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.
Please follow the requirements as closely as possible. Failure to comply with the requirements may make your application ineligible for an award.
The 2026 YoungArts application closes Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 8 PM ET.
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)