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Media Contact:

Jeanne Meyers
Co-founder/Director
The MY HERO Project
[email protected]

2026 MY HERO International Film Festival Announces Films for a Young Audience Ballot

The 2026 MY HERO International Film Festival Films for a Young Audience Ballot invites young viewers to discover inspiring stories of courage, kindness, creativity and making a difference.

Featuring a selection of short films from this year's festival, the program is suitable for elementary school students, but has plenty to offer viewers of all ages.

The films have a combined running time of 28 minutes and 55 seconds.

Voting closes on November 29, 2026.

After watching the films, young audiences are invited to vote for their favorite. Cast your vote online here.

For Teachers and Educators: The MY HERO Public Voting – Teacher's Guide

provides helpful information for introducing the films and voting process in the classroom.

Finalists

First Winter directed by: Schantelle Alonzo

Ángel is a newly arrived immigrant who is experiencing his first winter in Chicago. 

Spotlight directed by: Audrey He-Qing Cheng

In the dance studio, we spin and sway, Like peacocks bright in a joyful way. With graceful moves and smiles so wide, We dance like butterflies, hearts open wide.

The Detectorists directed by: Sarah-Jane Walsh

The Detectorists is a coming-of-age story about Cariad, a young detection dog learning to use her powerful nose to help protect wildlife.

Ace directed by: Bruno Simões

When a fire starts at Joe's building, endangering everyone's lives, his guide dog Ace risks his own life in order to save the day.

Jacques Cousteau – The Man Who Opened the Ocean directed by: Alina Winopal

A short animated portrait of Jacques Cousteau — the man who opened the ocean to the world.

The Everyday Hero directed by: Leslie Kao

What if the greatest superpower wasn't strength—but kindness? The Everyday Hero is a heartfelt short film created by young filmmakers that reveals how simple acts of compassion can transform lives.

A Chance to PLAY directed by: Los Angeles Barea

This video highlights how FIFA 2026 is more than just a football tournament. 

Cast your vote online here.

About MY HERO International Film Festival

Now in its 22nd year, the MY HERO International Film Festival continues to celebrate both unsung and well-known heroes whose stories of resilience and hope inspire a global learning community. This unique festival unites professional and youth filmmakers who use their craft to drive positive change in the world.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, prizes are awarded across multiple categories—including documentary, narrative, music video, animation, experimental, and more - recognizing outstanding work from elementary, middle school, high school, college, and professional filmmakers.

To view all of the 2025 award-winning films, go to: /films/winners2025

For more details about MY HERO's International Film Festival, please visit: myhero.com/FilmFestival