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FAQ’S
1) What are the submission deadlines and what are the fees?
Film Festival dates: October 9 – October 16, 2025
Early Bird Entry: April 1 – June 1, 2025
Regular Entry: June 2 – July 2, 2025
Last Chance Entry: July 3 – August 3, 2025
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 five categories.
Tú Cuentas Cine Youth Fest offers emerging filmmakers the opportunity to represent their stories through five categories. Films are a powerful medium for showcasing the diversity of human experiences. Seeing someone on screen who looks like us can be deeply affirming, reminding us that our stories matter too! The Latino/a voice has been significantly underrepresented in film, presenting many opportunities for exploration. Submissions should be 20 minutes or less, including credits. The festival invites filmmakers to submit their work in the following categories:
Animation and Experimental
This category welcomes animated shorts or experimental films that tell stories in new ways, all sparked by the awesome and colorful traditions of Latino culture.
Documentary Shorts: “Real Stories, Real Impact”
This category documents shorts about real-life stories, cultural narratives and social issues affecting Latino communities, with a focus on immigration and social justice. Films should explore authentic experiences, community initiatives, or societal challenges, such as the human side of immigration—courage, family separation, reunion, and hope. Techniques like interviews and archival footage can be used, ensuring factual representation and proper permissions. We encourage filmmakers to highlight underrepresented topics and inspire change through documentary storytelling.
Identity & Cultural Heritage in the Digital Age
This category addresses today’s young Latinos as they walk a unique path, balancing centuries-old traditions with life in the digital & AI world. Social media has become both a stage for cultural expression and a bridge between generations. Some young people are using TikTok to teach traditional recipes, while others create viral content celebrating their heritage in fresh, modern ways.
Mental Health Awareness
This category addresses mental health issues which remains crucial in Latino communities. While “no estás solo” (you’re not alone) is becoming a more common message, many still struggle to find culturally competent care. Young storytellers can shine a light on these experiences, from personal journeys of healing to community initiatives making mental healthcare more accessible.
Voices for Change: PSAs with a Purpose
This category is for PSAs addressing critical social issues affecting Latino communities. We encourage submissions that raise awareness, inspire action, and promote positive change and possibly use AI. Topics may include (but are not limited to): mental health, environmental justice, digital equity, cultural preservation, immigration, and youth empowerment. (Its duration must be 60 seconds MAX)
3) What is the length of submission required?
Only films 20 minutes or shorter are eligible. If you are submitting to the Voices for Changes category, your film must be 60 seconds MAX.
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 2023 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 2 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, you may submit for more than one category, but you can only win one prize.
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
