POINT THE WAY TO HOPE
Deadline Extended to January 19th at 11:59pm ET!
The Elfenworks Foundation is offering the chance and the funds to develop a film focusing on how climate justice affects social justice. Through the Elfenworks Hope for Climate and Social Justice Development Program, you can pitch your idea and win $2,000 in prizing, receive mentorship from experienced filmmakers, and the opportunity to create a festival-worthy film.
Between September 9, 2024 and January 10, 2025, submit a short film concept grounded in a current issue involving climate justice or how climate change intersects with social justice, presenting it in a way that leaves the audience feeling hopeful. While not dismissing the urgency, point the way to hope so that the film helps bring us out of the darkness and into the light. The top 2 pitches will receive $10K to create their films, mentoring sessions from film professionals, and the grand prize winner (selected from the top two) will win an additional $2k in cold hard cash—just what your wallet needs!
ABOUT
The Elfenworks Foundation is a 501.c.3 operating foundation established in 2007 with the goal of fostering a world that is In Harmony with Hope. With a focus on social and climate justice, they’ve partnered with Campus Movie Fest (CMF) for nearly two decades to provide the tools and platform for students to create inspiring short films. This year, Elfenworks is seeking a short film concept to form an emerging filmmaker who just needs the funding to bring their movie to life!
All you need is a story and the ability to make a movie. We want to hear from today’s changemakers and understand the real issues important to students.
PRIZING
Here’s what you could win
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Top 2
- $10,000 to create your climate-justice film
- Mentor session with experienced filmmakers
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Grand Prize
$2,000
HOW IT WORKS
Got something in mind? Here’s what you need to know:
- Any currently enrolled US college student has an equal chance in the competition as long as they are eligible based on the official rules, which can be viewed here.
- All genres are welcome, with the exception of horror
- There is no shortage of climate and social issues worth exploring! Click here to see some of the previous years’ films to get an idea of what we’re looking for.
- To pitch your story, you will be asked to submit written materials and upload a creative component of your choice
- Your involvement in the film's development will be guided by your area of passion. If you are selected as a Top 2 finalist, you will receive $10K in funding to create your film!
- When all the films are completed, a grand prize winner will be selected from the top 2. That winner will receive an additional $2,000!
JUDGING CRITERIA
Here’s what we’re looking for:
Winning concepts promise to make a strong impression. They have a chance at changing hearts and minds on the very issue they address. They bring out something better in us. They show us hope, whether by pointing out a path forward or by giving us a glimmer of inspiration.
- 25% Compelling - the film concept points the way to hope in a memorable and stirring way
- 25% Salient - the film topic is deeply important in today’s social and environmental landscape
- 25% Enduring - the film concept stands the test of time. It is non-partisan, non-political, non-preachy
- 25% Feasible - the film concept pitched is not reliant on big budget expenses or complex logistics
TIMELINE
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September 9, 2024Submissions open
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January 19, 2025Submissions closed
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January 17, 2025Judging begins
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January 27, 2025 – January 31, 2025Pitch sessions occur
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February 7, 2025Mentoring and production process begins for the three finalists
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June 6, 2025Final files are submitted
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June 13, 2025Winner is announced!