IMPACT 2026 Film Fest

SHARE YOUR STORY – GET FEATURED AT IMPACT 2026!

Building Awareness and Engagement through Stories

After a successful first run, the IMPACT Film Fest is back! Once again, we’re inviting cooperators from all sectors to join in this year’s video storytelling campaign. We’re collecting powerful stories that showcase how cooperatives are transforming communities, businesses and the broader economy. This is your opportunity to bring greater visibility to your co-op’s story and inspire others. It’s also your chance to be featured at our 2nd Annual Film Fest at the 2026 Cooperative IMPACT Conference in October. 

Why video stories? Because while a picture might be worth a thousand words, nothing brings a story to life like a video. There’s a reason your social media feeds are flooded with videos; algorithms know videos capture attention and hold engagement. It’s also the stickiest way to make a point. Viewers retain 95 percent of message when it’s delivered through video, compared to only 10 percent of a written message.

And video storytelling doesn’t need to be intimidating! You don’t need fancy, expensive equipment—your iPhone or other smartphone already has a high-quality camera and microphone. An inexpensive smartphone tripod is a good investment, and being aware of lighting and audio quality are key. Check out our smartphone video guide here.

For this campaign, feel free to create a new video, or submit one your co-op already has on the shelf.

Submit your story   How to create great videos on your smartphone

3 Reasons to Share Your Story

Visibility

We'll feature winning submissions during our 2nd Annual Film Fest at IMPACT 2026 in October.

Free registration

The first ten story submissions get a free IMPACT 2026 registration.

Lasting impact

Be part of a growing collection of stories the entire co-op ecosystem can leverage for advocacy, outreach and education.

2nd Annual Film Fest at IMPACT 2026

This year’s film fest will again recognize the best Long Form, Short Form and Social Media videos. Submit your video story in one of the three categories below for a chance to win a category award, be featured at IMPACT 2026 and/or participate in our Year of Co-ops Film Fest Panel Discussion.

To be considered for a Film Fest Award, submit your video story no later than July 31. We’ll post video story submissions on a rolling basis on this page, and finalists will be notified in mid-August.

All video submissions should: 1) tell an engaging story that will capture attention, 2) show how co-ops are building a better world, and 3) use clear video and audio to communicate effectively.

Submit your story by July 31

Submission Categories

Social media content

Up to 90 seconds
PlatformsInstagram/Facebook Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, LinkedIn
GuidelinesVertical format expected. Sweet spot for reach and retention is 30-60 seconds.

Short-form videos

Up to 2.5 minutes
PlatformsYouTube, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, websites
GuidelinesGood for testimonials, explainers, event recaps and narrative-driven short stories. Ideal range is 1.5-2 minutes.

Long-form content

More than 2.5 minutes
PlatformsYouTube, Vimeo, presentations, websites, streaming platforms
GuidelinesConsider the 3-5 minute range for mini-documentaries, features, profiles and policy explainers.