The Power of the Story: Emerging Filmmaker Competition — Finalist Screening

This special session begins with a celebratory reception bringing together the student and emerging filmmakers and continues with screenings of six powerful short films selected from nearly 100 submissions nationwide. These bold narrative and documentary works capture the urgency, creativity, and conviction of a new generation of civil rights storytellers. A filmmaker talkback will follow, giving audiences an opportunity to hear directly from the artists about their work, creative choices, and the issues driving their stories.

The session is part of March On!’s Student & Emerging Filmmaker Competition, now celebrating ten years of cultivating the storytellers shaping tomorrow’s civil rights movement. Hosted by Emmy-winning producer Opal Hope Bennett, the competition is adjudicated by accomplished film and humanities professionals. March On! provides finalists with mentorship, constructive feedback, and public platforms that offer meaningful career exposure. New this year, the Grand Prize–winning filmmaker will receive technical assistance to develop a social-impact campaign—helping turn powerful storytelling into real-world action.