Youth Free Expression Film Contest

Offered by National Coalition Against Censorship

Award
$250–$1,000
Deadline
Sep 9, 202611 days left
Awards
3
Grade Level
High School Underclassman, High School Senior, College Student
Essay
Not required

About This Scholarship

Now in its 22nd year, the Youth Free Expression Film Contest is run by the National Coalition Against Censorship with support from the New York Film Academy. The 2026 edition asks young filmmakers to create short documentary films on the theme 'Documenting Our Democracy' — community leaders, local issues, cultural events, protest movements, or local history all qualify as subjects.

The top three filmmakers (individuals or teams) win cash prizes of $1,000, $500, and $250, and the first-place winner also receives a scholarship to the New York Film Academy, subject to its terms and conditions. The winning film is screened at NCAC's annual benefit in New York City.

Entry is free and open to anyone living in the U.S. or its territories who is 19 or younger on the day of submission — citizenship is not required. Films are uploaded through FilmFreeway with an artist's statement, and a notable rule for 2026: the video itself may not be created using AI, though AI examples may appear within the film to illustrate a point.

Eligibility

  • Age 19 or younger on the day the film is submitted
  • Living in the U.S. or its territories (citizenship not required)
  • Film must be a documentary on the 2026 theme, 'Documenting Our Democracy'
  • The video may not be created using AI

How To Apply

  • Create a short documentary film exploring the 'Documenting Our Democracy' theme
  • Upload the film to the contest page on FilmFreeway with an artist's statement articulating your film's message, by September 9, 2026

Apply Now →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entry fee?

No. The provider states the contest is free to enter, and films are judged on content, artistic and technical merit, and creativity by a panel of filmmakers, writers, artists, and activists.

What does the winner receive beyond the cash prize?

The first-place winner receives a scholarship to the New York Film Academy (terms and conditions apply), and the winning film is screened at NCAC's annual benefit in New York City.

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Youth Free Expression Film Contest: $250–$1,000 Scholarship | The College Investor