WELCOME TO THE HUMANITY RISING FILM FESTIVAL

One story can change the world!

One story can change the world!

Are you ready to spark change through the power of storytelling?

Humanity Rising invites high school students nationwide to step behind the camera and use their voice to make a meaningful impact. Our Film Festival is your chance to create a powerful, purpose-driven film on issues like bullying and inclusion, youth mental health, homelessness, and more. Share your vision, raise awareness, and show how young changemakers can lead the way in creating a more compassionate and better world.

Tickets for the Film Festival at Wayfarer Theaters on Monday, October 13, 2025 from 6pm-9pm CST. Free, but Advanced Registration is Required to Guarantee a Ticket

Select the 7:00 pm showing to reserve tickets.  Doors open at 6pm CST so please arrive early for the Meet & Greet!

Humanity Rising Film Festival was an incredible experience. I was blown away by the talent and creativity of the other filmmakers, and it was surreal to see The Man in the Green and Gold Suit on the big screen. I was honored to receive the Sponsor’s Choice Award and so grateful to be part of such a fun, supportive festival. I highly recommend Humanity Rising to any student filmmaker looking for a welcoming space to share their work.

Kady Serlin, Humanity Rising Award Winning Student Filmmaker

Topics

Anti-Bullying/Inclusion

Mental Health/Coping Strategies

Hunger/Homelessness/Poverty

The Environment / Taking Care of the Planet

Other Social Cause

Film Awards

Best Picture Award
$2500 Scholarship to an individual or school club 

Audience Choice Award
(Live Voting at Event)
$1500 Scholarship to an individual or school club 

*More Awards to Be Announced as Sponsors Join Our Cause!!

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

Criteria

  • You must be enrolled in 9th-12th grades to be considered.
  • You must provide proof of enrollment that you attend your high school or homeschool with your submission
  • 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? No political content can be accepted at this time. The film can be in any genre – whether a documentary, comedy, animation, drama, or whatever your mind creates. Submissions must also include:
    • Brief synopsis of your film (three or more sentences that summarizes the topic, meaning and/or story)
    • Director’s Statement that states your reason for selecting the topic, any background information preferred, how this film shows a solution to the challenges presented in the film
  • Non-English films must have English subtitles

**Review rules on FilmFreeway before getting started as there are more details

Dates

Submissions open on
June 1, 2025

Submission Deadline is
September 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM CST

The festival will take place on Monday, October 13, 2025. A virtual film festival and additional film panels with student filmmakers from across the country will take place in late October 2025 and beyond.

Show us your vision of a more compassionate world!

Humanity Rising Film Festival sign next to Wayfarer Theater sign in the lobby of the theater

Join us on

October 13, 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