The Cinema Culturas Film Festival has announced its seventh annual International Storytelling, Film and Music Competition, inviting students from kindergarten through 12th grade across the Inland Empire to submit their original short films or stories. The contest, which carries a STEAM theme of "Human Engineering," asks participants to identify a real-world problem, devise a creative solution, and explain how their idea would make a positive impact, according to a news release.
Entries must be submitted by September 2026, and there is no entry fee. Students may submit their work in English or Spanish, and short films can be filmed using smartphones.
Original music or illustrations may accompany the submissions. The competition is open to youth in Stanislaus County, including the city of Empire, and surrounding areas.
Winners will be recognized during a red carpet reception at the Cinema Culturas Film Festival in December 2026, and their work will be featured online. Prizes will be awarded to top entries.
The competition aims to encourage young storytellers and filmmakers to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through creative expression.