Program Length: One-time submission per cycle (3–5 minute short film)

Sponsor: Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, in partnership with the American Federation of Teachers and the Tribeca Festival

Location: Open to students worldwide. Winning films are featured at a special showcase at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City.

Admissions Requirements:  Open to middle school, high school, and college students. No prior filmmaking experience or expensive equipment is required to participate

Admissions Deadline: Early May

Highlight: One of the most important considerations in society in the 21st century is the issue of human rights and the power of free expression. The ability to freely express opinion, thought and religion internationally towards a wide range of people is the power of human rights. In the Speak Truth to Power video contest, middle and high school students create a 5 minute video on a human rights defender who has worked on advancing a specific human right. This video contest allows students to showcase their skills in a variety of ways; students can opt for a documentary, stop motion video, narrative, digital photo essay and more, and can use any technological devices to showcase their creative techniques (iPad, Laptop, etc). For this human rights video contest, students must answer questions on the website. Visit the video contest guidelines and resources page for more information about how to submit your film.  Applications open as early as September with a deadline of the following April. Winners of this video contest have their videos screened at the Tribeca Film Festival and are rewarded with a trip to New York to attend and watch their film premiere. They are also awarded the Robert. F Kennedy Human Rights prize. So if you want to empower human rights that are close to your heart, find a way to speak your truth and be sure to sign up for this Speak Truth to Power Experience!

Cost: None