Without Boundaries Film Festival PRESENTED BY DIVERSIFIED

The Without Boundaries Film Festival, presented by Diversified, is more than a celebration of innovation—it’s a platform to spotlight and amplify the stories of women in tech, AV, broadcast, film and beyond. Focused on their achievements, challenges, and impact, this initiative empowers storytellers to share powerful narratives that inspire, educate, and drive change. A film festival without boundaries… without borders—streamed, shared, and celebrated online.

Submit an original video that highlights inspiring journeys, breakthroughs, and the power of representation in driving impact.

Maximum runtime: 5 minutes
Open to creators age 16 and up
All storytelling formats welcome: documentary, animation, live-action, narrative, and more
Submissions must be original and not previously screened at major film festivals.

Finalists will be sponsored to attend NAB Show NY in October, where winners will be announced.

Submission Deadline: August 1, 2025

BREAK BOUNDARIES. DRIVE CHANGE.
THIS IS YOUR MOMENT.

Future Forward: Visionaries in Action

For students, aspiring professionals, and early-career participants.

Are you the next big thinker in Media, AV or technology? This category is for you! Share your groundbreaking ideas, theories, or visions for the future and how they could transform the industry. The winner will receive a monetary prize or scholarship to bring their idea to life.

Judging Criteria:

Innovation and Originality (30%): Does the idea present a fresh, creative perspective?
Vision and Potential Impact (30%): How impactful could this idea be if brought to life?
Clarity of Concept (20%): Is the idea clearly articulated and easy to understand?
Feasibility and Actionability (20%): Is the idea practical, with a clear plan for execution?

Sample Topics:

“My Big Idea for Changing the World with STEAM”
“The Future I Want to Create: Innovations and Solutions for Tomorrow”
“Reimagining STEAM: How Diversity Will Drive the Next Big Breakthrough”

Navigating Success: Stories of Growth and Advocacy

For all levels, from students to professionals.

This is your space to share personal stories, advice, and actionable insights on overcoming challenges in the workplace, academia, or society. Inspire others with your journey and lessons learned.

Judging Criteria:

Authenticity and Relatability (30%): Does the story feel genuine and heartfelt?
Insight and Practical Advice (30%): Does it offer valuable lessons or strategies?
Contribution to Equity (20%): How does the conversation around equity in STEAM advance?
Engagement and Storytelling (20%): Is the story compelling and well-told?

Sample Topics:

“Breaking Free from the Sticky Floor: How I Advanced My Career”
“Advice for My Younger Self: Navigating STEAM as a Woman”
“Growing Equity in STEAM: Strategies and Ideas for Change”
“Allies on the Journey: The Importance of Mentorship and Support”

Bold and Brave: Pioneering Projects and Innovations

For professionals, researchers, and leaders in AV, media and technology.

Have you taken bold risks, pushed boundaries, or driven innovation? Showcase your impactful projects, whether through social good, technological advancement, or industry disruption.

Judging Criteria:

Level of Innovation (30%): How creative and unique was the project?
Impact and Outcomes (30%): What was the result of the project?
Challenges Overcome (20%): How did you navigate obstacles and risks?
Presentation and Communication (20%): Is the project presented clearly and effectively?

Sample Topics:

“Doing What’s Never Been Done Before: Inside My Breakthrough Project”
“Tech for Good: Women Innovating for Social Impact”
“Fail Forward: How Risk-Taking Led to Success in My Career”
“The Most Creative Idea I Pursued: Lessons Learned from Thinking Outside the Box”

Accelerating Action: Shaping the Future of AV, media, and technology

Open to all participants.

This category is all about forward-thinking ideas and initiatives that can drive immediate change in the industry. Share your vision for what’s next and how we can accelerate progress together.

Judging Criteria:

Boldness of Vision (30%): Does the idea challenge existing paradigms?
Potential for Immediate Impact (30%): Could it lead to meaningful change in the near term?
Scalability and Broader Impact (20%): Can the idea be scaled or replicated?
Persuasiveness and Call to Action (20%): Does it inspire the audience to take action?

Sample Topics:

“Accelerating Action: My Vision for a More Inclusive Media, AV and Technology Community”
“From Concept to Change: How My Idea Can Impact the Industry”
“The Future of Innovation: Why Diversity Will Lead the Way”

Future Forward: Visionaries in Action

For students, aspiring professionals, and early-career participants.

Judging Criteria:

Innovation and Originality (30%): Does the idea present a fresh, creative perspective?
Vision and Potential Impact (30%): How impactful could this idea be if brought to life?
Clarity of Concept (20%): Is the idea clearly articulated and easy to understand?
Feasibility and Actionability (20%): Is the idea practical, with a clear plan for execution?

Sample Topics:

“My Big Idea for Changing the World with STEAM”
“The Future I Want to Create: Innovations and Solutions for Tomorrow”

“Reimagining STEAM: How Diversity Will Drive the Next Big Breakthrough”

Navigating Success: Stories of Growth and Advocacy

This category focuses on personal stories, insights, and actionable advice. Judges should look for authenticity, relatability, and the potential to inspire others on their journey.

Criteria:

Authenticity and Relatability (30%)
- Does the story feel genuine and heartfelt? Can the audience connect with the challenges and experiences shared?

Insight and Practical Advice (30%)
- Does the submission offer valuable lessons, strategies, or advice that others can apply to their own careers or advocacy efforts?

Contribution to Equity (20%)
- How does the story contribute to the broader conversation around equity in STEAM? Does it highlight tangible steps or actions taken to create a more inclusive environment?

Engagement and Storytelling (20%)
- Is the story compelling and well-told? Does it capture the audience’s attention and inspire reflection or action?

Bold and Brave: Pioneering Projects and Innovations

This category is about showcasing completed projects or initiatives led by women in STEAM. Judges should evaluate the level of innovation, the impact made, and the challenges overcome.

Criteria:

Level of Innovation (30%)
- How creative and unique was the project or initiative? Did it push boundaries or challenge the status quo in the field?

Impact and Outcomes (30%)
- What was the result of the project? Did it make a significant difference in the organization, industry, or society? How did it drive change or deliver value?

Challenges Overcome (20%)
- Were there significant obstacles or risks involved? How did the participant navigate these challenges, and what did they learn from the experience?

Presentation and Communication (20%)
- Is the project presented clearly and effectively? Does the participant convey the story of the project in a way that engages the audience and highlights key achievements?

Accelerating Action: Shaping the Future of STEAM

This category is focused on forward-thinking ideas and initiatives aimed at driving immediate change. Judges should look for bold visions, practical plans, and the potential for immediate action.

Criteria:

Boldness of Vision (30%)
- Does the idea challenge existing paradigms or introduce a new way of thinking? How ambitious and forward-thinking is the concept?
Potential for Immediate Impact (30%)
- Could this idea lead to meaningful change in the near term? Is it actionable, with a clear plan for implementation?
Scalability and Broader Impact (20%)
- Does the idea have the potential to be scaled or replicated? Could it drive change beyond a single organization or community?
Persuasiveness and Call to Action (20%)
- Is the presentation compelling and persuasive? Does it motivate the audience to take action or support the initiative?

FAQ

Is there a reward for being named a winner?

Aside from the recognition and visibility, winners will also be awarded prize money in the form of cash or charitable donation to your school or NextLVL Learning. This award will be distributed according to the team’s selection as part of their entry.

How is my entry judged?

Each category has it’s own judging criteria. More information can be found in judging criteria above.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes, you must be age 16 or older at the time of submission.

Are high school students judged the same as professionals?

Generally speaking, yes. The criteria is the same across age groups, but some categories are reserved for specific age groups so that every age group has a fair chance to win an award. Depending on number and quality of submissions, categories open to all age groups may have multiple winners.

Can young men/boys submit films?

Yes, and it’s encouraged! Growing women in AV, media, and technology is a cause supported by all. Anyone with a great idea or story related to advancing women in these fields can submit.

Who retains the copyright and right to distribute the video?

Creators retain artistic ownership of overall content. Also, by submitting to the Without Boundaries event and film festival, creators grant permission to Diversified, AVIXA and SVGW to use, distribute, and circulate the video. For example, if Diversified wants to highlight a winner as a post on LinkedIn, they may do so freely. Creators have the same distribution and circulation rights.

Can I enter more than one video?

Yes! You may submit up to 2 videos, but they must be for separate categories.

Is this only open to individuals or are teams allowed?

Individuals and teams are invited to submit; However, teams should be no more than four people and should identify one team lead to submit their video.

I am producing my film as part of a class or mentorship program for students in media production. Can I submit that film?

Yes, as long as it meets the criteria of their selected category.

What if I have more questions that were not answered in this FAQ?

Please reach out to us if you have additional questions by emailing globalmarketing@onediversified.com

Lights, Camera, Action: Share Your Story!

General Submission Requirements:

Format: Submissions should be in the form of a video, no longer than 5-10 minutes.
Eligibility: Open to high school students, college students, and professionals studying or working in the fields of media, broadcast, or technology.
Criteria for All Categories: Videos will also be evaluated on technical quality (audio, visuals, editing), but this will be a secondary consideration to the content and message, especially for student submissions.

About Diversified

Diversified is a global leader in audio visual and media innovation, recognized for designing and building the world’s most experiential environments. Our award-winning team specializes in delivering solutions for the most complex, large-scale and immersive installations. Serving a global clientele that includes major media organizations and retailers, sports and live performance venues, corporate enterprises, and government agencies, Diversified partners with clients to create spaces that bring people together and keep them coming back.

Without Boundaries
Film Festival

PRESENTED BY DIVERSIFIED

About the Film Festival

BREAK BOUNDARIES. DRIVE CHANGE.
THIS IS YOUR MOMENT.

Award Categories:
Where Will You Make Your Mark?

Judging Criteria

Entry Rules at a Glance

FAQ