This Festival promotes youth voices in the media arts and advances the media arts industry in the Greater Washington, D.C. area. The Festival focuses on young media artists creating works around cultural, community, autobiographical, or social justice topics. The event takes place every May in Silver Spring, Maryland.

To submit your artwork or video, you have a couple of options:
•You can submit your work via FilmFreeway.
•Alternatively, you can click on the link below which will prompt you to provide information about the work and yourself in more detail:

https://www.youthmediamd.org/mocoyouthmediafestival

Awards & Prizes

The Festival welcomes participation from middle and high school students, as well as young adults up to age 25. Prizes for selected entries include cash rewards, as well as the opportunity for a feature in Action Youth Media's annual installation displayed in the public lobby at 900 Wayne Ave in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Rules & Terms

FESTIVAL DETAILS:

Submission Deadline:
April 29, 2024 11:59 pm
​
Festival Date:
Saturday, May 18, 2024, 11:00am-1:00pm
​
Submission Mediums:
•Fine Art
•Photography
•Graphic Design
•Documentary Short
​​
Submission Theme/Topic Choices:​
•Narrative
•Social justice
•Cultural or community
​
Grand Prize:
$500
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FAQ’s:
​
Who can participate?
•Middle and high school students from across the DC/MD/VA region are invited to participate in the competition as well as young adults ages 18-25. ​
•Those who do not live in the region will not be selected.

To submit your artwork or video, you have a couple of options:
•You can submit your work via FilmFreeway.
•Alternatively, you can click on the link below which will prompt you to provide information about the work and yourself in more detail: https://www.youthmediamd.org/mocoyouthmediafestival
•For photographs of fine art, ensure that the images are in high resolution and in either jpg or png format.

You can submit the following types of work:
•Documentary short films
•Photography
•Fine art
•Graphic design
•Please note that sculpture submissions are not accepted this year.

How many submissions can I make?
•Individuals are limited to submitting only one piece for one category and age group.

How long can the video be?
•Minimum length for films is 30 seconds.
•The maximum length for films is 4 minutes.

When will I hear back about my submission?
•Participants will be notified of acceptance no later than Friday, May 3.

​If you have additional questions, please contact us at info@youthmediamd.org
​GOOD LUCK!
2 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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  • Dean Gofnung

    Thank you so much for letting my film be a part of the festival!

    April 2023
    Helpful
  • Asher Anantham

    This is my "hometown" festival so I am clearly biased, but it gives a great opportunity to young filmmakers to show their work. It is very well organized. I am thankful for having this festival.

    April 2023
    Helpful