festival, October 2017.

2. Films must be submitted by September 15, 2017. All entries must include a submissions form. All films must be 12 minutes or less (8 minutes suggested).

3. At least one primary producer or the director must have been between the ages of 13 and 24 when the film was first released. Actors or interviewees in the film can be any age. If working under the direction of a teacher, mentor, or parent, that person must describe his/her role in detail.

4. The director, producer, DP, or lead actor must be a current California resident.

5. One or more of the filmmakers (or a representative for the film) must be willing and able to attend the festival in person if the film receives “Official Selection” and is screened at the festival.

6. Films cannot include hate speech or direct threats of violence. Furthermore, they cannot incite violence in any way.

7. All entries must adhere to copyright laws. Everything in the film must be original content, or the filmmakers must have the appropriate licensing to publicly show the film. The filmmakers must have signed image release forms for all people who appear in the film.

8. All entries must also include the RYSE film release form and be signed by a parent or guardian if the youth is under the age of 18. Please save form as “Filmname_release.pdf”.
Release can be found here: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58ece61644024383be911a95/t/59555e4e8419c2b854484339/1498766930236/Film+Festival+Release_FINAL.pdf
2 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • James Diaz

    Great festival, very supportive of its honorees.

    November 2017
    Helpful
  • Charine Pilar Gonzales

    I was not able to attend this event, but I was excited to have my music video be included in the pre-event reception as a "Special Mention". Thank you to Stephanie and everyone at RYSE Center for putting on Truth be Told: Justice Through My Eyes!

    November 2017
    Helpful