Anacostia Youth Media Festival
The Fourth Annual Anacostia Youth Media Festival (AYMF) is now accepting submissions from young storytellers, filmmakers, photographers, podcasters, musicians, and digital creators across Washington, DC and beyond.
Hosted in Anacostia and organized in collaboration with students and community partners, AYMF is one of the region’s only youth-led media festivals dedicated to amplifying young voices and community-centered storytelling. The 2026 festival will take place September 26–27, 2026. (Anacostia Youth Media Festival)
For 2026, the festival theme is “Founding Mothers,” honoring America’s 250th anniversary by celebrating the leadership, resilience, and impact of women throughout history and community life. Young creators are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly through personal stories, documentaries, fiction, podcasts, photography, experimental media, games, and social storytelling. (Anacostia Youth Media Festival)
Submission Categories
We welcome submissions in:
Short Fiction Films
Short Nonfiction / Documentary Films
Music Videos
Podcasts
Photography & Photo Series
Experimental Media
Video Games & Interactive Media
Youth Social Storytelling Projects
Awards
Selected projects will compete for:
Juror’s Choice Award
Audience Choice Award
Craft Award
Festival Theme Award
Best Short – Fiction
Best Short – Nonfiction
Best Podcast
Best Photo or Photo Series
and more. (Anacostia Youth Media Festival)
Who Can Submit?
AYMF invites submissions from young creators and student media artists, especially emerging voices from Washington, DC, including Wards 7 and 8. The festival is free to attend and free to submit. (Anacostia Youth Media Festival)
Submit Your Work
Visit the official festival website for rules, eligibility, deadlines, and submission details:
Anacostia Youth Media Festival Official Website
Learn more about the festival:
Anacostia Youth Media Festival
Join us in celebrating the next generation of storytellers and creators shaping the future of media in Washington, DC and beyond.
Appreciate your consideration. Please let me know if you have any questions.
