For 2026, the Anacostia Youth Media Festival (AYMF) will spotlight the theme “Founding Mothers,” honoring America’s 250th anniversary by celebrating the leadership, resilience, and impact of women in history and community life. As a youth-directed festival featuring film, podcasts, photography, experimental media, video games, and social storytelling, AYMF invites young creators to explore this theme or share stories rooted in their own experiences. Through workshops and community engagement, the theme will inspire projects on leadership, heritage, identity, and intergenerational strength. A new award will recognize outstanding work highlighting motherhood and women’s leadership, further advancing AYMF’s mission to amplify youth voices.