Deadline for submission for the Spring Virtual Film Festival is April 15, 2026!
WELCOME TO THE HUMANITY RISING FILM FESTIVAL
One story can change the world!
One story can change the world!
HUMANITY RISING SPRING 2026 VIRTUAL FILM FESTIVAL
Hosted in the Humanity Rising 3D Metaverse Theater — May 17, 2026
Theme: Virtues in Action — Stories that Illuminate the Best of Humanity
This festival celebrates stories that embody virtues—the qualities that create a more compassionate, kind, and united world. We are looking for short films that showcase virtues such as Courage, Compassion, Unity, Empathy, Kindness, and Hope.
If your film shines a light on the goodness we are capable of—and how young people can use these virtues to uplift one another—we want to see it.
“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.”
Topics
Anti-Bullying / youth Mental Health /Virtues & moral courage / inclusion & belonging / social challenges like homelessness, hunger, or kindness initiatives / community impact / acts of service / stories of healing and unity
Film Awards
BEST PICTURE AWARD
$2500 Scholarship to an individual or school club
SIGNATURE FOCUS AWARD (Bullying and Youth Mental Health)
$1500 Scholarship to an individual or school club
AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD
(Live Voting at Event)
$1000 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
December 7, 2025
Submission Deadline is
April 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST
The festival will take place on May, 17, 2026. A virtual film festival and additional film panels with student filmmakers from across the country will take place in late October 2026 and beyond.
Show us your vision of a more compassionate world!
Join us on
October 2026
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 400,000+ students across the country, including 165+ CPS high schools!
Presenting Partner
$50,000
Impact Partner
$25,000
Inspiration Partner
$10,000
Changemaker Partner
Under $10,000
