Short Film

IGO Category · Short Film

Make a film. Share a message. Change the world.

Create a short film that tells a story about one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Use pictures, sound and editing to get your message across.

In person in LondonOnline via Zoom
3–5minutes long
10–19age of students
17UN Goals to choose from
2 waysto take part: in person or online

Two ways to take part

In person

  • Come to the IGO finals in London
  • Present your film to the judges face to face
  • Explain your idea and answer the judges' questions

Online

  • Join a live Zoom session from anywhere in the world
Intro ~3 min Your film 3–5 min Judges' Q&A

Full details: Online Judging Requirements

How it works

  1. 1
    Choose your goalPick one (or more) of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
  2. 2
    Make your filmPlan your story, film it, then edit it using any software you like, for example iMovie, Adobe Premiere, Final Cut, After Effects, Sony Vegas or Movie Maker.
  3. 3
    Upload and submitPut your film on YouTube or Vimeo so the judges can watch it. For the first round, a trailer is fine, as long as it shows the judges everything they need to judge your full film.
  4. 4
    Keep improvingYou can keep working on your film and make changes until the final submission date.
  5. 5
    Present to the judgesIn person in London or online via Zoom. Explain your idea, how you made the film and the creative choices you made.

The rules at a glance

You can

  • Make a film in any genre: drama, documentary, comedy and more
  • Use any video editing software
  • Use stock footage in some parts of your film
  • Make your film in any language, with English subtitles
  • Send a trailer for the first round

You cannot

  • Submit a music video
  • Submit an animation
  • Use slideshows
  • Make a film from stock footage only
  • Go shorter than 3 minutes or longer than 5 minutes

Watch and get inspired

How your film is judged

Storytelling & Script20

A clear, engaging story told through pictures. It entertains, teaches, or both.

Performance & Expression15

Actors show emotion naturally. Movement and positioning help tell the story.

Cinematography & Editing15

Good focus, framing and camera angles. Smooth editing and pacing that keeps viewers watching.

Sound Design & Music10

Clear, well-balanced sound. Music and effects support the story.

Originality & Creativity10

A fresh, unique idea that avoids clichés and predictable plots.

Engagement & Impact10

Holds attention and leaves a strong, lasting message.

Oral Presentation10

You explain your idea, process and choices clearly and confidently.

Relevance to the UN Goals10

The film clearly links to a UN Goal and raises awareness, educates or offers a solution.

Total100 points

Ready, camera, action! Turn your idea into a film that matters.

Apply now