FILM GUILD

Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Share Your Film with Me for Submission to the Film Festivals

IMPORTANT RUBRIC - MAKE SURE YOUR FILM HAS ALL THESE COMPONENTS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR JUDGING POINTS

2026 IVIE AWARD CATEGORIES! 

Short Narrative (Animation) (Grades K-12)
Short narrative films on any topic or style that are not covered in any category below. Areas may include, but are not limited to: humanities, history, literature, religion, language, art, music, experimental film, philosophy, sociopolitical or personal stories. Entries must be 5 minutes or less and animated.

Music Video (Grades K-12)
Create a music video for an original musical work or a sound recording. Submitters must have explicit authorization to use the song in music video format and may not be in violation of any copyright infringement. We encourage submitters to be the producers of the musical work or sound recording, or use songs from the public domain! Song lyrics may not contain profanity, hate speech, or derogatory statements. Lyrics must be submitted for approval. Entries must be 3-4 minutes or less. We encourage educators to review the following resource for guidelines on copyrights and fair use. https://www.theedublogger.com/copyright-fair-use-and-creative-commons/

Best Tik Tok Video (Grades K-12) - “Tik Tok for Good”
Inspire and encourage a new generation to have a positive impact on the planet and those around them. Feel empowered to use social media for progressive change! Use this page for inspiration: https://www.tiktok.com/forgood?lang=en These videos MAY NOT include: profanity, vandalism, assault, and/or explicit content. Videos must be suitable for ALL ages. Video’s must be 1-2 minutes in length.

Short Narrative Live Action (Grades K-12)

Short narrative films on any topic or style that is not included below. Areas may include, but are not limited to: humanities, history, literature, religion, language, art, music, experimental film, philosophy, sociopolitical or personal stories. Entries must be 5 minutes or less.

PSA (Public Service Announcement) (Grades K-12)

A 30-60 second video that raises public awareness around any issue. Issues can vary, but we suggest themes such as climate change, overcoming addiction, digital citizenship, cyberbullying, social media safety, and participating responsibly in our digital world. Entries must be 60 seconds or less.

DIY (Do It Yourself) (Grades K-12)

Inspire others and give them the “How-to” skills. Teach, fix something, solve, make, cook, and be creative. Share your brand. Healthy DIY challenges are welcome. Entries must be 3 minutes or less.

Diversity and Inclusion (Grades K-12)

Tell a story celebrating San Diego County's rich cultural, ethnic, racial, LGBTQ+ diversity. Videos can be bilingual and/or can tell a story in a language other than English that illustrates a unique aspect of the culture/community where that language is spoken. Must include English subtitles. Films tackling migration and refugees/asylees are welcome. Entries must be 5 minutes or less.

Replaces the above: LGBTQ+ Stories (Grades K-12) 

Create a film that reflects the diverse experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. Entries must be 5 minutes or less.

News Story (Grades K-12)

A single nonfiction story about current events and/or issues important to a community. Please submit only the segment you want judged, not an entire newscast. Entries must 5 minutes or less.

Documentary (Grades K-12)

Use video, pictures, or interviews with people involved in real events to provide a factual record or report. Entries must be 5 minutes or less.

STEAM (Grades K-12)

A film whose theme illustrates real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, arts, and/or mathematics. The film can include one or more STEAM topics. It can be documentary or short narrative style. Entries must be 3 minutes or less. 

Social Justice (Grades K-12)

Create films that spotlight and promote a culture of equity, justice, and inclusion. Entries must be 5 minutes or less.

IMPORTANT DATES!

ALL FILMS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN:  MARCH 11TH

In order to submit to the three film festivals, you MUST complete the following:

1. Film must be submitted to me - instructions are at this link on how to submit it

2. You MUST fill out this form: FESTIVAL SUBMISSION FORM

3. You MUST have the above completed by March 11.

4. Make sure you have your photo releases signed and turned in.