Copy of CALL FOR ENTRIES – Mattie Stepanek Poetry Prize 2025

CONTACT: JEANNE MEYERS                                                                           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Co-founder/Director
The MY HERO Project
[email protected]
949-376-5964

CALL FOR ENTRIES - The Mattie Stepanek Poetic Film Prize 

Deadline September 1st 2025 

MARCH 05, 2025 – LAGUNA BEACH, CA – The Mattie Stepanek Poetic Film Prize honors filmmakers who craft visual poems to share messages of hope and peace. This award is in memory of Mattie Stepanek, whose heartfelt poetry touched thousands of lives with its messages of love and optimism. 

Mattie was a young, best-selling poet and peace activist who encouraged everyone to ‘listen to their heart song and to play after every storm." He died at age 14 of dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy, a condition similar to muscular dystrophy, but not before making his mark. As a poet, peace activist, and motivational speaker, Stepanek earned a global following. He was friends with Oprah Winfrey, and former president Jimmy Carter called him “the most extraordinary person who I have ever known.” Stepanek encouraged everyone to sing the song in their heart.

“A heartsong doesn’t have to be a song. It can be your message, your feeling—some people might even call it a conscience. Even though that’s not really what it is. It’s what you feel you need to do.” - Mattie J.T. Stepanek

Jeni Stepanek presents this prize to celebrate Mattie's legacy and the power of poetic storytelling. The final deadline to submit is September 1st. Winners will be announced at the 21st Annual MY HERO International Film Festival in November 2025. 

What We’re Looking For:
 Visual Poems: Films that bring poetry to life through powerful visuals and storytelling.
 Messages of Hope: Projects that inspire and uplift, spreading positivity in a meaningful way.
Peaceful Themes: Films that promote peace, unity, and understanding

Find out more and view last year's Winners here:

myhero.com/mattie-stepanek-poetry-prize

To view all of the 2024 award-winning films, go to: myhero.com/films/winners2024 

About the MY HERO International Film Festival

Now in its 21st 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. For more details, please visit myhero.com/FilmFestival

To submit a film, go to: filmfreeway.com/MYHEROIFF

 STUDENTS SUBMIT FOR FREE - email for code: [email protected]

The MY HERO International Film Festival is part of The MY HERO Project, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to sharing stories, art, music, and short films about everyday heroes throughout the world. Since 1995, MY HERO has hosted the world's largest archive of hero stories, and MY HERO resources are used in classrooms and after-school programs in 197 countries. Learn more at myhero.com.