White House Student Film Festival: On Giving Back

Here’s an opportunity for all of us working both formally and informally with young filmmakers.

For the second year The White House invites students to share their stories.
This year, the targeted topic is one students often choose on their own. It’s about agency, making a difference, giving back.

Every day in classrooms and communities throughout our country, young people are making an impact in the lives of others through service and giving back. Volunteering takes so many different forms in our country and is one of the most important experiences that you can have. Service to others and giving back can offer purpose and perspective.

The White House Film Festival site offers ideas to consider as film topics:

• Volunteering and community service
• Mentoring or having a mentor
• Accessing higher education
• The future of service
• Combating inequality
• Citizenship
• Access to education
• The pursuit of happiness
• Social justice
• Unmet community needs
• Consider showing the following in your film:
• The power of compassion
• How service has shaped our country
• Stories from unexpected perspectives

Last year’s first festival focused on the theme of the importance of technology in education. Here’s a playlist of the official selections.

2015 entries will be accepted through January 20 and must be three-minutes or shorter.  Filmmakers must be K through 12 students. Films may be submitted by either groups or individuals.  No copyrighted media should be included in the films.  Official selections will be featured on the White House website. Winners may be invited to attend the Film Fest at the White House in spring 2015.
Download a PDF of the rules and regulations for more information.

Filed under: activism, creativity, digital storytelling, films, student work