Welcome to the 2nd annual Media Challenge!

Empowering Youth to Inspire Change! Nā Leo TV is excited to bring Hawai‘i Island youth another opportunity to amplify your voice and showcase your creative vision through media. The Youth Media Challenge invites you to create impactful projects that inspire and contribute to positive change in our community.

Age Categories
We welcome submissions from Hawai‘i Island youth, ages 11-24, across three age categories:

  • Junior Visionaries: ages 11-13

  • Teen Trailblazers: ages 13-18

  • Emerging Creators: ages 18-24

Submission Types and Categories
Choose from a variety of creative media formats:

  • Short Films: Produce a 3-5 minute film that showcases a unique story or perspective. Use creative storytelling techniques, visuals, and sound to engage and inspire. Whether fictional, real, or a blend, your short film should captivate and provoke thought.

  • Public Service Announcements (PSAs): Deliver a powerful, concise message in exactly 60 seconds. Your PSA can raise awareness, encourage action, or educate viewers. Use clear visuals and a strong narrative to make every second count.

  • Digital Art: Design a piece of digital art that tells a story or conveys a message. This can be a Use your creativity to craft a visually compelling work that captures attention and sparks conversation, showcasing your artistic perspective and connection to place.

Entries can explore one of our 12 Themed Categories, sponsored by community partners to provide a range of inspiring and meaningful topics. Deadline to submit media projects is Friday, March 7, 2025.

Dept. of Water Supply

Dept. of Research & Development

Hawai‘i County Civil Defense

Hawai‘i Community FCU

Hawai‘i Fire Department

Hawaiian Electric

Hawai‘i Dept. of Transportation

Hawai‘i Island Fentanyl Task Force

Hawai‘i Police Department

HOPE Services Hawai‘i

Vibrant Hawai‘i

Bonus Category!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can submit?

Hawai‘i Island youth ages 11 to 24 are eligible to participate. You do not need to be enrolled in a school to enter. You can submit your work individually or as a small group of up to five people. This student group can collaborate on different roles like directing, camera operation, lighting, audio, and editing. There is no limit to the number of actors or talent featured in a PSA or short film, and they can be of any age. All submissions will be evaluated based on their own merit, whether they come from individuals or small groups.

How many entries can I submit?

You can submit one entry for each media type within each category for your age division. This means you can enter a Short Film, PSA, and/or Digital Artwork for all 12 Themed Categories. While you can showcase your talents in different categories, we encourage you to focus on quality over quantity. Choose themes that inspire your passion and creativity for the most impactful submissions.

How much support can adults provide?

Youth should take the lead in all parts of video production, including filming, editing, and design for digital art. Adult support is encouraged mainly for initial planning and brainstorming. Adults can help by demonstrating how to use production tools and design/editing software effectively. The goal of the competition is to promote independence and creativity among youth while providing a supportive learning environment.

How do I submit my media project?

Submit your media projects by Friday, March 7, 2025 by uploading files through dedicated Google Forms:
• Short Film Submission
• PSA Submission, and
• Digital Artwork Submission.
Click here for formatting instructions and a helpful guide on crafting the submission narrative.

Are there prizes?

Prizes will be awarded for outstanding entries in all Themed Categories for each age division. Winning projects will be recognized across all Nā Leo TV platforms and may also be featured in marketing campaigns by category sponsors. Finalists will be invited to an awards luncheon ceremony during the week of April 21, 2025, where winners will be announced and interviewed. Prizes and medals will be distributed at the luncheon, which will include a photo booth, interactive media opportunities, a delicious lunch, live music, and an inspiring keynote speaker. All participants receive an exclusive Youth Media Challenge commemorative tee and Nā Leo TV swag.