ABOUT OUR FESTIVAL

The Anacostia Youth Film and Media Festival will take place September 20–21, 2025, at the Anacostia Arts Center. As the first youth-led festival of its kind in the Washington, DC area, it celebrates the creativity and perspectives of young filmmakers, especially those from Wards 7 and 8.

Over two days, the festival will feature screenings of the DC Youth Media competition, hands-on community workshops, and opportunities for local youth to share their stories. It’s designed to give young people a platform to showcase their work and amplify their voices within their own community—while also welcoming audiences from across the DC Metro area to experience the vibrancy of Anacostia.

This year’s theme, “Resilience and Joy,” encourages students from across DC to explore how they find strength and celebrate joy in their lives and communities. While the theme is offered as inspiration, submissions are not limited to it. We welcome a wide range of media formats and topics, inviting youth from diverse backgrounds to share their unique creative visions.

The festival is a collaborative effort between American University students and DC youth. Together, they are building an inclusive event that highlights the power of storytelling and the role of media in shaping how communities are seen and understood. Alongside the screenings, interactive workshops will support young creators in developing their filmmaking and social media skills.

The Anacostia Youth Film and Media Festival is more than an event—it’s a space for connection, creativity, and empowerment rooted in the cultural richness of Washington, DC.