ConnectHER Film Festival opportunities for filmmakers aged 13–25 are available for the upcoming 2026 competition. The submission period for the next festival opened on July 1, 2025, with a deadline of October 1, 2025. Filmmakers are invited to submit short films (3–6 minutes long) that address issues affecting women and girls.
Submission details
The ConnectHER Film Festival accepts short films (3–6 minutes) in various formats, including animated, documentary, and narrative. Films must be original works, completed after January 1, 2025, and cannot have been screened at other major film festivals.
Eligibility:
- Age: Filmmakers must be between 13 and 25 years old on the date of submission. All crew members who contributed significantly to the film, such as screenwriting, directing, cinematography, and editing, must also meet this age requirement.
- Proof of enrollment: If selected as a finalist, filmmakers may be required to provide proof of enrollment in a high school or undergraduate program. Special exceptions may be considered for youth who are not in school.
Submission requirements:
- Thematic focus: Films must address one or more of the festival’s key themes, such as gender inequality, access to education, global health, climate action, economic empowerment, or the effects of war and conflict.
- Film format: Submissions must be in .mov or .mp4 format, and English subtitles are required for all films.
- Local organizations: Filmmakers must include a graphic at the end of their film that highlights two local, national, or regional organizations working on solutions related to the film’s topic.
Award categories and prizes
The 2026 festival, like its predecessor, will award thousands of dollars in prizes to winning filmmakers. The award categories align with the festival’s focus on women’s issues and social impact.
Potential award categories for 2026:
- Judges’ Choice
- Best Documentary
- Best Narrative
- Best Animation
- People’s Choice
- Global Impact
- Stand Up Men
- Women & Work
- Educating Girls
- Women & Health
- Women & the Environment
How to submit
Filmmakers can submit their films via the official ConnectHER Film Festival website.
- Create your film: Develop a short film (3–6 minutes) focusing on an issue affecting women and girls, ensuring it was completed after January 1, 2025.
- Add organization graphics: Include a graphic at the end crediting two relevant organizations working on solutions.
- Submit online: Use the submission link on the ConnectHER website before the October 1, 2025 deadline.
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