19 Jun 2025 Film Submissions Are Closed! What Happens Next?

To our dedicated filmmakers and passionate storytellers:

We are excited to share an important update regarding the 2025 Free Speech Award submissions! We know you have been investing your talent and effort into creating powerful films, and we deeply appreciate your commitment to championing free expression through your art.

A Global Voice for Freedom: Celebrating Your Contributions

The submission period for the 2025 Free Speech Award officially closed on April 30th, and we are incredibly impressed by the enthusiastic response. This year, films from filmmakers representing or filming in 44 unique countries worldwide answered the call for free expression in a truly significant way!

Your stories form a truly global dialogue on critical issues. The submissions came from every continent, with notable participation including:

• North America: Films from 4 countries
• Europe: Films from 18 countries
• Asia & the Middle East: Films from 14 countries
• Africa: Films from 5 countries
• South America: Films from 2 countries
• Oceania: Films from 1 country

Additionally, these diverse submissions span a wide range of genres and formats, showcasing the many ways free speech narratives can be told:

• A significant majority, 58% of films are Documentaries, offering powerful insights into real-world issues.
• We also received 10% compelling Fiction films that explore critical themes through narrative.
• 3% are animated films, and 2% are experimental films.
• The remaining 27% include a diverse range of other genres and formats, such as Short Films, Feature Films, music videos, thrillers, and dramas.

This rich variety powerfully underscores the universal importance of free speech, human rights, and the rule of law. Your films address a wide array of topics that significantly impact societies worldwide, reflecting the core mission and values of American INSIGHT.

Diversity Behind the Camera: Our Filmmakers

We are proud to highlight the diversity within our talented pool of filmmakers:

• 57% of submissions were from Male filmmakers.
• 42% of submissions were from Female filmmakers.
• 1% of submissions were from a filmmaker identifying as non-binary.

This representation is essential for ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive range of voices are heard through the Free Speech Film Festival.

The Judging Process Begins!

Now that submissions have closed, our dedicated selection committee has officially commenced the rigorous viewing and judging process. This phase involves careful consideration of each film’s artistic merit, its resonance with themes of free speech and human rights, and its potential to spark vital conversations. Following this, our esteemed Free Speech Award Judges will select the Free Speech Award Winner!

We understand your eagerness to learn about the next steps. Our team will diligently work through all submissions over the coming months. We anticipate completing the initial viewing and selection process, with the announcement of our Official Selections, in September.

We encourage you to stay tuned for further updates via our website and social media, as we approach the 2025 Free Speech Award Ceremony, which will take place on November 12th in Philadelphia, PA.

Your involvement brings energy and significance to our festival, creating a vital platform for global dialogue. We are seeking sponsors to stream this event on YouTube Live. If you know anyone, please direct them here: https://americaninsight.networkforgood.com/

Thank you once again for sharing your invaluable work with us. Your voice truly makes a difference!

Sincerely,
The Free Speech Team

Free Speech Film Festival Award

Tickets for the 2025 Free Speech Award Ceremony are now available for purchase:
https://americaninsight.networkforgood.com/events/86490-free-speech-award