Mattie Stepanek Poetic Film Prize

About the Award

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. 💖🌈

Jeni Stepanek presents this prize to celebrate Mattie's legacy and the power of poetic storytelling. ✨📜

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.

Why Submit Your Poetry Film?
Celebrate the power of poetic storytelling.
Honor Mattie Stepanek’s legacy of hope and peace.
Showcase your work in a festival that values creativity and heart.

 Students submit for FREE!
Email us at [email protected] for your waiver code.

Who Was Mattie Stepanek?
Mattie Stepanek was a young poet whose words touched the hearts of many. Though his life was brief, his powerful messages of hope and peace continue to inspire people around the world. This prize is offered by his mother, Jeni Stepanek, to keep his legacy alive.

Instructions for Students on How to Create Your Visualized Poem

Ready to bring poetry to life on screen? Here’s how you can create a visualized poem for the Mattie Stepanek Poetic Film Prize:

1. With Voiceover (VO):
Record a voice reading the poem.
Pair it with public domain images, or use your own photos and videos to illustrate the poem’s meaning.

2. Text on Screen:
Write the poem using the text/title tool in your video editor.
Combine it with public domain images or your own visuals to enhance the poem’s message.

3. Metaphorical Expression:
Use images and music as metaphors to express the poem’s emotions, letting the visuals and sound convey the essence of your poem.

Important:
Make sure you have permission to use the poem, or ensure it’s in the public domain. 

How to Enter 🎬

1. Create Your Visual Poem: Focus on conveying messages of hope and peace.
2. Submit Your Film: Follow the submission guidelines on our website.
3. Meet the Deadline: Ensure your submission is in by June 1st!

Create with heart. Inspire with poetry. Honor a legacy. 🌟🎥

Good luck, and we can’t wait to see your inspiring visual poems! 🌈✨