Deadline for submission for the Fall Virtual Film Festival is September 15, 2026!

WELCOME TO THE HUMANITY RISING FILM FESTIVAL

One story can change the world!

One story can change the world!

HUMANITY RISING FALL 2026 VIRTUAL FILM FESTIVAL

Hosted in the Humanity Rising 3D Metaverse Theater — October 25, 2026

Theme: Virtues in Action — Stories that Illuminate the Best of Humanity (with a special signature focus on bullying prevention and youth mental well-being).

This festival celebrates virtues in action—the qualities that create a more compassionate, kind, and united world, brought to life through causes that matter to you. We invite films that bring compassion to life through virtues such as courage, empathy, kindness, resilience, integrity, gratitude, hope, forgiveness, and unity.

Selected finalists will be invited to participate in the virtual film festival, where they will have the opportunity to discuss their film and take part in a live panel discussion with fellow filmmakers. Finalists are encouraged to reserve the festival date on their calendars in anticipation of this opportunity.

“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

Bullying & cyberbullying / youth Mental Health /Virtues & moral courage / inclusion & belonging / social challenges like homelessness, hunger, or kindness initiatives / community impact / acts of service / stories of hope, healing, and unity

Film Awards

HUMANITY RISING GRAND PRIZE
$2500 Scholarship or Donation

VIRTUES IN ACTION AWARD
$1500 Scholarship or Donation

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD
(Live Voting at Event)
$1000 Scholarship or Donation

*Individual winners receive scholarships. Group projects may receive donations to their school club or approved organization.

*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 will be accepted. 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

Important Dates

Submissions open: July 15, 2026

Submission Deadline: September 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST

Notification Deadline: October 15, 2026

The festival will take place on October 25, 2026 – 6pm-8pm CST – Online.

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

In-Person Festival Coming Spring 2027

In Person Location

Wayfarer Theater Highland Park

1850 2nd St, Highland Park, IL 60035

Selected films submitted to the October 2026 Humanity Rising Film Festival may also be featured on the big screen at our in-person festival in May 2027 (date to be announced) at the Wayfarer Theater in Highland Park, Illinois.

More details about the in-person festival will be announced soon.

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

HELP EMPOWER YOUTH TO CREATE A MORE COMPASSIONATE WORLD

Learn More