About the Open Call

The competition invites undergraduate and graduate students to submit short films approximately 3 minutes in length that address themes of justice, peace, and the role of the citizen in a democracy. All forms of film, including fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental, are eligible. Winning films are added to the Sadat Music for Justice and Peace Permanent Collection and featured on official university websites.

What is Offered

1st Place Prize: $1,500; 2nd Place Prize: $750; Honorable mention: $250. Winners are recognized at a reception on April 20th and included in a permanent collection.

Requirements

Must be an undergraduate or graduate student affiliated with the University of Maryland's Cinema and Media Studies, Department of Communication, School of Journalism, Immersive Media Design, School of Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies, Maryland Filmmakers Club, or Veritas Short Films.

How to Apply

Submissions must be made via the designated Google Form link. After submitting the application form, entrants will receive instructions for uploading their digital film files (.mp4 or .mov) to a secure server.