NEW YORK, JUNE 9, 2025 – On Saturday, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights premiered six powerful student films at a special Tribeca Festival showcase in New York City, spotlighting the next generation of human rights storytellers. The short films, which cover urgent issues from the immigration and the human cost of deportation to criminalization of poverty, were selected as finalists in the organization’s annual Speak Truth to Power video competition, drawing over 500 submissions from students from around the globe.

A collaboration with the American Federation of Teachers and the Tribeca Festival, the Speak Truth to Power contest invites middle school, high school, and college students to explore pressing human rights challenges through original video storytelling. Designed to be inclusive and accessible, the competition welcomes entries from students of all backgrounds, requiring no prior filmmaking experience or specialized equipment. Finalists are chosen by a panel of esteemed filmmakers, actors, and educators.

“These students are not just aspiring filmmakers, they are truth-tellers and justice seekers,” said Kerry Kennedy, president, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. “Through their powerful stories, they are shining a light on injustices too often ignored and proving that young people have the power to drive lasting change. We’re proud to uplift their voices from the classroom to one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals.” 

“Telling stories is how we make sense of the world around us. And telling stories through film is a great way for students to engage in project-based learning that prompts boundless creativity and confidence, while teaching students to ask hard questions, find answers, and take action,” said Randi Weingarten, president, American Federation of Teachers. “These films represent our young people’s conviction to stand up for human rights and a better world. This is the type of enjoyment and agency we need, now more than ever. I know they will continue to speak truth to power as we stand together to defend democracy, expand opportunity and build a better future for all.”

The 2025 Grand Prize was awarded to Lam Tien Nguyen from The Storm King School in Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY. Nguyen’s short documentary, “Fear-Based Justice: The People Left Behind,” explores how fear-driven “tough on crime” policies continue to shape American law — often at the cost of those most impacted by violence. Featuring community voices, powerful statistics, and a message grounded in human rights, the film challenges the narrative that punishment equals safety. From Louisiana’s parole bans to Kentucky’s Three-Strikes Law, it examines the trauma these policies cause when real solutions are ignored — and the people on the ground are left out of the conversation.

Additional winners for this year’s Speak Truth to Power contest also included students from Challenger Middle School in San Diego, CA; George School in Newtown, PA, Ramaz Upper School in Manhattan, NY; and the James Madison High School in Bronx, NY. The winner of the college film category is a recent graduate of the New York Film Academy. Contest finalists included students from Lexington High School in Lexington, MA; Le Roy Jr/Sr High School in LeRoy, NY; and West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North in North Plainsboro, NJ.

About Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights

We are a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that has worked to realize Robert F. Kennedy’s dream of a more just and peaceful world since 1968. In partnership with local activists, we advocate for key human rights issues—championing change makers and pursuing strategic litigation at home and around the world. And to ensure change that lasts, we foster a social-good approach to business and investment and educate millions of students about human rights and social justice.

Media contacts

Amy Zelvin Reid, reid@rfkhumanrights.org

Emma Gillett, gillett@rfkhumanrights.org