FILMMAKERS + IMPACT MEDIA CREATORS + CHANGEMAKERS

SIMA 2024 OPEN CALL

LOS ANGELES (September 7, 2023) – Against the backdrop of a world grappling with the enduring effects of wars and civil unrest, climate change and a global pandemic, the annual Social Impact Media Awards (SIMA) announces the commencement of its 12th annual awards cycle. This clarion call for entries beckons forth narratives that authentically capture the paradigm shifts, the diverse movements and personal activism sweeping across the world, those emerging from the dynamic realm of media: from non-fiction storytelling to AI-generated productions. Filmmakers, production companies, and impact media visionaries who delve into the profound questions concerning our past, present, and future, and who inspire viewers to contemplate the essence and potential of social activism and transformation, are invited to submit their works by October 7, 2023.

As the most renowned global documentary awards competition and curator in the social impact film space, the Annual Social Impact Media Awards (SIMA) have supported and celebrated over 3,000 content creators, across 140 countries, that challenge the status quo and redefine the world’s creative boundaries through unparalleled transparency and integrity.

Since its inception in 2012, SIMA has emerged as a vital nexus of film and advocacy, illuminating the world’s most urgent social challenges often overlooked by conventional platforms. Through its unwavering commitment to inclusivity, SIMA has given voice to both marginalized and systemically excluded narratives, bridging global divides and fostering dialogue that transcends borders. Its impact goes beyond the screen, igniting tangible change, shaping perceptions, and nurturing empathy. In a media landscape saturated by mainstream voices and biased news sources, SIMA stands as a rallying point for storytellers who ignite change, showcasing the transformative power of narratives in shaping a more just and equitable world.

“When I started SIMA, my aspiration was to find and spotlight the narratives of communities that too often remained overlooked, challenging oppressive ideologies and inspiring audiences to critically confront systems of injustice. Today, over a decade later, we continue to witness the transformative impact of those stories around the globe and could not be more honored to support the creative and courageous work of filmmakers, activists, artists, and community leaders who transform their cameras and by extension their audiences into vehicles for social justice. We cannot wait to see your films, and the waves of change they will spark this year.”

— Daniela Kon Lieberberg, Founder & CEO

With an uncompromising pursuit of the highest standards in social impact storytelling, SIMA invites entries across diverse formats, including: Feature and Short Documentaries, Impact Videos, Extended Reality (XR)/Interactive media projects, Impact AI creations showcasing generative AI activism through synthetic media storytelling, and Production Companies whose portfolio exemplifies exceptional accomplishments in effecting change through varied visual storytelling forms.

Submitters compete for awards, cash prizes, and prominent media features, as well as invitations to participate in SIMA’s coveted year-round distribution programs; the global education platform SIMA Academy serving students in over 100 countries, and the SIMA Traveling Series advancing global grassroots activism through local film events in partnership with human rights film festivals and community partners worldwide. These programs serve as conduits to international audiences, communities, and classrooms, democratizing access to filmmaking that tackles social issues and underscoring the enduring impact achieved beyond the credits rolling—through community engagement, coalition building, and education.