Humanity Rising Film Festival

About the Program

Films should inspire compassion or positive social change, particularly around bullying prevention, youth well-being, belonging, community service, and other social causes. Documentaries, narrative films, animation, and other short-film formats are welcome.

The announced awards are $2,500 Grand Prize, $1,500 RISE UP Award, and $1,000 Audience Choice Award. Individual awards support college or trade school; group awards may be donations to an eligible school club or approved organization.

The published festival rules do not explicitly state geographic eligibility. Confirm country eligibility with the organizer before submitting.

Sources verified October 26, 2026: official festival page, organizer-managed FilmFreeway rules, and Humanity Rising.

Eligibility

Students may enter individually or as a student team. Films should generally run 3–10 minutes, have English subtitles if not in English, and be appropriate for high-school audiences (PG-13 or below). Filmmakers need rights and permissions for copyrighted material. The website excludes political content; FilmFreeway specifically prohibits advocacy for political candidates or parties. Current grades 9–12, including homeschool; proof of enrollment may be requested.

How to Apply

Submit via https://filmfreeway.com/HRFF with participant contact details, school, grade/graduation year, a synopsis of at least three sentences, and a Director's Statement explaining the topic and intended positive change. Submission grants screening and promotional permissions; filmmakers retain ownership. Contact HRFF@HumanityRising.org with eligibility questions.