ConnectHER Film Festival Awards
Judges’ Choice
The Judges’ Choice Award winner is selected by our distinguished panel of judges. Judges include Hollywood producer Elizabeth Avellan, writer/director/producer Richard Curtis, United Nations High-Level Commissioner Alaa Murabit, and actor/environmental activist Ian Somerhalder.
Winners will receive $5,000. 1st runner up will receive $2,500.
Past Winners: 2020 Grand Prize 2020 1st Runner Up 2019 2018 2017 2016
Let Girls Learn
Around the world 130 million school-age girls are not in school. That’s a big loss, because educating girls is one of the best ways to end poverty and oppression. When girls go to school, they delay marriage, have healthier children, earn more money, and make sure that their own girls get an education. It’s a win-win solution!
The Let Girls Learn Award recognizes a short film that tells a story about educating girls in the developing world.
Winner will receive $1,000.
Green IS
Sponsored by:
Do you have a passion for environmental and women’s issues? Is there is a woman environmental hero who inspires you? The Green IS Environmental Film Award recognizes a short film that shines a light on an environmental issue that impacts women and girls globally—and considers solutions. Submit a film about one story or issue and spread the word!
Deadline Extended
Winner will receive $2,500.
Global Impact
Film is a powerful way to spread ideas and speed solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. The Global Impact Award was created to recognize a film that raises awareness about issues affecting women and girls around the world, from maternal mortality and violence against women to child marriage and sex trafficking.
We are looking for films that shine a light on a solution. Have you heard about an idea that has a big impact on the lives of women and girls—or that you think has the potential to have a big impact? Do you know of a person or an organization that is making a difference? Find stories worth telling and spread the idea!
Deadline Extended
Winner will receive $2,500.
Girls in Tech
This Girls in Tech is presented for a short film that focuses on women and girls in technology and other STEM fields. Women and girls face challenges in the high-paying but male-dominated fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. But women and girls are finding solutions—from mentoring to STEM clubs for girls—to help overcome the confidence gap and succeed.
Films can feature an inspiring girl or role model who studies or works in a STEM field or focus on a solution to the gender gap.
Winner will receive $2,000.
Most Innovative Solution
The Most Innovative Solution Award recognizes a film that shines a light on solutions to a problem faced by women and girls. For example, do you know of a program that offers innovative livelihood training for poor women in remote villages? Or a girl who is pushing for tougher legislation to stop sex trafficking? Or an innovative method of addressing social issues? Submit a film about a forward-thinking solution to a woman’s issue—from maternal mortality and girls’ education to child marriage and female genital mutilation—and help spread the word!
Winner will receive $1,000.
Honest Beauty
The Honest Beauty Award recognizes a film that challenges cultural messages about beauty and offers a more holistic view of what makes a person beautiful. Television, movies, magazines, and social media send a steady stream of glamorous images that pressure girls to conform to unrealistic cultural notions about beauty. This has a huge negative impact on women and girls’ self-esteem. We also welcome submissions on wellness and mental health or a film that focuses on an invincible other-abled girl or woman.
Winner will receive $2,500.
Stand Up Men
The Stand Up Men Award recognizes a film that celebrates men who are taking a stand for women’s rights. With the rise of #MeToo, we want to start a conversation about men who are doing the right thing by taking a stand against oppression and harassment of women.
Winner will receive $2,500.
Best Film Production
The Best Film Production Award recognizes a film with high production values based on such criteria as cinematography and film editing. All submissions should focus on issues that impact women and girls globally. Look at the other film awards to get an idea of the kinds of topics we cover.
Winner will receive $1,000.
Ending Violence Against Women
About 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual violence, according to the World Health Organization. This award was created to focus on people or initiatives to end this global scourge, which impacts women in every part of the world.
Winner will receive $1,000.
My Hero
Women are taking the lead—as politicians and business leaders, research scientists and pro athletes, peacemakers and changemakers. In so many arenas, women leaders are bringing to their roles such qualities as capability, courage, creativity, and compassion. Think New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, tennis star, Serena Williams and activists Malala and Greta Thunberg. At the local level, too, women are taking charge and improving the planet and the lives of people in their communities.
Do you know a woman leader whose work is worth sharing? The ConnectHER My Hero Award recognizes a short film that inspires us with her story.
Winner will receive $2,500.
Past Winners:
