Open Call for PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival

Deadline: 30-Jun-2026

The PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival is a global initiative led by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.

It encourages young people to use creative video storytelling to address major social issues affecting global societies today. The focus is on promoting dialogue, understanding, and inclusion through youth-led media.

The festival highlights issues such as:

• Migration and human mobility
• Cultural and religious diversity
• Social inclusion and equality
• Intercultural and interreligious dialogue
• Countering hate speech and misinformation
• Combating xenophobia and discrimination
• Peacebuilding and human rights awareness

Key Themes of Submissions

Videos should explore one or more of the following themes:

Migration and identity

• Experiences of migration and displacement
• Identity formation in multicultural societies

Diversity and inclusion

• Cultural diversity and coexistence
• Social integration and acceptance

Countering harmful narratives

• Hate speech prevention
• Fighting misinformation and disinformation
• Addressing xenophobia and racism

Human rights and social justice

• Equality and dignity
• Youth perspectives on justice and fairness
• Freedom of expression and social awareness

Intercultural and interreligious dialogue

• Understanding across cultures and religions
• Promoting peaceful coexistence

Eligibility Criteria

Age Requirements

• Open to young filmmakers aged 25 or under
• Must be within one of the following categories:
  • 12 years old and under
  • 13 to 17 years old
  • 18 to 25 years old

Participation Rules

• Videos must reflect the perspective of young creators
• Applicants must be directly involved in production, such as:
  • Director
  • Writer
  • Editor
  • Actor
  • Camera operator
  • Coordinator

Content Requirements

• Video length: 1 to 5 minutes (including credits)
• Language: English or with English subtitles
• Production date: Must be created after 1 January 2023
• Any nationality is eligible

Allowed Formats

• Documentary
• Animation
• Music video
• Comedy
• Experimental or creative storytelling formats

Technical Requirements

• Preferred resolution: Full HD
• Accepted formats for submission include:
  • MOV
  • MP4
  • AVI
  • QT
  • MKV
  • FLV

Eligibility Restrictions

• Immediate family members of UN Alliance of Civilizations staff are not eligible
• Members of the PLURAL+ International Jury are not eligible

Objectives of the Festival

The festival aims to:

• Empower youth voices globally
• Promote intercultural understanding
• Encourage creative expression on social issues
• Combat discrimination and misinformation
• Strengthen peace and social cohesion narratives
• Foster global dialogue through storytelling

How to Participate

Step 1: Develop a concept

• Choose a theme related to migration, inclusion, or human rights
• Build a strong youth-driven narrative

Step 2: Produce the video

• Ensure active involvement of young filmmaker(s)
• Keep duration between 1–5 minutes
• Use any creative format

Step 3: Ensure compliance

• Add English subtitles if not in English
• Confirm production date is after 1 January 2023
• Check technical quality requirements

Step 4: Submit entry

• Upload video in accepted formats
• Provide required documentation as per festival guidelines

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Exceeding 5-minute duration limit
• Lack of youth involvement in production
• Missing English subtitles for non-English content
• Submitting videos created before 2023
• Weak alignment with festival themes
• Poor audio or video quality affecting clarity

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can participate in PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival
  • Young filmmakers aged 25 or under
  • Divided into age groups
    • 12 years and under
    • 13–17 years
    • 18–25 years
• What topics should videos cover
  • Migration and identity
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Intercultural and interreligious dialogue
  • Human rights and peacebuilding
  • Countering hate speech and misinformation
  • Combating xenophobia and discrimination
• What is the required video length
  • Minimum: 1 minute
  • Maximum: 5 minutes (including credits)
• What languages are allowed
  • English
  • Or any language with English subtitles
• What formats are accepted
  • MOV
  • MP4
  • AVI
  • QT
  • MKV
  • FLV
• What are the eligibility conditions
  • Participants must
    • Be 25 years old or younger
    • Be actively involved in video production
    • Submit original work created after 1 January 2023
• Are there any restrictions
  • Yes
    • Family members of UN Alliance staff are not eligible
    • Members of PLURAL+ jury are not eligible

Conclusion

The PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival provides a global platform for young filmmakers to express their perspectives on migration, diversity, and social inclusion. By encouraging creative storytelling on issues such as hate speech, discrimination, and intercultural dialogue, the initiative amplifies youth voices and promotes a more inclusive, peaceful, and understanding global society.

For more information, visit UNAOC.