WELCOME TO THE HUMANITY RISING FILM FESTIVAL

One story can change the world!

One story can change the world!

Are you ready to inspire others and make a difference? Humanity Rising invites high school students to participate in our film contest. This is your chance to create a powerful film that tackles the themes of bullying and inclusion-showing how youth can lead the way to a more compassionate, inclusive world.

Topic

Bullying & Inclusion

Win a $2,500 Scholarship or a donation to your school’s club!*

Film Awards

Best Picture Award
$2500 Scholarship

Sponsor Choice Award
$1500 Scholarship

Audience Choice Award
(Live Voting at Event)
$1000 Scholarship

*Scholarships can be used for college or trade school
For group awards, it can be a donation to your school’s club

Criteria

  • High school students nationwide
  • Individual or group submission
  • 3-15 minute film length
  • All films must have a “PG-13” or lower rating. Think to yourself, is this something I would present at my high school for parents, teachers, and students?
  • Can be any category, whether a documentary, animation, drama, or whatever your mind creates
  • No political content
  • Review rules on FilmFreeway before getting started as there are more details

Dates

Submissions open on
Friday, December 20, 2024 at 12:00 AM CST

Submission Deadline is
Friday, April 4th at 11:59 PM CST

Finalist Notification Date by
Monday, April 21st

In person and virtual festival begins
Monday, May 5th at 6:00 PM CST

This is more than a contest; it’s your opportunity to create meaningful change.

Show us your vision of a world without bullying!

Join us on

May 5, 2025

In Person Location

Wayfarer Theater Highland Park

1850 2nd St, Highland Park, IL 60035

Reception
6:00 PM CST – 7:00 PM CST

Film Begins
7:00 PM CST – 8:30 PM CST

Panel Discussion
8:30 PM CST – 9:00 PM CST

Virtual Location

Link will be sent prior to event

Audience members will vote live to determine the Audience Choice Award winner. Plus, finalists will have their films featured in Humanity Rising’s cutting-edge 3D Metaverse theater for even more visibility!

Thank you to our sponsors

For supporting young changemakers in creating a more compassionate world

Partner with our Festival Today

Your Participation Will Be Shared With Thousands of Students Throughout the Chicagoland Area and Beyond

Let the Next Generation of Employees Know What You Stand For!

Legacy
$25,000+

  • Includes $10,000 in scholarships awarded to outstanding young change makers in 2025

  • CEO or company representative introduces event in person or virtually

  • Best picture award named after your company

  • Best picture winner will create promo film for your company

  • Reserved 12 tickets for in person or virtual event

  • Logo featured prominently on theater screen and all marketing materials

Impact
$15,000+

  • Includes $5,000 in scholarships awarded to outstanding young change makers in 2025

  • Short promotional video of your company played at event

  • Anti-Bullying presentation for employees

  • Reserved 10 tickets for in person or virtual event

  • Logo featured on all marketing materials including on the theater screen

Change Maker
$10,000+

  • Includes $2,000 scholarship awarded to an outstanding young change maker in 2025

  • Employees watch and vote early on films

  • Reserved 8 tickets for in person or virtual event

  • Logo featured on all marketing materials including on the theater screen

Proud Supporter
$5,000+

  • Includes $1,000 Scholarship awarded to an outstanding young change maker in 2025

  • VIP access to red carpet

  • Reserved 6 tickets for in person or virtual

  • Logo featured on all marketing materials including on the theater screen

Custom
Package

  • Opportunities to explore combinations of the previous packages

  • Fee TBD

HELP EMPOWER YOUTH TO CREATE A MORE COMPASSIONATE WORLD

Learn More