BACKGROUND
Truth Be Told: Justice Through My Eyes (Truth Be Told) was created to highlight and empower youth voices and visions through film. The aim of Truth Be Told is to engage 13-24 year olds in social justice issues. Films' focus may involve various social justice issues including:
Gender Equity/Equality
Human Rights
Food Justice
Education
Economic Justice
Criminal Legal System
Environmental Issues
Immigration
Worker Rights
And more...
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Submissions are now being accepted and the deadline to enter is September 15, 2017. We will then review films and send out acceptances in October.
All films must be 12 minutes or less (8 minutes suggested). Shorts can be submitted in the following categories:
Documentary
Narrative
Music Video
- Animation & Experimental
Films entered in the Narrative category should be works of fiction, and films entered into the Documentary category should tell a true story. Any film entered should have a solid narrative structure and relay a fully formed and impactful story. Films will be judged on story, artistic vision, relevance to justice themes, and production quality.
All correspondence regarding film submissions can be made by emailing us at youthjustice@rysecenter.org. One of our team members will respond to you promptly.
RULES
Films must have been completed after January 1, 2014. Films must be available for screening during the RYSE Truth be Told: Justice Through My Eyes Film Festival, which will take place in October.
Films must be submitted by September 15, 2017. All entries must include a submissions form. To fill out submission form click here.
At least one primary producer or the director must have been between the ages of 13 and 24 when the film was first released. Actors or interviewees in the film can be any age. If working under the direction of a teacher, mentor, or parent, that person must describe his/her role in detail.
The director, producer, DP, or lead actor must be a current California resident.
One or more of the filmmakers (or a representative for the film) must be willing and able to attend the festival in person if the film receives “Official Selection” and is screened at the festival.
Films cannot include hate speech or direct threats of violence. Furthermore, they cannot incite violence in any way.
All entries must adhere to copyright laws. Everything in the film must be original content, or the filmmakers must have the appropriate licensing to publicly show the film. The filmmakers must have signed image release forms for all people who appear in the film.
All entries must also include the RYSE film release form and be signed by a parent or guardian if the youth is under the age of 18. Please save form as “Filmname_release.pdf”. Download the release form here.
PRIZES
Films designated “official selection” will debut to the public October 2017 at a venue in Richmond, California. Winners will be selected by both 1) panel of media industry & social justice judges and 2) viewers’ choice award. All films selected to be screened at the festival will be awarded “Official Selection” Certificates and designation for Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary, Best Music Video and Best Experimental certificates will be awarded in each age group. Additionally, the following prizes will be awarded:
Grand Prize: $275
Runner up: $175
People’s Choice: $100