Girls Impact the World Scholarship Awards

Scholarship Sponsored by ConnectHER Film Festival

Description The ConnectHER Film Festival is an international youth competition spotlighting short films that address issues affecting women and girls. Submissions should engage with one of the festival’s topic areas and demonstrate storytelling that advances awareness or solutions. The festival accepts diverse filmmaking approaches—animation, live action, documentary, and narrative are all welcome. Read the entry requirements carefully before producing or submitting a film. Key takeaways: - International competition for youth films about women and girls’ issues - Films must align with ConnectHER’s listed topic areas - Multiple filmmaking styles are accepted - Review all entry requirements prior to production Eligibility Only filmmakers aged 13–25 on the submission date are eligible; this age requirement applies to creative and production roles (scripts, storyboards, directing, cinematography, editing). Actors appearing in the film may be any age. Submitted films must be original works that have not been screened at major film festivals and must have been completed after January 1, 2026. Noncompliant entries risk disqualification. Key takeaways: - Filmmakers/production team must be 13–25 at submission - Actors may be any age - Films must be original and not previously screened at major festivals - Completion date must be after Jan 1, 2026 Creative and Content Requirements Films must focus on one of the festival’s specified topic areas and include a closing graphic naming two local/national/regional organizations (with logos) working on the issue shown. All films require English subtitles and must offer some cinematic value—PowerPoint-style presentations are not permitted. If a film contains graphic content, include a clear warning near the beginning; ConnectHER retains discretion over acceptability when content involves nudity, profanity, violence, or sexually explicit material. Key takeaways: - Must address a listed topic area - Include a graphic at film end showing two relevant organizations and logos - English subtitles required - Content warnings required for graphic material; organizers may refuse certain content Technical Requirements Accepted video formats are .mov and .mp4; HD resolution and optimized sound quality are strongly preferred. Run time must be between 3 and 6 minutes. Ensure the film file meets basic technical quality standards—poor audio or low-resolution video can affect selection. Submissions failing to meet format or runtime rules may be rejected. Key takeaways: - File formats: .mov or .mp4 - Preferred: HD resolution and clear audio - Length requirement: 3–6 minutes - Technical noncompliance can lead to rejection Submission Materials and File Naming Digital submissions are accepted via Google Drive (preferred) or Dropbox. Participants must follow the specified file-naming conventions exactly: portrait/headshot files as FirstName_LastName (e.g., Jane_Doe.jpg) and film files as Title_by_FilmmakersNames_Country (e.g., Sunrise_by_JaneDoe_JohnSmith_AmyLee_UnitedKingdom.mp4). Incorrect naming may result in disqualification or a request to resubmit corrected files. Submit all required materials before the deadline to qualify. Key takeaways: - Preferred delivery: Google Drive; Dropbox also accepted - Portrait naming: FirstName_LastName - Film naming: Title_by_FilmmakersNames_Country - Incorrect file names risk disqualification or return for correction Submission Deadlines and Process All entries must be received by the published deadline; late submissions will not be accepted. Each submission passes through multiple review rounds (screening, semifinalist, finalist) conducted by ConnectHER-appointed judges. ConnectHER reserves the right to make final decisions on selections, awards, and eligibility. Plan production and submission schedules to ensure timely delivery. Key takeaways: - No late submissions accepted - Review stages: screening → semifinalist → finalist - ConnectHER has final authority on decisions - Allow time to meet the deadline Review, Selection, and Rules Enforcement Submissions are evaluated by a panel of judges across several rounds, and selection is based on festival criteria and quality standards. Entrants must certify compliance with all contest rules from submission through award time; fraudulent activity or rule violations can lead to disqualification. Organizers may reject films that do not meet content, technical, or eligibility standards. Key takeaways: - Panel-based judging across multiple rounds - Entrants must comply with all contest rules - Fraud or rule violations result in disqualification - Organizers can refuse entries that fail standards People’s Choice Voting Once approved and placed in the festival gallery, films are eligible for public voting via the People’s Choice Gallery page: hover a thumbnail and click the heart button to cast a vote. Voting is limited to one (1) vote per person/device for each video. The People’s Choice winner is selected by judges from the top 10 films that receive the most votes. Any fraudulent voting activity will disqualify an entry. Key takeaways: - Vote in gallery using the heart button on a film thumbnail - One vote per person/device per video - Judges pick the People’s Choice winner from the top 10 vote-getters - Fraudulent voting leads to disqualification After Acceptance and Promotion When your film is approved and appears in the ConnectHER gallery, promote it to increase visibility and attract votes for People’s Choice consideration. Share the gallery link across social channels and with community partners, and encourage supporters to vote following the voting rules. Maintain professional presentation (correct file names, credited filmmakers, and required organization graphics) to prevent post-acceptance issues. Key takeaways: - Promote gallery placement to boost visibility and votes - Share responsibly and follow voting rules - Keep all submission materials and credits accurate after acceptance - Use organizational partnerships to amplify reach