Call for Submissions

CALLING ALL SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTIVISTS & FILMMAKERS!

The NAACP presents, the 2026 “We The People" Cinematic Shorts Competition; taking place during the 117th NAACP Convention in Chicago, IL from July 16th - July 22nd, 2026.

This exciting competition will give six (6) filmmakers the opportunity to produce a short film addressing issues of social justice.

Paired in teams of two, the filmmakers will receive equipment and work under the guidance of a professional mentor to produce a 5-7 minute short film. The short films can be narrative, documentary or avant-garde; and will explore one of the following topics: 

• Race & Justice
• Health & Well-Being
• Environmental Climate Justice
• Inclusive Economy
• Education Innovation
• Next Generation Leadership

At the conclusion of the 117th Convention, participating filmmakers will present their finished short films and attendees will vote for their favorite film.  The winning filmmakers will each be awarded a $10K budget to produce a short film in conjunction with the NAACP Hollywood Bureau and NAACP+ Studios.

In addition, ALL the filmmakers in this year’s cohort will receive an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles to attend the 58th NAACP Image Awards, where they will walk the red carpet, and attend informational meetings with industry executives.

 

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

●  Must be between the ages of 18-29 by April 17, 2026.

●  Must submit one creative sample  (short film, commercial or photography) that demonstrates your skill set as a filmmaker.

● Must submit a written personal biography 150-200 words.

●  Must submit a written statement between 250-300 words answering ONE of the essay questions below.

●  Must provide your own transportation to and from Chicago, IL for the competition. (Local hotel accommodations will be provided for selected filmmakers/activists).

NAACP Empowerment Programs, Inc. shall be the exclusive owner, including without limitation, owner of all intellectual property rights, in all films, including all footage shot or edited as part of the competition or with equipment furnished as part of the competition.  

 Please complete and submit this form
by April 17, 2026 8:45 PM (PT)/11:45 PM (ET)

 

EVENT LOCATION

McCormick Place West

2317 S Indiana Ave

Chicago, IL 60616

 

Please choose ONE of the following essay questions to answer:

1.). What unique purpose do artists fulfill in a free society or democracy?

2.). Do you believe there is a connection between art and activism?  Please explain why or why not.

3.). How have mass media images of Black people evolved over time?

(250 - 300 words)

Please submit a written personal biography (150-200 words):

Please submit one creative sample (5-minute maximum video, short film, commercial or photographs) that demonstrates your skill set and interests as a filmmaker.

NAACP Cinematic Shorts Competition Media Release
For good and valuable consideration, including but not limited to, being permitted to apply for and/or participate in the NAACP Cinematic Shorts Competition program (“Program”), I hereby irrevocably grant to the NAACP Empowerment Programs, Inc. (“NAACP EPI”) and its successors, licensees, assigns, and contractors the absolute, worldwide, irrevocable, royalty-free, in perpetuity, right to record, photograph, depict, edit, modify, use, publicize, distribute, broadcast, reproduce, live-stream, post, print, copyright, license, or digitize, for any legal reason or purpose: (1) my voice; (2) my image and/or likeness; and (3) any project that I work on as part of the Program (“Work”).  Such a legal reason or purpose includes, but is not limited to, any arising out of, or related to, the Program and/or NAACP EPI marketing, education, and/or social media.
I grant to the NAACP EPI all rights, title, and interest in: (i) all such recordings, photographs, and depictions in any form or medium existing now or in the future; and (ii) the Work.
I understand that the NAACP EPI will take reasonable steps to ensure that it, its successors, licensees, assigns, and contractors present the Work and any such recordings, photographs, and depictions in a manner that reflects positively on the NAACP EPI and me.  In return, I hereby release, discharge and agree to hold harmless the NAACP EPI and its agents, successors, licensees, assigns, and contractors from any and all liability of any nature or description which arises out of, or is related to: (i) any such recordings, photographs, and depictions; and/or (ii) the Work, and from any damage or injury that may result from any type or recording process or other action taken in furtherance of completion of the finished product.  
I agree not to institute, assert or consent to others instituting, asserting any legal action or lawsuit against the NAACP EPI, or its agents, successors, licensees, assigns, or contractors on any grounds, including but not limited to program content, print content, advertising and advertisers, fees, contractual terms and marketing.

Thank you for your submission and interest in the NAACP Cinematic Short Film Competition. Application deadline April 17, 2026, at 8:45 PM (PT)/11:45 PM (ET)

Notification of final selections will be made by May 26, 2026.