Oak Park, IL — The One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest (OEYFC) and the Oak Park Illinois Film Festival (OPILFF) are proud to announce a new partnership dedicated to uplifting and showcasing the next generation of filmmakers.
For over 13 years, OEYFC has empowered youth ages 8 to 25, to take an active role in the global dialogue on climate change, giving them a creative platform to share their stories, concerns, and hopes for the future through the powerful medium of film. With deep roots in the Oak Park community where the contest was born, this partnership expands OEYFC’s growing network of collaborations which includes The MY HERO Project and the United Nations Youth Climate Report.
"Oak Park is where the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest began — over thirteen years ago with just thirteen films and a belief that young people had something powerful to say. Today we attract nearly 400 submissions from around the world, but this community has always been at our heart. We never left — we just grew," says Sue Crothers, Founding Director.
Now in its third season, OPILFF brings together filmmakers, audiences, and the Oak Park community to showcase films with an Oak Park connection - through content, cast, crew, or setting. OPILFF is committed to creating space for emerging voices across all themes and perspectives. Through this collaboration, OPILFF will help spotlight student filmmakers whose work reflects creativity, passion, and a deep engagement with the world around them.
“We’re excited to collaborate with the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest. The youth submissions we featured last year were a highlight for our audiences, and we’re eager to see even more work from these talented young creators. This year, we hope to dedicate a full festival block to showcasing their films and amplifying their voices,” says Joyce Porter, President and Founder.
Together, these two organizations aim to increase access to audiences, resources, and recognition for local young filmmakers — and they hope to show how powerful voices can impact people around the world.
One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest
Deadline for submissions: June 25, 2026
Global Awards Celebration and Screening: September 27, 2026
FilmFreeway page: https://filmfreeway.com/OneEarthYoungFilmmakersContest
Web: www.oneearthfilmfest.org/contest-details
Contact: [email protected]
Oak Park Illinois Film Festival
Submissions for the 2026 Fest: May 1 - July 31, 2026
2026 Fest Dates: September 17, 19-20, 2026
FilmFreeway page: https://filmfreeway.com/OakParkILFilmFestival
Website:https://www.opilff.org/
Contact: [email protected]