Film
Film is one of 10 artistic disciplines in YoungArts’ national competition. This discipline encompasses narrative, documentary, experimental, and animation filmmaking.
To be eligible, you must be able to answer ”Yes“ to these statements:
- I am either a citizen of the United States, a permanent resident/green card recipient, or I can demonstrate that I am legally able to receive taxable income in the United States.
- I am in grades 10–12 or 15–18 years of age on December 1 of the year I am applying.
- If I’m selected as an award winner with distinction, this would be my first time attending National YoungArts Week.
The most competitive films are well edited and showcase original and clear storytelling, while demonstrating strong elements of character and theme.
The 2026 YoungArts application opens in July 2025.
What was your YoungArts experience like? | Danielle Stolz (2015 Film)
What was your YoungArts experience like? | Danielle Stolz (2015 Film)
What was YoungArts impact? | Sheema Golbaba (2010 Film & U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts)
What was YoungArts impact? | Sheema Golbaba (2010 Film & U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts)
Kai Tomizawa
Kai Tomizawa
Dusan Brown
Dusan Brown
Delana Lewis
Delana Lewis
Henry Spritz
Henry Spritz
Kayla Briët
Kayla Briët
See our FAQ for answers to common questions about the competition and application.
Every cliché thing people said is, indeed, true. I feel like I know my YoungArts friends more than any of my friends at home—even though it’s only been a week.“
— Thomas Kim (2019 Film)