Film is one of 10 artistic disciplines in YoungArts' national competition. This discipline encompasses narrative, documentary, experimental, and animation filmmaking. Applicants may either be a citizen of the United States, a permanent resident/green card recipient, or someone who can demonstrate that they are legally able to receive taxable income in the United States. Applicants must also be in grades 10-12 or 15-18 years of age on December 1 of the year they are applying. Applicants must submit one main short film that they directed or animated. A second optional film can be submitted where the applicant is either the director/animator or cinematographer. Total time for the entire application should not exceed ten minutes. Submissions must be in English or with English subtitles. If the optional second film is submitted, keep in mind that applications are judged as a whole, and should reflect the applicant's aesthetic tastes and intellectual and emotional interests as well as a competent understanding of technical elements. Applicants must make sure that they are submitting their strongest work. The time requirement is a maximum time limit. Applicants are not required to fill up the full 10 minutes. Even 2-minute shorts have been previously awarded. Excerpts are acceptable. Submissions that do not have a primary artistic focus on filmmaking will not be considered for an award. This includes video footage of staged plays, theatre performances, and art installations. Please visit the award's website for more information about the competition and the required materials.