Youth Film Contest

Announcing the 2010 Youth Free Expression Project Film Contest:

"I'm All for Free Speech, BUT..."

We all believe in free speech, but does that mean anything goes? What about the speech that offends us, makes us cringe, and provokes our anger (and desire to censor)? Is there anything that should be outlawed in art, films, books, music, video games, TV, or online? Is free speech an all or nothing proposition or something in between? Surprise us – and maybe yourself – and express yourself about what kind of speech, if any, you think should be censored, and why. Be creative, compelling and provocative.

Film your response in 4 minutes or less. Entries can be videos of any kind, including documentary, animation, experimental, satire, fictional narrative, or music video. Applications must be submitted (and films uploaded to YouTube) no later than Sunday, October 31, 2010. All films must be produced in 2010 and address the contest theme.

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 writers, actors, and filmmakers.

The top three winners receive:

1. Cash prizes of $1,000, $500, and $250.
2. A trip with a guest to New York City to attend the Youth Voices Uncensored event in the spring.
3. A one-year complimentary student membership to the Rubin Museum of Art.
4. The first place winner will received a $5,000 scholarship to the New York Film Academy.

For more information: visit contest rules and frequently asked questions. You can also check out this year's promo video and previous years' winners.  Submit your application online here.

Video shot and edited by Kyle Graffam.