The MY HERO International Film Festival invites filmmakers of all ages and experience levels to shine a light on the heroes in their communities and around the world.

We are looking for films working for positive change, demonstrating courage, compassion, resilience, and human connection that celebrates heroes, explores the idea of heroism, or highlight hero-related themes.

Please Note: Films must be 10 minutes or less and MY HERO will not accept films that promote hatred, violence, or intolerance. We strive to be an all-ages friendly platform, so please keep that in mind when submitting your work.

By submitting, you grant MY HERO permission to showcase your film, if accepted, on our festival website, as well as to use screenshots and excerpts for promotional and educational purposes, including our partnership with the Google Cultural Institute.

STUDENT FILMMAKERS SUBMIT FOR FREE. Please contact us for waiver: media@myheroproject.org

Awards & Prizes

SPECIAL AWARDS:

The WOJ Youth Reporter Award is offered to youth reporters who create short documentaries on heroes making a positive difference in their community and the world - open to filmmakers elementary - college aged. The award is in honor of Esther Wojcicki for her leadership in forward-thinking journalism and inspiring youth around the world to tell stories that matter.

The Ron Kovic Peace Prize honors the filmmaker who best addresses the issue of peace in a short film. It is presented each year by artist, author, and peace advocate Ron Kovic.

The Dan Eldon Activist Award honors the filmmaker who best addresses the theme of activism in a short film. This award is given by Kathy Eldon and Amy Eldon Turtletaub in memory of photojournalist and creative activist Dan Eldon.

The Relationships First Award honors short films that depict, in innovative ways, the powerful and poignant connections in any type of contemporary family relationships. This award is sponsored by the Foundation for the Contemporary Family.

The Eva Haller Women Transforming Media Award honors women filmmakers as well as films highlighting incredible women who are transforming media. This award is sponsored by activist and philanthropist Eva Haller.

The Immersive Storytelling Award is presented to innovative Virtual Reality content that promotes engagement, activism & social good.

The Sing for Hope Music Video honors inspiring music videos.

The Mattie Stepanek Poetic Film Prize honors filmmakers who craft visual poems to share messages of hope and peace. This award is in memory of poet and peacemaker Mattie Stepanek.

The Backstage Best Acting Award, sponsored by Backstage, honors exceptional acting in hero-themed films.

The Best Animation Award, presented by Wacom, honors extraordinary student animation films.

The Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award, sponsored by One World One Ocean, is presented to the film that best promotes the stewardship of our oceans and marine life. THE DEADLINE FOR THIS AWARD HAS PASSED - FINAL DEADLINE MAY 1ST.

Learn more about our special awards at https://myhero.com/special-awards.

Additional Prizes:
SHURE will donate prizes to select filmmakers.
ThinkTank Photo will donate prizes to select filmmakers.
Select film festival winners will receive a 4-month InkTip Pro Membership.
(As an InkTip Pro Member, thousands of filmmakers can find and read your scripts, and you'll be able to pitch directly to production companies every week. With over 3,000 options and 400 movies made, InkTip is the place for independent film.)

Rules & Terms

ALL WORK NEEDS TO BE APPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN:

MY HERO will not accept films that promote hatred, violence, or intolerance. We strive to be an all-ages friendly site, so please keep that in mind when submitting a film for consideration. Work submitted to this film festival must celebrate a hero, explore concepts of heroism, or examine hero-related topics.

-All work must be original, unless you have the express written consent of the original owner for use in your work.
- Only videos 10 MINUTES AND UNDER will be accepted. This includes excerpts from longer works.
- Acceptable film formats: Links to work in Vimeo preferred, Youtube accepted. Prefer public links (no passwords please).

Rights & Clearances

By submitting your film to MY HERO, you grant MY HERO permission and rights to place your film, if accepted, in its entirety on the MY HERO film festival website. You also grant MY HERO rights to publish selected screenshots from your work on the MY HERO website and in promotional materials. You also grant MY HERO non-exclusive rights to use your film for promotional and educational purposes.

1. Ownership: You keep ownership of your film.

2. What you agree to by submitting: By submitting, you give MY HERO permission to review your film forjudging and selection, and to share the film with MY HERO staff, reviewers, and judges for that purpose.

3. Submission requirements: You confirm you have authority to submit the film. You provide accurate credits and contact details. You provide a FilmFreeway screener or a Vimeo or YouTube link for judging, including any required password. Submissions are not confidential.

4. Promotion if selected or awarded: If your film is selected or receives an award, you grant MY HERO a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use the film title, synopsis, credits, filmmaker name,trailer, still images, poster art, and short excerpts from the film to promote the film and the festival on MY HERO websites, MY HERO social channels, press materials, and partner communications.

5. Rights and releases: You confirm you cleared the rights needed for your submission and for the uses above, including music, footage, images, performances, and participant permissions, including parent or guardian consent for minors where required. MY HERO may request proof of permissions if a rights question comes up.

6. AI and third-party disclosure: You disclose any generative AI used in the film and any stock or third-party media included in the film.

32 Reviews
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  • DCTV Youth Media

    This was an amazing festival. Our students had a great time participating as well as getting their stories out there!

    January 2025
    Helpful
  • Meera Chaudhary

    My film 50 to 350 was selected as honorable mention in the festival, i had a great experience with teh festival..wishing them growth year by year

    December 2024
    Helpful
  • Katalin Egely

    Excellent communication and kind organizers.

    November 2024
    Helpful
  • Christine + Marc Sonvilla + Graf

    We enjoyed being a part of this festival!

    November 2024
    Helpful
  • Katherine Liao

    Such as incredible festival! I am honored to receive Best of Fest from My Hero Project 2024. The festival is well-organized, and the staff member is very kind and supportive throughout the event. Amazed to see inspirational heroes on camera and in real life. Definitely considering submitting again!

    November 2024
    Helpful