SUBMIT YOUR FILM NOW • Selected Films May Be Featured in Virtual Screenings Before the April Festival!

WELCOME TO THE HUMANITY RISING FILM FESTIVAL

One story can change the world!

One story can change the world!

A year-round platform for young filmmakers creating positive social change

HUMANITY RISING FILM FESTIVAL 2027

April 12, 2027 | Wayfarer Theater | Highland Park, Illinois

Your story has the power to make a difference.

The Humanity Rising Film Festival celebrates high school students using film to shine a light on important issues, inspire positive change and help create a more compassionate world.

We welcome social impact films about the issues and causes that matter to young people, with a special focus on bullying prevention, becoming an upstander, youth mental health and well-being, belonging, and solutions that help create kinder, safer and more connected schools and communities.

Whether your film is a documentary, narrative, animation or another form of creative storytelling, we want to see the world through your eyes.

Submit your film now for the opportunity to be featured before the April festival! Selected films may be showcased in Humanity Rising virtual screenings, our 3D Metaverse Theater, school and community events, and other Humanity Rising programs leading up to our signature in-person festival. Selected filmmakers may also be invited to participate in virtual panels and conversations about their films—providing opportunities to gain recognition, share their voice and build their filmmaking portfolio.

The season culminates with the Humanity Rising Film Festival on April 12, 2027, at the Wayfarer Theater in Highland Park, Illinois, where finalist films will be screened and celebrated and scholarship awards will be presented.

“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 & Well-Being

Virtues & Courage

Inclusion & Belonging

Social Challenges such as Homelessness and Hunger

Community Impact

Acts of Service

Kindness Initiatives

Stories of Hope, Healing & Unity

Film Awards

HUMANITY RISING GRAND PRIZE
$2500 Scholarship or Donation

RISE UP AWARD
$1500 Scholarship or Donation

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

*Individual winners receive scholarships that may be used for college or trade school. For group projects, awards may be made as donations to the students’ school club or another approved organization.

*Awards will be announced at the Humanity Rising Film Festival at the Wayfarer Theater in Highland Park, Illinois, on April 12, 2027. Students do not need to attend in person to be eligible to win.

Criteria

  • You must be currently enrolled in grades 9-12 to be eligible.
  • If selected as a finalist, you must provide proof of current high school or homeschool enrollment upon request.
  • All films must be appropriate for a high school audience (PG-13 or below). Consider whether your film would be appropriate to screen for students, parents and educators at a middle or high school. Political content will not be accepted. Films may be submitted in any genre, including documentary, narrative, comedy, drama, animation or other forms of creative storytelling.

Submissions must also include:

  • A brief synopsis of your film (three or more sentences summarizing the topic, meaning and/or story).
  • A Director’s Statement explaining why you selected the topic, any relevant background information, and how your film explores potential solutions or positive change.
  • Non-English films must have English subtitles.

**Please review the complete rules and submission requirements on FilmFreeway before submitting your film.

Important Dates

Submissions Open: September 15, 2026

Submission Deadline: February 15, 2027 at 11:59 PM CST

Finalists Announced: March 15, 2027

Festival Date: April 12, 2027 at Wayfarer Theater in Highland Park, Illinois

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

April 12, 2027

In-Person Location

Wayfarer Theater Highland Park

1850 2nd St, Highland Park, IL 60035

Finalist films will be screened and celebrated at the Wayfarer Theater, where the Grand Prize and RISE UP Award will be presented and the Audience Choice Award will be determined through live audience voting. Students do not need to attend in person to be eligible to win.

ONGOING VIRTUAL SCREENINGS

Don’t wait until April to share your story! Humanity Rising will host virtual film screenings leading up to the in-person festival, giving selected student filmmakers opportunities to have their work seen, gain recognition and connect with audiences. Selected filmmakers may also be invited to participate in virtual panels and conversations about their films, and selected films may be showcased in Humanity Rising’s 3D Metaverse Theater for even more visibility.

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

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