NEW YORK – The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) is thrilled to announce the winners of its Youth Free Expression Student Film Contest. This year’s competition brought together young filmmakers from all walks of life to celebrate and advocate for the unyielding power of free speech through creativity.
The contest, which invited students to submit three-minute films addressing themes related to freedom of expression, censorship, and the importance of open dialogue, received a record number of submissions from the next generation of talented and passionate filmmakers. The submissions were judged by a distinguished panel of renowned filmmakers, writers, artists, and activists who had the challenging task of selecting the winners.
After careful and thorough consideration, NCAC is proud to reveal the outstanding filmmakers who rose to the top:
1st Place: “Listen to Me” by Adyson Vega
2nd Place: “Copycat” by Kevin Gruen
3rd Place: “The Suggestion Box” by Jamie Lu
The first-place winner will be awarded $1000 and receive a scholarship to the New York Film Academy, while the second and third-place winners will take home $500 and $250. Additionally, the first-place winner will have their films screened at this year’s NCAC Annual and recognized for their outstanding work advocating for free expression.
“These remarkable young filmmakers have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to free speech and defending against censorship,” said Christine Emeran, director of NCAC’s Youth Free Expression Program. “Their films are a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of standing up for open discourse and debates. We are thrilled to celebrate their achievements and showcase their work.”
In addition to the top three winners, NCAC would like to commend and extend its heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants in the contest. By addressing the pressing issues of our time through the lens of creativity, these talented young filmmakers play a vital role in ensuring that freedom of expression remains a cornerstone of our society.