2026 MY HERO International Film Festival Announces People's Choice Award Finalists

People's ChoiceMaria

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Contact:

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

2026 MY HERO International Film Festival Announces People's Choice Award Finalists

LAGUNA BEACH, CA – NOVEMBER 11, 2026

The finalists for the 2026 MY HERO International Film Festival People's Choice Award have been announced!

Audiences are invited to watch a selection of outstanding films celebrating heroism, courage, compassion and the power of the human spirit, and then cast their vote for their favorite.

The films are best suited for viewers aged 13 and up, with a combined running time of 30 minutes and 32 seconds.

Voting closes on November 29, 2026 Cast your vote online here.

For Teachers and Educators: A MY HERO Public Voting – Teacher's Guide is available to help educators introduce the films and voting process to their students.

Finalists

Shoreline Story directed by: Isaac Nelson

Rebuilding a Coastal EcoSystem - How a Young Conservationist Is Restoring the Jupiter Inlet.

Coach Pancake directed by: Gabriel Olson

A former soccer star finds his calling working with 2 to 7 year old children to find their confidence and skills on and off the field.

Fish for the Future directed by:  Matthew Benton

Multiple agencies and volunteers come together after the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, CA to rescue an endangered fish population before they are threatened to be completely wiped out by an upcoming mudslide.

18 Months directed by: Paulo Garcia and Natalia Gouvea

“18 Months” is a true story about the unexpected paths to becoming a family.

I REFUSE TO KILL directed by: Francesco Da Vinci

This is the story of Francesco Da Vinci's conscientious objection to the Vietnam War, and how he formed a peace group - Nonviolent Action - that became a national movement.

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