Blog
FILMS
DONATE

The MY HERO International Film Festival is now in its 20th year!

This unique festival brings together professional and youth filmmakers who honor local and global heroes working for positive change in the world. Prizes are awarded to elementary, middle school, high school, college and professionals in a variety of categories including: documentary, narrative, music video, animation, experimental, and more. Now more than ever, children, teachers, and parents yearn for messages of hope and courage to face the challenges that lie ahead. The MY HERO Film Festival celebrates stories highlighting remarkable individuals, children and adults alike. These stories remind us that we all have the potential to overcome great obstacles and achieve our dreams by following in the footsteps of our heroes.

The 20th Anniversary Celebration will be in person!

November 15 & 16 @ the Ann and Jerry Moss Theater at

New Roads School in Santa Monica, California!

~

Next Deadline: June 1st, 2024

Final Deadline: September 1st, 2024

Festival Rules, Guidelines and Information

Click here to download the MY HERO International Film Festival Call for Entries Postcard.

        Guidelines

MY HERO will not accept films that promote hatred, violence, or intolerance. We strive to be an all-ages friendly site, so please keep that in mind when submitting a film for consideration. Work submitted to this film festival must celebrate a hero, explore concepts of heroism, or explore hero-related topics.

Rights & Clearances 

By submitting your film to MY HERO, you grant MY HERO permission and rights to place your film, if accepted, in its entirety on the MY HERO film festival website.

By submitting your film to MY HERO, you grant MY HERO permission and rights to publish selected screen shots from your work on the MY HERO Web site and in promotional materials. You also grant MY HERO non-exclusive rights to use your film or excerpts of your film in promotional and educational outreach opportunities, including the MY HERO Portal on the Google Cultural Institute!


Deadlines & Fees:

March 1st - Early Deadline - $25

June 1st - Regular Deadline - $30

August 1st - Late Deadline - $30

September 1st -  FINAL Deadline - $35

       The Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award has an early deadline of May 1st.  

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

       Forms:

Download the Release Form
Download the Parental Consent Form (for people under the age of 18.)

Rules: 

1. All footage, video graphics/pictures, and audio (including sound bites, music, etc.) MUST be original, unless you have express written consent of the original owner for use in your work. We will not knowingly accept a movie that contains uncleared material.

2. Only films 10 minutes and under will be accepted.

    • Downloadable HD link to your film in Vimeo preferred (if your film is in YouTube we will request a Vimeo link), or a download so that we can upload your movie to the MY HERO Vimeo channel (always crediting the filmmaker).
    • If your film requires a password, we will request a PUBLIC version if your film becomes a winner.
    • If you cannot have your film publicly available, then please do not submit to our festival, or please create a version that can be publicly available. 
      • Winning films are used in lesson plans and featured content to enrich learning for students around the world, this is why we put the films on our website.

3. Selected works must be cleared for exhibition on the MY HERO website.

Prizes:

      • Certificates are given to all first place winners. 
      • Selected winners will receive sponsored prizes.
      • Cash prizes are available for most Special Awards

 

CLICK HERE for Details about the Special Awards

 

MY HERO Film Festival is a winner of the Anthem Community Voice Award!

 

VIEW EXCERPTS AND STILLS FROM THE 2023 FILM FESTIVAL

VIEW THE FULL ZOOM Recordings of the

2023 FILM FESTIVAL EVENTS BY CLICKING THE IMAGES BELOW

  •  


Watch a sizzle about the MY HERO International Film Festival

CLICK HERE to view the FILM FESTIVAL INTRODUCTION VIDEO

CLICK HERE to view an overview video about the Film Festival & Media Arts Education Program

Click image below to access our FREE Media Arts Education resources

Click here for: Media Arts Production resources by grade

A special thank you to our Prize Sponsors - SHURE Microphones & ThinkTank Photo & InkTip!

For sponsorship opportunities click here

  •  

The MY HERO Project
International Film Festival
1278 Glenneyre #286
Laguna Beach, CA 92651 U.S.A.

For additional INFORMATION contact:
[email protected]