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: 2021 Grand Prize 2021 1st Runner Up 2020 Grand Prize 2020 1st Runner Up 2019 2018 2017 2016
Educating Girls
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 Educating Girls Award recognizes a short film that tells a story about educating girls in the developing world. This year's Educating Girls Award is presented by WomenServe.
Winner will receive $2,500.
Women & Work
The Women and Work Award recognizes a film that shines a light on women’s livelihood and workplace issues. This category covers issues such as: equal pay, livelihood training, childcare, sexual harassment, navigating workplace power dynamics, and women’s underrepresentation in the top ranks of leadership. It also includes films about the challenges facing women and girls in technology and other STEM fields and about solutions for overcoming the gender gap and helping women succeed.
Do you know a story about some aspect of women and work that is worth sharing? Have you heard about a program that empowers women economically -- and gives them newfound power in their families and communities? Do you know of an inspiring national campaign that has focused attention on equal pay or sexual harassment?
Winner will receive $2,500.
Past Winners: 2021
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? This year's award is sponsored by JP's Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation.
Winner will receive $2,500.
Women & Beauty
The Women & 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.
Winner will receive $2,500.
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.
Stand Up Men
The Stand Up Men Award recognizes a film that celebrates men who are taking a stand for women’s rights. We want to start a conversation about men who are going above and beyond by taking a stand against the oppression of women globally.
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 $2,500.
Gems' Choice 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.
The Gems' Choice Award winner is chosen by the Gems, an elite group of major donors to Connecther, producer of the Girls Impact the World Film Festival.
Winner will receive $2,500.
Past Winners: 2021
Women & the Environment
Do you have a passion for environmental and women’s issues? Is there
is a woman environmental hero who inspires you? The
Women & the Environment 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!
Winner will receive $2,500.
