Telling our story.
The Detroit Teen Truth Film Festival strives to empower youth voices to get a better understanding of what’s really important to young people in our region.
Established in 2019, the Detroit Teen Truth Film Festival (formerly the Detroit Can Film Festival) is an opportunity for youth in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties to create 15 second films that share their truth and perspectives on the festival theme. Finalists are eligible to win cash prizes and scholarships. Each year, the theme is selected by festival founders working with focus groups of area young people to reflect important social issues in hopes of empowering youth to use their creativity to share their voices for understanding and change.
2025 Festival Theme: If everybody was listening, I’d say…
In our conversations with young people about ideas for the 2025 theme, before we could get to any conversations about the environment, or social or political issues, the same framing kept coming up. Teens often feel like even if they have strong feelings on a topic, no one is really listening to them or might diminish the importance of their opinions because of their age.
Well, we’re listening! We’re proud to provide a platform for youth voice and this year’s theme opens young people to address whatever they think is the most important thing to say in 2025.
2026 Festival Information
We’re currently working with young people to determine the 2026 festival theme. If you have an idea you’d like to share, email us at y-arts@ymcadetroit.org! Our upcoming festival will have new categories and lots of great opportunities for creative youth to be recognized and have their voices heard. Stay tuned for more as it comes together.
Our 2026 Festival event will take place on Saturday April 25 at the Marlene Boll Theatre at the Boll Family YMCA.
Submissions will be accepted March 1 at 9:00 am through March 27, 2026 at 5:00 pm
How the Festival is Judged
A first round of judging will determine festival finalists, all of which will be screened at the festival event. Final judging will take place at the festival by a panel comprised of volunteers with backgrounds in media arts. The panel will select one grand prize winner and a runner up. The audience award will be decided by popular vote.
Bring a Media Production Workshop to Your School
If your class or organization is interested in having our media teachers and volunteers come to your site and offer a free one-hour photo and video basics workshop that includes information on how to submit to the Detroit Teen Truth Film Festival, reach out to us! We’d love to offer some free instruction and make new connections in our community. Email y-arts@ymcadetroit.org or call 313-223-2751.
Creative Teens, a Stronger Detroit
When teens create, they find their voice—and when their voices are heard, our city grows stronger. That’s why our Arts & Media Production programs matter—not only to the young people we serve, but to everyone who believes in Detroit’s creative future.
Supporting teen artists and media makers as a volunteer, sponsor or donor helps provide:
- Access to equipment, studios, and creative tools to bring their ideas to life.
- Mentorship from local artists and media professionals who guide and inspire.
- Opportunities to share their work through showcases, exhibitions, and community projects.
Every teen deserves the chance to express themselves and be seen.
At the Y, we’re helping them develop their craft, their confidence, and their future. Together, we can amplify the next generation of Detroit creators.
Contact Y Arts
Have questions about the Teen Truth Film Festival or want more details about partner and sponsorship opportunities? Contact us using the form below or email y-arts@ymcadetroit.org.
How To Submit a Film
Submissions are open March 1 at 9:00 am through March 27 at 5:00 pm.
Submission criteria/contest rules:
- Must be between 15-30 seconds in length
- Must address festival theme
- Can be produced using any available technology that can be shared digitally (phone, tablet, digital camera, etc.)
- Participating young people must live and/or attend school in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb counties
- Applicants must be between 13-18 years old (as long as participants are 13 by the festival date on 5/31, they are eligible)
- Videos must be submitted during the festival submission period, Monday March 24 at 9:00 am to Friday May 9 at 5:00 pm
- Participating young people must provide current, valid parent/guardian contact information on submission form or submission will be void
- Applicants may enter as many videos as they like.
- There is no fee to apply
The below guidelines for the Detroit Teen Truth Film Festival outlines AI usage and stock assets in submissions:
- AI may be used to assist in generating and brainstorming ideas and research.
- AI may not replace or assist in any part of the final execution/video. Examples include, but are not limited to, AI photography, artwork, video and audio.
- Stock imagery may not be used as a final product or make up the entirety of any frame in the video.
- Stock imagery (public usage rights only) may only be used to assist in creating portions of original artwork. Example: A stock image of a sky or other background may be added to your original artwork to complete the frame. Students are strongly encouraged to recreate stock imagery where possible.
- If you are unsure of the usage rights for an asset, please reach out to medwartowski@ymcadetroit.org for assistance.
If you have questions about the submission process or the festival itself, please contact Margaret Edwartowski at Y Arts Detroit at medwartowski@ymcadetroit.org or (313) 223-2743.