“Since we started Shine Global back in 2005, we’ve had the privilege of meeting and telling the stories of inspiring, resilient children growing up in the crossroads of  diverse political, cultural, and social forces,” says Shine Global co-founder and Emmy-winning producer Susan MacLaury. “Telling these stories is no easy feat but it’s incredibly important. That’s why we’re honored to introduce the Children’s Resilience in Film Award to not only honor these visionary filmmakers and their outstanding work but empower the next generation of filmmakers to realize the power in children’s narratives.”

Open calls for nominations opens today, March 16, and will close on May 31. Five nominees, feature-length films released in the last year, will be selected and announced this summer, with the nominees to screen their films in New York City in September. The jury is comprised of film industry experts, children’s rights activists and distinguished youth voices.

The winner will be announced at awards show in Los Angeles on Oct. 20, with a prize of $25,000.

Shine Global has tackled issues of child labor, child abuse, child soldiering, parental incarceration and undocumented immigration, as well as homelessness.

War/Dance

Shine Global’s first film was 2007’s War/Dance, which was a documentary profiling Acholi children refugees living in Patongo, the northern Ugandan refugee camp. The film debuted at the 2007 Sundance Film Fest and was also nominated for the 2008 Academy Award for best feature documentary, and won two Emmys in 2010.

Shine Global’s Inocente won the 2013 Oscar for best documentary (short subject).