The United Nations has opened applications for the 2026 PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival, offering young filmmakers around the world a chance to showcase their work and win an all-expenses-paid trip to New York for the awards ceremony.
A Platform for Youth Voices
The festival is organised by the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations and focuses on important global themes such as migration, diversity, social inclusion, and the fight against xenophobia.
PLURAL+ encourages young people to use video storytelling to share their ideas and experiences. Organisers say the initiative recognises youth as strong voices for positive change in a world facing cultural and social divisions.
Who Can Apply
The competition is open to young people of all nationalities who are interested in social issues and storytelling.
To qualify:
- Participants must be 25 years old or younger at the time their video was made.
- Entries are grouped into three age categories:
- 12 years and under
- 13 to 17 years
- 18 to 25 years
Anyone can appear in the video, but the story must reflect the young filmmaker’s own perspective.
Video Submission Guidelines
Participants must submit original videos that meet the following rules:
- Length: Between 1 and 5 minutes (including credits)
- Language: English or with English subtitles
- Production date: Must be created after 1 January 2023
Entries that slightly exceed the time limit may still be considered.
What Winners Receive
Winners selected by the jury will receive special recognition and be invited to attend the PLURAL+ awards ceremony.
The organisers will cover:
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation
Only one person per selected video will be sponsored. For participants under 18, the cost of a parent or legal guardian will also be covered.
Deadline and Selection Process
The deadline for applications is 30 June 2026 at 5:00 PM (EDT, New York time).
Applicants will be informed of the results by mid-October 2026, while the awards ceremony will take place later in the year.
For more information, visit the UNAOC website.
