Youth Free Expression Scholarship

The National Coalition Against Censorship and the New York Film Academy are thrilled to present the 2025 Youth Free Expression Film Contest.

For over 20 years, we have invited young filmmakers to explore the powerful relationship between free speech and free expression in society. This year’s theme is My Art, My Speech.

Art is a universal language. It’s how we communicate our deepest thoughts, process emotions, and share the stories that shape our lives. Through art, we express our identities, challenge societal norms, and spark critical conversations about politics, culture, and the world around us. Art has the unique ability to push boundaries, raise awareness about important issues, and speak truth to power.

How do you use art to express yourself? Consider the following ideas when choosing a subject for your short film.

• Art is a vital tool for self-expression in a democratic society! How does art help express beliefs, challenge the status quo, and provoke thought?
• Art has the power to raise questions and provoke discussions on important issues. How can art raise questions that society might avoid or find uncomfortable?
• What role does art play in reflecting and shaping personal identity and societal views on politics, culture, and norms?
• How does art help us confront difficult or controversial topics and express unpopular opinions?
• What happens when art is censored, and how does that impact the freedom of expression we all rely on?

Create a video (up to 3 minutes) using film, animation, photographs, music, or any creative tools at your disposal to explore what “My Art, My Speech” means to you as a student, an artist, an advocate, and a human.

*Warning: your video should NOT be created using A.I. While you may include examples of A.I. as part of your narrative or discussion, films generated entirely through A.I. will be disqualified.

Be thoughtful. Be creative. Be original. Be uncensored.

Your voice, your art, and your perspective are powerful tools. Don’t hold back. We want to see how you can use art to speak out and spark conversation about the issues that matter most to you.

You can also check out our workshop on filmmaking at home, the most recent winners, Resources for First-Time Filmmakers, and a Filmmaker’s Guide to Copyright and Fair Use.

Awards & Prizes

The first-place winner receives a scholarship to the New York Film Academy (terms and conditions apply). The top three filmmakers (individual or team) will receive cash prizes of $1,000, $500, and $250.

How To Submit

Upload your film to the YFEP Film Contest page on FilmFreeway and include an artist’s statement articulating your film’s message. Any genre of film is accepted, including but not limited to, documentary, music video, narrative, and animation. The contest is free to enter.

Contestants must be either living in the U.S. or its territories (but need not be citizens) and must be age 19 or younger on the day the film is submitted. Films will be judged on content, artistic and technical merit, and creativity. Judges will be drawn from a panel of renowned filmmakers, writers, artists, and activists.