MEDIA WITH INTEGRITY: FILM & MUSIC CONTEST

---

MEDIA WITH INTEGRITY: FILM & MUSIC CONTEST
For Ages 14–24 • Presented by MVP3 Foundation, MVP3 Network & MVP3 Music Group

PURPOSE
The Media With Integrity Contest invites young creators to produce original film and music that embody 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 and encouraging responsible, hope‑filled storytelling.

WHO CAN ENTER
Eligible Ages:
Youth and young adults ages 14–24
Eligible Work:
Original short films
Original music compositions/songs
Collaborative film + music projects

Entries may be submitted by individuals or teams.

THEME
Media, Integrity & Community Purpose

Projects should address at least one of these ideas:
The difference between fake vs. real in media
How media can influence behaviors, self‑image, relationships, and community (positively or negatively)
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 we can use creativity and media to heal, educate, or uplift our communities

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

HOW TO SHAPE YOUR STORY
Pick one clear message you care about (for example: “Think before you share,” “Media can heal,” or “You are more than your feed”).
Make it personal and real by using situations from everyday life (school, home, online, or community) without shaming or exposing anyone.
Show the problem and the hope: briefly show the challenge, then show a better choice, solution, or act of kindness.
Use any creative format—drama, documentary, spoken word, music‑video style, or animation—as long as it remains respectful, age‑appropriate, and uplifting.

CATEGORIES & LENGTH

Film
Short film, documentary, or experimental video
Suggested length: 2–5 minutes

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

Collaboration (Film + Music)
A project that includes both original video and original music

CONTENT & SAFETY STANDARDS

To protect young people and uphold community standards, all entries must:
Use original, legal content or properly licensed material
Show respectful and age‑appropriate portrayals of people, relationships, and communities
Avoid explicit, graphic, or harmful material, including:
Sexual content or nudity
Glorified violence or self‑harm
Hate speech, bullying, or harassment
Be suitable to show in a school, homeschool, or community setting
Include written consent for anyone who appears in the work

Participants may address sensitive issues (e.g., body image, stereotypes, pressure from media) only in a non‑graphic, educational, and responsible way.

Each entry must include a brief Artist Statement (3–5 sentences) explaining:
The message of the piece
How it reflects media integrity and community purpose
The positive impact you hope it will have

JUDGING CRITERIA

Entries will be evaluated on:
Clarity of Message – How clearly it addresses media integrity or media literacy
Community Impact – How it informs, inspires, or positively influences viewers/listeners
Creativity & Originality – Freshness and thoughtfulness of the approach
Craft & Technical Quality – Use of visuals, sound, editing, performance, etc.
Ethics & Integrity – Alignment with respect, responsibility, and truthfulness

Each individual or team may submit only (1) ONE ENTRY.  MUST COMPLETE A TYPED PDF AND SEND PER INSTRUCTIONS TO QUALIFY, AND FOLLOW RULES. 

Rights & Conflict of Interest: By submitting, entrants confirm that their film or music project is free of any legal issues that would prevent public release, including copyright, trademark, or licensing disputes, and is not subject to any conflicting contracts, obligations, or agreements with other organizations, companies, or contests.

PRIZES

All major award recipients (Film Grand Prize, Music/Writing Grand Prize, Community Impact Award, and John Amos Media Integrity Grant) may be highlighted on MVP3 Foundation and MVP3 Network platforms, social media, and other media outlets for recognitions when available.

Note on cash awards: If a winning project is created by a team, the listed cash award amount (e.g., $500) is a single award per winning project. It is the responsibility of the team members to divide and distribute the funds among themselves at their own discretion. MVP3 Foundation, MVP3 Network, and MVP3 Music Group are not responsible for how award funds are divided or shared among team members.

Grand Prize – Film (Ages 14–24)
$500 award to the winning filmmaker or team (single award per project; to be divided by team members at their discretion)
Online acting masterclass with a working film/television actor
Winning short film aired on the MVP3 Network streaming platform
Featured at a community screening/showcase event
Certificate and recognition letter (suitable for resumes, portfolios, and applications)

Grand Prize – Music / Writing (Ages 14–24)
$500 award to the winning songwriter/artist or team (single award per project; to be divided by team members at their discretion)
Writing session with an industry professional to develop the winning song or piece
Professional demo or master recording of the winning song or composition
Introductory distribution support through MVP3 Music Group, which may include:
A basic mechanical deal for the recording
Guidance on how to release your song on major streaming platforms
Education on how to share your music, including steps to reach radio and media outlets
Winning song featured on the MVP3 Network streaming platform
Opportunity for radio airplay for the winning song, provided the songwriter/artist registers the work with a performing rights organization (such as BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC)
Certificate and recognition letter

Community Impact Award
Awarded to one project (individual or team; film or music) that best demonstrates positive impact on a school, neighborhood, or community
$500 Community Impact Award, presented to the creator or team (single award per project; to be divided by team members at their discretion)
Community Impact Award certificate recognizing the creator(s)
Special recognition at the community showcase as the Community Impact Award recipient
Potential feature with a community partner (such as a local nonprofit, school, or youth organization)
Will be highlighted on MVP3 Foundation and MVP3 Network platforms, social media, and other media outlets for recognitions when available

Certificates of Participation
All eligible entrants receive a Certificate of Participation / Contender Recognition from MVP3 Foundation, acknowledging their creative contribution to the Media With Integrity Contest.

JOHN AMOS MEDIA INTEGRITY GRANT

The John Amos Media Integrity Grant honors students who consistently embody media integrity and community purpose, both in their creative work and in how they serve others.

Three (3) students will receive a $150 John Amos Media Integrity Grant each, awarded to high school through college students (within the 14–24 age range) who exemplify media integrity and community purpose in their creative work and service to others.
Recipients are nominated by educators, mentors, or program leaders, who submit a brief nomination letter explaining:
How the student demonstrates integrity in their media/arts work
How they use creativity to uplift, serve, or positively impact others
Each recipient will receive:
A $150 grant to support their education or creative development
A plaque recognizing the John Amos Media Integrity Grant
Recognition at the community showcase and on MVP3 Foundation platforms

TIMELINE

Submission Deadline: May 30, 2026
Winners Announced: June 15, 2026
Showcase and Streaming Debut:
Selected works will be showcased and prepared for release on MVP3 Network in September 2026, with a planned debut by September 30, 2026.

MVP3 Foundation reserves the right to adjust announcement and showcase dates, including extending the submission deadline or winner announcement period, in the event of an overwhelming response or unforeseen circumstances. Any changes will be posted on www.mvp3foundation.org

HOW TO SUBMIT

Complete a typed submission form (PDF) that includes:
Project title
Category (Film, Music, or Collaboration)
Length of the piece
Reason and details (short description/Artist Statement)
Student name, mailing address, email, and phone number
Parent/guardian signature if the participant is under 18
Sign the PDF (student and parent/guardian, if required) and send it by email along with:
A Dropbox link or WeTransfer link to your film/music file
Any required consent forms for people appearing in your project
Email all materials to: info@mvp3foundation.org

SHORT FILM (5–15 minutes)

• Ages 14–24 | Original short film, 5–15 minutes (including credits)  

• Format: .mp4 or .mov, 1080p or higher  

• No copyrighted music or footage without written permission  

• Upload to Dropbox or WeTransfer and copy the view/download link  

• Email: completed entry form (PDF) + film link to info@mvp3foundation.org

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

MUSIC / SONG (2–4 minutes)

• Ages 14–24 | Original song, 2–4 minutes (music + lyrics)  

• Format: audio (.mp3 or .wav) or music video (.mp4 or .mov)  

• No samples or other creators’ work without written permission  

• Upload to Dropbox or WeTransfer and copy the view/download link  

• Email: completed entry form (PDF) + song link to info@mvp3foundation.org

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Note for Minors:
Students under 18 must have a parent/guardian signature on the entry form

Official Rules – AI Clause

Use of AI Tools

• This contest is designed to recognize human creativity and original work.  

• Short Films: Entries must be primarily created by the entrant(s). Limited use of AI tools (for example, basic editing aids or noise reduction) is allowed, but fully AI‑generated video, scripts, or voices are not allowed.  

• Songs: Entries must feature original music and lyrics created by the entrant(s). AI‑generated vocals, lyrics, or compositions are not allowed.  

• Submissions that are primarily AI‑generated or that misrepresent AI‑generated work as the entrant’s original creation may be disqualified. 

• Entrants must be prepared to describe their creative process and how they created their work if requested by the judges.

All eligible entries will receive a Certificate of Participation / Contender Recognition from MVP3 Foundation.

See full details on the MVP3 Foundation contest page:
www.mvp3foundation.org

OFFICIAL RULES & LEGAL DISCLAIMER

By submitting an entry, participants (and parents/guardians, if under 18) grant MVP3 Foundation, MVP3 Network, and MVP3 Music Group a non‑exclusive, royalty‑free license to showcase their work for contest, educational, and promotional purposes, with credit given to the creator(s).
Participants are solely responsible for the content of their submissions and for ensuring that their work does not infringe any copyrights, trademarks, privacy rights, or other rights of any third party, and complies with all applicable laws and school/community policies.
Participants (and parents/guardians, if under 18) agree to hold harmless and indemnify MVP3 Foundation, MVP3 Network, MVP3 Music Group, and all contest sponsors, partners, affiliates, officers, directors, employees, volunteers, and representatives from any and all claims, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising out of or related to their submission or participation in the contest.

No contest sponsor, partner, or affiliated organization is responsible or liable for any disputes, losses, or damages arising from entries, submitted materials, or third‑party claims related to the contest, including but not limited to disputes between team members about division of prize funds.

Participants (and parents/guardians, if under 18) agree that they will not defame, disparage, or intentionally harm the reputation of the contest, MVP3 Foundation, MVP3 Network, MVP3 Music Group, or any contest sponsor or partner in any public or private forum.
All prizes, opportunities, and appearances (including recording, distribution, streaming, grants, and radio airplay) are subject to eligibility, technical requirements, and execution of any necessary agreements with MVP3 Foundation, MVP3 Network, and MVP3 Music Group.
Contest rules, dates, and prizes may be modified, suspended, or canceled at any time at the sole discretion of MVP3 Foundation, MVP3 Network, and MVP3 Music Group.

***Winners will be selected by an independent judging panel based on published criteria. MVP3 Foundation reserves the right to interpret the rules, disqualify entries that do not comply, and make final decisions, which are not subject to appeal. 

***Non-Discrimination & JudgingMVP3 Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law. All entries will be judged solely on the published criteria. The Foundation reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any entry that violates the rules or is inconsistent with the spirit and purpose of the contest. All judging decisions are final and binding in all respects.

***Similar Themes & Independent Development

MVP3 Foundation is a film, music, and community‑healing organization that partners with professionals in the entertainment and media industries. As part of this work, the Foundation and its partners may already be developing, or may later develop, projects that contain themes, stories, or ideas similar to those in your entry.

By submitting an entry, you acknowledge and agree that any similarity between your entry and any current or future project of the Foundation or its partners does not give rise to any claim that your ideas were used or misappropriated. You agree not to assert any claim or action based on the allegation that the Foundation or its partners have “stolen” or unlawfully used your ideas.

***Grant of Rights to Display and Use Entries

Entrants retain ownership of the copyright in their original works. However, by submitting an entry, each entrant grants to MVP3 Foundation and its partners a non‑exclusive, worldwide, royalty‑free license to display, stream, reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, and publicly show the entry, in whole or in part, in connection with: (a) the administration, judging, and promotion of this contest; and (b) the Foundation’s mission to support youth, media with integrity, and healing through the arts.

This license includes, without limitation, the right to feature selected entries on the MVP3 Network, MVP3 websites, social media channels, live or virtual events, and in promotional materials (including highlight reels, trailers, and educational content), with appropriate credit to the creator(s). No additional compensation will be provided beyond any prizes awarded, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

***Parent/Guardian Consent for Minors

If an entrant is under the age of 18 at the time of entry, a parent or legal guardian must review these Official Rules and complete and sign the required consent section on the entry form. By providing such consent, the parent or legal guardian: (a) authorizes the minor to participate in the contest; (b) agrees, on behalf of the minor, to these Official Rules, including the grants of rights and limitations of liability; and (c) represents that they have the legal authority to provide such consent.

***Force Majeure & Limitation of Liability

MVP3 Foundation and its partners are not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, incomplete, or undeliverable entries, or for any technical failures of any kind, including but not limited to malfunctioning of any computer, cable, network, hardware, or software.

In the event that any aspect of the contest is prevented, hindered, or interrupted due to any cause beyond the reasonable control of the Foundation, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, labor disputes, government action, or failures of technology or communications, the Foundation reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify, or suspend the contest.

By participating, entrants agree that MVP3 Foundation, its partners, and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any claims, losses, or damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with participation in the contest or acceptance or use of any prize, except where prohibited by law.