MEDIA WITH INTEGRITY: FILM & MUSIC CONTEST/Project

MEDIA WITH INTEGRITY: FILM & MUSIC CONTEST / PROJECT
2026 Pilot Program
For Ages 14–24
Presented by MVP3 Foundation, MVP3 Network & MVP3 Music Group

PURPOSE
The Media With Integrity Contest / Project invites young creators to produce original film and music that reflect media integrity and community purpose, with the goal of uplifting others. MVP3 Foundation recognizes that media and music are closely connected to our mental and emotional health and is committed to healing communities through the arts while encouraging responsible, hope-filled storytelling.

FUNDING NOTE (2026 PILOT)
This pilot program is supported in part by public grant and sponsor funding, including support from the City of Memphis. Such funds may be used only for instruction, program operations, outreach, and non-cash recognition such as plaques and certificates. Additional in-kind support, such as meals, snacks, educational resources, workshops, or partner-supported opportunities, may be provided when available.

No cash prizes or cash grants are funded or guaranteed under this 2026 pilot program.

If additional private sponsorship becomes available, MVP3 Foundation may, in its sole discretion, later announce separate sponsor-funded awards or opportunities. Any such awards would not use City of Memphis grant funds and would be subject to separate terms if offered.

SCHOOL AND DISTRICT POLICIES
Participation in this contest must comply with each school or district’s policies. Teachers, administrators, students, and families are responsible for obtaining any required approvals before participating or using class time, school facilities, or school resources.

ELIGIBILITY
The contest is open to youth and young adults ages 14–24.

Eligible entries include:
Original short films
Original music compositions or songs
Collaborative film + music projects

Entries may be submitted by individuals, teams, classrooms, or larger student groups. A classroom or group entry will be treated as one entry for judging purposes. If selected for recognition, each participating student may receive an individual certificate, and the project will be recognized as one entry in its category.

Each individual, team, classroom, or group may submit only one (1) entry, unless MVP3 Foundation expressly approves otherwise.

WAYS TO PARTICIPATE
Participants may enter through:
Classroom Projects – Teachers and partner schools may integrate the contest into class assignments or group projects.
Independent Projects – Students may create and submit entries outside of class on their own or with friends or teams.
Workshops & Demonstrations – MVP3 Foundation and partners may offer select in-person or virtual workshops, demonstrations, or talks on storytelling, media literacy, filmmaking, music creation, and responsible media use, subject to scheduling and available resources.

SUMMER PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITIES
Selected students may be invited to continue developing their projects with MVP3 mentors or to gain limited educational exposure to real-world productions in film, television, or music, as appropriate.

All such opportunities are educational, non-cash, discretionary, and subject to participant interest, readiness, eligibility, availability, safety requirements, scheduling, and program needs.

Participation in any in-person activity, including workshops, shadowing, or production-related experiences, may require additional consent, media release, and liability forms. Participants under 18 must have required forms signed by a parent or legal guardian.

THEME: MEDIA, INTEGRITY & COMMUNITY PURPOSE
Projects should address at least one of the following:
The difference between fake vs. real in media
How media influences behavior, self-image, relationships, and community
The impact of harmful or misleading messages, and how to respond with critical thinking and responsibility
Positive examples of ethical, respectful, and truthful media
How creativity and media can heal, educate, or uplift communities

Projects may explore difficult topics, but they must do so in a respectful, age-appropriate, non-graphic, and educational way suitable for a school, homeschool, or community audience.

HOW TO SHAPE YOUR STORY
Participants are encouraged to:
Pick one clear message they care about
Make it personal and rooted in real-life situations from school, home, online, or community life
Show both the challenge and a hopeful solution, better choice, or act of kindness
Use any creative format—such as drama, documentary, spoken word, music-video style, or animation—so long as the final work remains respectful, age-appropriate, and uplifting

CATEGORIES & LENGTH

FILM
Original short film, documentary, or experimental video
Suggested length: 2–5 minutes

MUSIC
Original song, score, or composition
Suggested length: 2–4 minutes

COLLABORATION
A project that includes both original video and original music

CONTENT, SAFETY & SUBMISSION STANDARDS
To protect young people and uphold community standards, all entries must:
Use original, lawful content or properly licensed material
Present respectful and age-appropriate portrayals of people, relationships, and communities
Be suitable for viewing or listening in a school, homeschool, or community setting
Include written consent for any person who appears in the work, where applicable
Avoid content that is explicit, graphic, defamatory, harassing, exploitative, or otherwise harmful

Entries must not include:
Sexual content or nudity
Glorified violence or self-harm
Hate speech
Bullying or harassment
Unlawful invasion of privacy or publicity rights

Participants may address sensitive issues such as body image, stereotypes, social pressure, or misleading media messages only in a responsible, non-graphic, educational way. Where real situations inspire a work, entrants are strongly encouraged to fictionalize names and identifying details.

ARTIST STATEMENT
Each entry must include a brief Artist Statement of 3–5 sentences explaining:
The message of the piece
How it reflects media integrity and community purpose
The positive impact the creator hopes it will have

JUDGING CRITERIA
Eligible entries may be evaluated based on:
Clarity of Message
Community Impact
Creativity & Originality
Craft & Technical Quality
Ethics & Integrity

All judging decisions are final and binding.

AWARDS, RECOGNITION & OPPORTUNITIES
NON-CASH AWARDS – 2026 PILOT
For the 2026 pilot, MVP3 Foundation may present up to the following non-cash awards, in its sole discretion, based on the number, quality, completeness, and eligibility of submissions received. MVP3 Foundation reserves the right to present fewer awards than listed below, to combine categories, to extend review, or to decline to select a winner in any category if eligible submissions are not received or if entries do not meet artistic, technical, legal, or program standards.

All awards, recognitions, features, showcases, and opportunities described below are non-cash, discretionary, and subject to eligibility, quality standards, scheduling, technical compatibility, partner approval, and execution of any additional required agreements.

UP TO ONE (1) FILM GRAND AWARD
The Film Grand Award may honor the short film that best reflects media integrity and community purpose.

Recipient(s) may receive:
Recognition as the Film Grand Award recipient
An online acting or filmmaking masterclass with a working film or television professional, subject to availability and scheduling
Feature at a community screening or showcase event
Priority consideration for summer production-shadowing or learning opportunities, as available
A certificate and plaque recognizing the achievement
Consideration for feature or streaming on MVP3 Network, subject to separate agreement(s), eligibility, technical review, and final approval by MVP3 Network

UP TO ONE (1) MUSIC / WRITING GRAND AWARD
The Music/Writing Grand Award may honor the top original song or composition that demonstrates integrity and positive impact.

Recipient(s) may receive:
Recognition as the Music/Writing Grand Award recipient
A development or writing session with an industry professional, subject to availability
A professional demo or master recording opportunity, subject to technical requirements and scheduling
Introductory guidance through MVP3 Music Group, which may include:
Basic information on mechanical licensing
Guidance on how to release music on major streaming platforms
Education on how to share music with radio and media outlets
Consideration for feature on MVP3 Network where applicable, subject to separate agreement(s), eligibility, technical review, and final approval
Opportunity for radio consideration, provided the songwriter or artist properly registers the work with a performing rights organization such as BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC, and subject to station policies
Priority consideration for summer music or production-related experiences, where available
A certificate and plaque recognizing the achievement

UP TO ONE (1) COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
The Community Impact Award may be presented to one project—film or music—that best demonstrates positive impact on a school, neighborhood, or community.

Recipient(s) may receive:
Community Impact Award recognition
A certificate and plaque
Special recognition at a community showcase
Potential feature with a community partner, such as a local nonprofit, school, or youth organization
Highlight on MVP3 Foundation and related promotional platforms, social media, and other media outlets when available
Consideration for future community-focused outreach or production opportunities, where feasible

UP TO THREE (3) JOHN AMOS MEDIA INTEGRITY AWARDS
The John Amos Media Integrity Award may honor students who consistently embody media integrity and community purpose in both their creative work and their service to others.

Recipients may be nominated by educators, mentors, or program leaders, who submit a brief nomination statement describing how the student demonstrates integrity in media or arts work and uses creativity to uplift, serve, or positively impact others.

Recipient(s) may receive:
A plaque recognizing the John Amos Media Integrity Award
Recognition at a community showcase
Recognition on MVP3 Foundation platforms
When possible, additional non-cash opportunities such as mentorship, training, or project-development support

Funding Source Note: The John Amos Media Integrity Award under this 2026 pilot is a non-cash honor only. No cash awards are funded by City of Memphis grant dollars.

CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION
MVP3 Foundation may provide a Certificate of Participation / Contender Recognition to eligible entrants. For classroom or group entries, individual certificates may be provided to participating students at MVP3 Foundation’s discretion.

TIMELINE AND SUBMISSION DISCRETION
MVP3 Foundation intends to follow the published contest timeline; however, it reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to extend the submission deadline, continue accepting submissions beyond any listed deadline, suspend review, modify dates, adjust the announcement schedule, or close submissions at any time if necessary for administrative, legal, quality-control, safety, technical, or programmatic reasons.

CURRENT TIMELINE
Contest Opens: Monday, February 9, 2026
Initial Submission Deadline: May 30, 2026
Review Period: June 2026
Public Announcements: Expected at the end of July 2026
Showcase / Release Window: Selected works may be showcased or prepared for release thereafter, subject to scheduling, approvals, technical readiness, and any required separate agreements

Any updates may be posted at www.mvp3foundation.org or otherwise communicated by MVP3 Foundation.

NO GUARANTEE OF WINNER
MVP3 Foundation reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to decline to name a winner in any category if:
An insufficient number of eligible submissions is received
Submissions are late, incomplete, or technically unusable
Required permissions, clearances, or signatures are missing
Entries do not meet artistic, technical, legal, ethical, safety, or program standards
Circumstances otherwise make it impracticable or inadvisable to grant an award or proceed with a category

HOW TO SUBMIT
To qualify, participants must complete a typed submission form (PDF) and submit all required materials in accordance with MVP3 Foundation instructions.

The submission form must include:
Project title
Category (Film, Music, or Collaboration)
Length of the piece
Short description / Artist Statement
Student name, mailing address, email address, and phone number
Parent or legal guardian signature if the participant is under 18

Participants must submit the form together with:
A Dropbox or WeTransfer link to the film or music file
Any required consent forms for individuals appearing in the project
Any other materials reasonably requested by MVP3 Foundation to verify eligibility, permissions, authorship, or compliance

Email all submission materials to:
info@mvp3foundation.org

FILE REQUIREMENTS

SHORT FILM
Ages 14–24
Original short film
Format: .mp4 or .mov, 1080p or higher preferred
No copyrighted music, footage, images, or other protected content without written permission
Upload using Dropbox or WeTransfer and provide a functioning view/download link

MUSIC / SONG
Ages 14–24
Original song, score, or composition
Format: .mp3, .wav, or music video in .mp4 or .mov
No samples, beats, lyrics, music, or other creators’ work without written permission
Upload using Dropbox or WeTransfer and provide a functioning view/download link

NOTE FOR MINORS
Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the required entry, consent, and release materials.

OFFICIAL RULES – AI CLAUSE
This contest is intended to recognize human creativity and original work.

USE OF AI TOOLS
Short Films: Entries must be primarily created by the entrant(s). Limited use of AI tools for basic editing support, such as noise reduction or simple technical enhancement, may be allowed. Fully AI-generated video, scripts, performances, or voices are not allowed.
Songs: Entries must feature original music and lyrics created by the entrant(s). AI-generated vocals, lyrics, melodies, or compositions are not allowed.
Submissions that are primarily AI-generated, or that misrepresent AI-generated work as original human-created work, may be disqualified.
Entrants must be prepared to describe their creative process if requested.

OFFICIAL RULES & LEGAL DISCLAIMER
By submitting an entry, each participant—and parent or legal guardian if the participant is under 18—represents, warrants, and agrees as follows:

Ownership and Permissions. The entrant confirms that the submission is original or properly licensed, does not infringe any copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity, contract, or other rights of any third party, and complies with applicable laws and school, district, or community policies.

Consent for Appearances. The entrant is responsible for obtaining written consent from any identifiable person appearing in the submitted work, where required, and for providing those consents if requested.

Grant of License. Entrants retain ownership of the copyright in their original works. However, by submitting an entry, each entrant grants MVP3 Foundation, MVP3 Music Group, MVP3 Network, and their partners, affiliates, licensees, successors, and assigns a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable license to display, stream, reproduce, edit for formatting or promotional purposes, distribute, publicly perform, publicly display, advertise, promote, archive, and otherwise use the entry, in whole or in part, in connection with:
administration, review, judging, promotion, documentation, and operation of this contest or project; and
MVP3 Foundation’s mission to support youth, media with integrity, and healing through the arts.

This includes, without limitation, the right to feature selected entries on contest-related websites, MVP3 Foundation social media platforms, presentations, live or virtual events, educational materials, community showcases, highlight reels, trailers, and recaps, with credit provided when reasonably practicable. Any feature, stream, distribution, exhibition, or release on MVP3 Network is subject to separate agreement(s), eligibility, technical review, and final approval by MVP3 Network.

No Additional Compensation. Except as may be expressly agreed in writing, no entrant is entitled to compensation, royalties, fees, reimbursement, or other payment for submission, participation, review, promotion, display, or use of an entry beyond any non-cash recognition or opportunity expressly described by MVP3 Foundation.

Eligibility and Availability for Release. By submitting, entrants confirm that the project is free of legal, contractual, or practical restrictions that would prevent review, display, promotional use, showcase, or possible release in connection with this contest or project.

Independent Development / Similar Themes. MVP3 Foundation and its partners may already be developing, or may later develop, projects containing themes, concepts, stories, styles, formats, characters, or ideas similar to those found in submitted entries. By participating, entrants agree that any such similarity does not create a claim for misappropriation, implied contract, breach of confidence, or unlawful use of ideas.

Disqualification. MVP3 Foundation reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject, remove, or disqualify any entry that is late, incomplete, technically inaccessible, misleading, unlawful, unsafe, offensive, inconsistent with the purpose of the contest, lacking required permissions, or otherwise in violation of these rules.

Judging Finality. Entries may be reviewed according to the published judging criteria or such other internal standards as MVP3 Foundation deems appropriate for program administration. All decisions by judges and contest administrators are final and binding.

Non-Disparagement. Participants agree not to knowingly make false, defamatory, or malicious statements intended to harm the reputation of MVP3 Foundation, MVP3 Network, MVP3 Music Group, contest sponsors, or partners in connection with the contest.

Limitation of Liability. MVP3 Foundation, MVP3 Network, MVP3 Music Group, contest sponsors, partners, affiliates, officers, directors, employees, volunteers, contractors, agents, representatives, and licensors are not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, misdirected, corrupted, inaccessible, or technically unusable submissions, nor for technical malfunctions, network failures, email filtering, upload errors, software issues, platform outages, or other communication or systems failures.

Release and Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, participants—and parents or guardians if applicable—agree to release, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless MVP3 Foundation, MVP3 Network, MVP3 Music Group, and their sponsors, partners, affiliates, officers, directors, employees, volunteers, contractors, agents, and representatives from and against any and all claims, demands, damages, liabilities, losses, judgments, settlements, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising out of or related to the entrant’s submission, participation, alleged infringement, violation of law, violation of these rules, or acts or omissions connected with the entry.

Team, Classroom, and Group Disputes. MVP3 Foundation and its partners are not responsible for disputes among collaborators, classmates, teachers, team members, classrooms, or groups relating to authorship, ownership, permissions, credit, creative control, delivery materials, or allocation of recognition or opportunities.

Contest Modifications / Suspension / Cancellation. MVP3 Foundation reserves the right to interpret, modify, suspend, discontinue, or cancel the contest or project, its rules, dates, categories, judging process, showcase plans, nomination process, recognitions, awards, or opportunities at any time, in its sole discretion, including in the event of low participation, insufficient eligible submissions, administrative necessity, funding changes, safety concerns, legal compliance issues, partner unavailability, or unforeseen circumstances.

Force Majeure. MVP3 Foundation and its partners shall not be liable for any delay, disruption, modification, or cancellation caused by events beyond their reasonable control, including acts of God, natural disasters, severe weather, disease outbreaks, labor disputes, war, terrorism, civil unrest, government action, legal restrictions, utility failures, or technology-related interruptions.

Parent/Guardian Consent for Minors. If an entrant is under 18 at the time of entry, a parent or legal guardian must review these rules and complete all required consent, release, and permission materials. By signing, the parent or guardian authorizes the minor’s participation, agrees to these rules on the minor’s behalf, and represents that they have legal authority to provide that consent.

No Guarantee of Selection, Publication, Release, or Opportunity. Submission does not guarantee review by any particular judge, selection as a finalist or winner, certificate issuance, publication, screening, broadcast, streaming, feature placement, mentorship, shadowing, recording support, radio consideration, outreach opportunity, or future participation. All such matters remain subject to MVP3 Foundation’s and any partner’s sole discretion, eligibility requirements, scheduling, approvals, technical compatibility, safety considerations, and any additional required agreements.

Governing Administration. This contest or project is administered by MVP3 Foundation. Any interpretation of these rules by MVP3 Foundation shall control to the fullest extent permitted by law.