We've hammered out the details, (ok, well most of them at least) the rest is up to you to show the world what you've got!

Be sure to submit only entries your sponsoring teacher has oked, and go easy on the blood and guts. We don't want any judges to get hit in the eye with a character's DNA – you can find additional guidelines on content under Rules. We'll also allow entries from up to two years ago, so anything created August 2007 or later will work. We're also aware that most everything in the film world is a result of group effort, so groups can submit entries as well. If a group entry wins, the submitting individual will receive the prize and be left to determine how it might be shared.

If you have any questions about the categories email us at films@youngmindsdigitaltimes.com.



All of our participants are in school, either public, private or home, so education is one place you all have a bit of expertise. Some of your schools are doing an awesome job using technology in class, while others are stuck in the stone ages. Converge magazine created the Students' Education Proclamation to help whip your schools into shape and set expectations for what you deserve as tech savvy learners.

All entries in Track One must somehow relate or interact with the Student's Education Proclamation. We want to hear from you about what you need and want as 21st century kids. You can either use text from the Proclamation, or make up your own. Films cannot be longer than four minutes, and Public Service Announcements should keep it under a minute. The teacher with the most student entries, and the school with the most student entries in Track One: Young Filmmakers Doing Good, will each win $1000!

• Music Video – Create a music video putting the Students' Education Proclamation to song, or writing and performing your own lyrics. This is your opportunity to speak up on how schools need to step up their technology or what they're already doing that's really cool. We love creativity!
• Public Service Announcement – What message would you send about education in a single TV ad? Film a Public Service Announcement (PSA) that you'd like the world to see responding to or incorporating the Students' Education Proclamation. We'll be working to get the winning PSA to actually air on TV! We recommend that no PSA exceed one minute (60 seconds) in length.

In the Freeform track, you may submit films on any topic, not to exceed four minutes in length. You can only enter a film in one category, even if it could apply in two, so choose wisely! Entries must follow the rules and guidelines of the competition.

• Documentary – The true stuff. It can come via documentary, news feature, historical narrative and pretty much any other way you churn it out. Segments you create from your school's broadcast news program can be submitted here.
• Short Film – Storytelling 101. Any fictional films you create. Be sure to keep 'em under four minutes or your heroine will meet an untimely death when we stop rolling the tape!
• Animation – Bring it to life. If you find actors and actress to be more hassle than they're worth, and prefer to create your own characters, we want to see what you can do. Digital and hand drawn animations are welcomed.
• Music Video – Rock On! Set your favorite song on fire by creating a music video made to inspire. These submissions should be original music compositions, or used with the permission of the original artist. No copy-cat, copyright or other break-the-law-make-Big-Brother-hunt-you-down material.
• One Take Wonder – Any film created from a single take without the use of editing equipment or software. The film's content can vary as long as it was created in a single take. You can even use footage shot on your cell phone.
• Non-Moving Movie – If a movie doesn't move, is it really a movie at all? We think so. Maybe all you've got is a great script and some screenshots. That's still talent. Maybe you made an awesome automated power point as a class presentation – film it in action then submit it here!
• Comedic Creation – A chance for all you class clowns out there to shine! An entry here might be your best stand-up material, or a really funny film you make. See if you have what it takes to get the biggest laugh!