Cinematic Shorts Competition

• Must be between the ages of 18-29 by June 3, 2024.
• Must submit one creative sample  (short film, commercial or photography) that demonstrates your skill set as a filmmaker.
• Must submit a written statement between 250-300 words answering one of the essay questions on the application.
•  Must provide your own transportation to and from Las Vegas, NV for the competition. (Local hotel accommodations will be provided for selected filmmakers/activists based on double occupancy).

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.

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: 

• Racism, anti-Semitism, white nationalism, and the rise in hate crimes in the United States. 
• The regressive laws in some states are eroding hard-fought rights such as reproductive freedoms, voting rights, and education access.  
• Discriminatory policies at the local, state, and federal levels continue to widen the health and wealth gap. 

At the conclusion of the 115th Convention, participating filmmakers will present their finished short films and attendees will vote for their favorite film.  The winning filmmakers will each be awarded $10,000 grant to produce a short film in conjunction with NAACP+ Studios. 

ALL the filmmakers in this year's cohort will receive an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles to attend the 56th NAACP Image Awards, where they will walk the red carpet, and attend informational meetings with industry executives.