Skip to main content

Back to website

FAQ’S

1) What are the submission deadlines and what are the fees?

Film Festival dates: October 9 – October 16, 2023

Early Bird Entry: May 1 – May 31, 2023

Regular Entry: June 1 – July 1, 2023

Extended Entry: July 2 – August 2, 2023

Student Film Fee: Early Entry – Free, Standard Entry – $10, Late Entry -$15

Standard Submission Fee: Early Entry – Free, Standard Entry – $20, Late Entry – $25

2) What are the submission themes?

This year there are just 4 categories.

Films are a powerful medium for representing the diversity of the human experience. When we see someone on screen that looks like us, it can be a deeply affirming experience and remind you that your story matters too! The Latino/a voice has been one of the most underrepresented voices in film – so many opportunities exist with this theme. That is why CYF wants to give emerging filmmakers the opportunity this year to REPRESENT, through their films, in the following 4 categories:

Animated Short: Animated pieces written by Latinos/as and inspired by Latino culture or storytelling.

Music Video: Music videos featuring Latinos\as artists or artistry. (Must have the rights or written permission for the music.)

Politics Today: Pick 1 of the 2 subcategories (Politics/Climate Change):
Politics Today Films description: – The current political landscape, & how it affects Latino communities – Stories that analyze the history & culture of politics, focus on Latino representation in politics, or the impact of policies on our communities. – Topics related to systemic racism, economic inequality, environmental injustice & more through a Latino lens.

Climate Change Film Description: – Highlighting the impact of climate change on Latino communities. – Exploring topics such as natural disasters, pollution, water availability, food insecurity, ecosystem degradation from a Latino/a perspective. – How extreme weather events have disproportionately affected people in Latin American countries/communities. – Possible solutions to climate change, including renewable energy sources & sustainable development practices in our communities/countries.

Sci-Fi/Fantasy: Designed to transport viewers to other worlds – ones they may only have ever seen in their imagination.

3) What is the length of submission required?

Only films 30 minutes or shorter are eligible.

4) May I submit my project as a rough cut?

No, we are only accepting finished projects/films.

5) How old can my project be and still qualify for submission?

The project needs to have been produced and completed within 2020 till now.

6) If my project includes non-English dialogue, do you require English subtitles?

Yes, English subtitles are required.

7) Is my project eligible if it has aired on television or digital/streaming services?

Yes, within the last 3 years to be consistent with submission.

8) Do I need to meet a minimum age requirement in order to submit a project?

The minimum age requirement is 16 years old. All legal responsibilities of a Minor under the Official Rules will be assumed by his/her Parent, and a Minor winner’s prize will be awarded in the name of the Parent for the benefit of the Minor. In the event a potential prize winner is a Minor, the Minor’s Parent may be required to sign and return an Affidavit of Eligibility and Release on behalf of themselves and/or the Minor, and any other legal documents that Sponsor may require, including documentation to have an agreement affirmed by a Surrogate’s Court. To be eligible to win the Student Prize (defined below), you must be enrolled in high school or enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at a community college or four-year college or university (a “Student”). If you enter the Contest as a Student, you are eligible to win only the Student Prize.

9) Which video formats do you accept?

A Film must be submitted to the Sponsor in one of the following formats: .mov, .mp4, or .m4v. There is an upload size limitation of 100MB per Film. If your film is larger than 100mb, please contact us directly at TCCYF@hitn.org.

10) How do I submit my film?

During the Contest Period, submit through cineyouthfest.org or enter tu cuentas cine youth fest on Filmfreeway’s website and submit there.

11) Are scholarships/waivers available?

Residents of the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Vermont should contact TCCYF@hitn.org directly to obtain an Entry Fee Waiver. There will be no refunds of any Entry Fees, regardless of whether a Film is selected or not, except at the Sponsor’s sole discretion.

12) How do I know you received my submission? How will I be notified?

All notifications will be sent out from TCCYF@hitn.org

13) If applicable, can I submit my film to more than one theme?

Yes, however, each entry must be a different film, not multiple entries for the same film.

14) Is there a geographical qualification?

Films may only be submitted by legal residents of the 50 United States, Washington D.C. or Puerto Rico.

15) Still have questions?

Send us an email TCCYF@hitn.org

Back to website