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Student & Emerging Filmmaker Competitions

Debuting in 2016, the Student and Emerging Filmmaker Competitions gives filmmakers the opportunity to use cinematic storytelling to answer important themes like “what’s your civil right?” and “speaking truth to power.” The annual short film competition receives over 150 submissions from across the world. An esteemed jury of civil rights, industry leaders, and established filmmakers select the winners, and the shortlisted films are screened during the festival. Now in its eighth year, the competition has continued to attract industry supporters, including a diverse portfolio of funders. Prizes for this competition are funded in part by the generosity of Deborah Zipser and Craig Emanuel. 

2023 Winners

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Student Narrative Winner

Of Silence & Song

Directed by: Leyi Dai

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Student Documentary Winner

I Am More Dangerous Dead

Directed by: Majiye Uchibeke

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Emerging Narrative Winner

Sueños De Mi Hija

Directed by: Cecilia Romo

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Emerging Documentary Winner

Troubled Waters

Directed by: Sydnie Heslop

2023 Runner Ups

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Student Narrative Runner Up

GO DANI GO

Directed by: Chelsea Ramirez

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Student Documentary Runner Up

Grandpa Cherry Blossom

Directed by: Maddox Chen

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Emerging Narrative Runner Up

HERE

Directed by: James Anthony

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Emerging Documentary Runner Up

BLACK STRINGS

Directed by: Marquise Mays

2023 Winners

Thank you to all of this year's applicants, finalists, and esteemed judges! We can't wait to see what you will create in the future. March On!

2023 Finalists

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Project & Serve

Directed by: Espie Randolph

Category: Student Narrative

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July 4th, 2020

Directed By: Joe Juanyao Zheng

Category: Emerging Narrative

Keyboard

On Language

Directed by: Cameron Joy Gray

Category: Student Documentary

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Deciding Vote

Director: Jeremy Workman

Category: Emerging Documentary

2023 Jurors

Student Narrative Shorts

Yael Bridge

Yael Bridge is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker. Her feature documentary, The Big Scary “S” Word, traces the history and resurgence of socialism in the US and premiered at Hot Docs 2020 and on Hulu in 2022. Prior to that she produced Left on Purpose, winner of the Audience Award at DOC NYC, and Saving Capitalism, which was nominated for an Emmy.

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