Sundance Film Festival
Park City, United States
100
Tier AOscarScreenings
Festival dossier
Changing Minds Young Filmmaker Competition 2026
United States · Est. 2016 · Multiple structural red flags — exercise caution before submitting
WarningWatchlist
United States
26
Legitimacy ScoreOverview
The Changing Minds Young Filmmaker Competition 2026 is a New York-based youth film festival and competition run by Community Access that spotlights filmmakers ages 15 to 25 creating short films about mental health. It is notable for using film to challenge stigma, encourage honest conversation, and amplify young voices; what began as part of the NYC Mental Health Film Festival has grown into its own festival and an international storytelling program.
Last updated Aug 27, 2026
Legitimacy Analysis
Positive Indicators (+12 pts)
- 10 years of verifiable history
- 1 verified pro signal
Red Flags (-36 pts)
- Listed as 'competition' not 'festival' - likely online-only awards
- No physical screenings
- 1 documented risk signal
- On watchlist — negative reputation signals detected
Trust Signals
Risk Flags
- COMPETITION_NOT_FESTIVAL
Positive Signals
- Documented history with archived programs
Festival Details
Founded
2016
Related Festivals in United States
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At a glance
Legitimacy Score26/100
TierWarning
Reviews0
Community Reports0
How scoring works
Scores are calculated from structural indicators: accreditations, physical screenings, award category count, submission frequency, and acceptance rate. Higher scores reflect more verifiable legitimacy signals.
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