Rooted & Reimagined
HOME Arts & Shorts Festival
A space for young voices to tell stories of belonging, identity, and imagination.
Join us in celebrating what it means to be rooted — and boldly reimagine home through film, art, and community.
Calling All Young Creatives
Got a story to tell? Submit your short film or visual art that explores what “home” means to you. This is your platform. Your lens. Your moment.
Experience the Festival — In-Person or Online
Reserve your spot to explore powerful films, live workshops, and artist talks. Let’s celebrate storytelling that inspires and connects.
Mark your calendar. here’s what’s coming up.
Celebrate the official kick-off of the 1st Annual H.O.M.E Arts & Film Festival — a bold, youth-powered experience rooted in storytelling, art, and collective imagination. Day 1 sets the tone with dynamic panels, live performances, featured screenings, and a powerful tribute to the meaning of HOME.
Join filmmakers, artists, and thought leaders as they share insight, tools, and lived experience to inspire your own journey.
Celebrate the official kick-off of the 1st Annual H.O.M.E Arts & Film Festival — a bold, youth-powered experience rooted in storytelling, art, and collective imagination. Day 1 sets the tone with dynamic panels, live performances, featured screenings, and a powerful tribute to the meaning of HOME.
Day 1: Festival Agenda
Day 2: Virtual Festival & Workshops
Date: Sunday, August 31, 2025
Location: Purchase Tickets for Access
Open to global audiences
Meet the Honorees
Half Naija, all fire—raised in New Orleans with roots that run deep and a style that speaks louder than words. I turn curls into crowns and beauty into bold statements. Smart mouth, sharper mind, and always camera ready. Catch me where glam meets grind especially if there’s a spotlight involved.
I'm Jamesha Curtis. I'm 25 years old and proudly from Houston, Texas. I currently work as a clerk at Cloudbreak Communities, where I do my best each day to serve others with kindness and care. I'm a woman of deep faith, led by God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Staying in my Bible keeps me grounded and gives me strength through every season of life. As a former foster child, I've overcome a lot—but through God's grace, I continue to grow, heal, and walk on purpose. My favorite color is pink, and I carry joy and faith with me wherever I go. One verse that stays close to my heart is: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." — Jeremiah 29:11
My name is Xavier Joyce. Everyone calls me “Zayy” & I’m actually quite fond of it over my formal name. Life brought on hardships & even though my mother put her best foot forward, I ended up in Foster Care but this wasn’t my end… It was the beginning of a journey I never thought to be one with so many blessings in it. After the family violence, mental anguish, surgery’s… I still graduated from Westfield H.S on time, attended a bit of college in which I discovered wasn’t for me & attended/graduated Trade School. The IEC (Independent Electrical Contractors) I’m not a journeyman electrician of 10 years but that’s not all. I’m a father, a caretaker, an artist music & poetry wise, & hopefully a future speaker for the youth. It is my honor to attend & be involved in this event & I thank everyone who thought to include me & contribute to this.
Have Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
HOME (Haven of Memorable Experiences) Arts & Film Festival is a youth-led, community-centered celebration of storytelling through film, visual arts, music, and performance. We spotlight artists whose work redefines the meaning of “home,” with a special focus on youth with lived foster care experience.
In-person launch: August 30, 2025, at Holy Family HTX Episcopal Church 3719 Navigation Blvd Houston, Texas 77003
Virtual festival: August 31, 2025 via H.O.M.E website (link and pw will be provided 1hr before screening)
We welcome:
- Short Films (Narrative, Documentary, Animation, Experimental, Music Video)
- Visual Art (Photography, Paintings, Digital Installations)
- Music/Spoken Word Submissions
- Multidisciplinary Works (Collage, AR/VR, etc.)
All work should speak to the theme: HOME – Rooted & Reimagined
Yes. All films must be 10 minutes or less to be considered. Submissions over 10 minutes will be automatically disqualified.
Yes, there is a $15 submission fee and $10 for High school students.
High school students can submit for free with a waiver code — email us at havenofmemories@gmail.com to request one.
We accept .MP4 and .MOV digital files only, via secure online submission through FilmFreeway or a direct file link (upon request).
Tickets can be purchased at here. Starting June 25, 2025 tickets will be available on our website. Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on ticket sales, VIP access, and free community events.
Visual artists and musicians can submit through our official [submission portal link]. We accept high-resolution images (JPG/PNG), audio files (MP3/WAV), or video performance recordings.
Selections are made by a jury of youth currently or formerly in foster care, supported by social workers, educators, and festival staff.
Yes! Awards include:
- Best Short Documentary
- Best Direction
- Best Editor
- Best Cinematography
- Best Sound Design
- Best Animation
🔊 Recognition for Musicians, Poets & Visual Artists
🏅 Featured Categories & Awards
Add special honors:
- Best Visual Storytelling (Visual Art)
- Best Original Composition (Music)
- Poet of the Festival
- Audience Favorite Artist/Musician
- Festival Innovation Award (for multimedia or cross-genre work)
Total cash prizes: $2,500
One youth from Houston transitioning out of foster care will also be awarded a cash scholarship during the festival.
🎨 Digital + In-Person Gallery
- Be apart of H.OM.E.’s Visual Arts Gallery space at the venue for accepted artwork to display work throughout the in-person and virtual experience.
- Each artist gets a digital label with name, artwork title, artist statement, and social links.
💌 Recognition Materials
- Provide:
- Festival Laurels (customized for musicians/poets/artists)
- Digital Certificates of Selection
- Complimentary Guest Pass
- Promotion in festival social media and press releases
Yes. Submissions containing explicit nudity or excessive profanity will not be accepted. We aim to create a safe, inclusive environment for youth audiences.
Email us at havenofmemories@gmail.com and a member of our team will be in touch!