Speak Truth to Power Video Contest

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Our annual video contest encourages students to use film as a powerful tool to engage with human rights issues and create change. Filmmakers learn teamwork, research and interview techniques, and editing skills.

Guidelines and resources

Submit your film

In partnership with the American Federation of Teachers and the Tribeca Festival, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights created the annual Speak Truth to Power Video Contest, encouraging middle, high school and college students to use film as a tool to discuss human rights issues that resonate with them. In creating these short three- to five-minute videos, whether they be documentaries, narrative films, or experimental, students not only learn about human rights but also become champions of change and social justice. Students from all backgrounds can participate in the contest without needing expensive equipment or prior video editing skills.

Submissions for the 2026 cycle are now open! Entries will be due by 11:59pm EST on May 6, 2026.

Students should follow the guidelines for their category, grades 6-12 or College Guidelines.

Submissions are judged by a panel of film industry experts, actors, and educators.

Winning films will be featured at a special showcase in conjunction with the annual Tribeca Festival event in New York City.

Questions? Email Benjamin Higgins at Higgins@rfkhumanrights.org or Karen Robinson Robinson@rfkhumanrights.org.

“The Speak Truth to Power video contest changed the lives and perspectives of my students. Aside from research, writing, and film editing skills, they have the opportunity to interview advocates and experts on their chosen human rights issue. So many have told me that now, as a result of this project, they look at the world differently. I feel so excited and fortunate to be part of this program.”

Robin Kovat
Teacher at James Madison High School, Brooklyn, NY

Prizes and Awards

Finalists will be invited to New York to participate in the Tribeca Film Festival, where their film will premiere at a special Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights event. The award winners will be announced at the film premiere. Winners will receive a certificate and a Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights prize package.

Award Categories

Grand Prize
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
College Entry Award

Past Winners

2024 Grand Prize Winner

“Don’t Mess With Texas: An Abortion Story” by Ellison Leticia Martin, Qiu Li Tovo-Hurt, and Roswell Goransson at Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, Austin, Texas

2023 Grand Prize Winner

“Guns Down, Arms Up” by Tohir Hodjakulov and Naba Sheikh of James Madison High School in Brooklyn, NY

2022 Grand Prize Winner

“When Home is the Mouth of a Shark” by Rhianna Searle of George School in Newtown, Pennsylvania

2021 Grand Prize Winner

“Fruits of Labor: The Exploitation of Farmworkers” by Kristen Wang of Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville, Maryland

2020 Grand Prize Winner

“Police Brutality: Opening Our Eyes to Injustice” by Sanchali Pothuru of Carmel High School in Indiana

2019 Grand Prize Winner

“Rodney Glasgow: The Power of a Whisper” by students from the George School in Newtown, Pennsylvania

2018 Grand Prize Winner

“Gary Tyler, My Neighbor” by Mwï Epalle and Ming-Wei Fasquelle of the International School of Los Angeles

2017 Grand Prize Winner

“LGBTQ Rights in America” by Catherine Cramer, Bridget Neumann, and Veronica Ryan of Skaneateles High School in New York

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