MOVIE POSTER
RE-CREATION CONTEST

For our first ever Cultural Campaign we're launching a photo contest with a twist—recreate a shot from a movie poster that highlights a social issue. We’ve provided a list of eligible films—each one addressing powerful issues like human rights, environmentalism, equality, and justice. Your challenge is to bring one of these iconic posters to life through your own lens, capturing the essence of the film’s message in a way that resonates today.

Check out the list of eligible films below, select your shot, and submit your recreation. Let’s use the power of imagery to highlight the issues that matter most.

The Wild Robot (2024) 
Wicked (2024) 
Nimona (2023) 
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) Turning Red (2022) 
Encanto (2021) 
Soul (2020)
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)
The Lion (2019) 
A Wrinkle in Time (2018) 
Puss and Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
Coco (2017)
Paddington 2 (2017) 
Wonder (2017) 
Ballerina (2016)
Finding Dory (2016)
Hidden Figures (2016)
Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) 
Moana (2016) 
Queen of Katwe (2016)
Raya and the Last Dragon (2016)
The Jungle Book (2016)
Zootopia (2016)
 Inside Out (2015) 
Annie (2014)
Big Hero 6 (2014)
The Book of Life (2014)
The Lego Movie (2014)
Frozen (2013)
Brave (2012)
The Lorax (2012)
The Karate Kid (2010)
Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs (2009)
The Princess and the Frog (2009) 
Up (2009)
Wall-E (2008) 
The Bee Movie (2007)
Hairspray (2007) 
Akeelah and the Bee (2006) 
Happy Feet (2006) 
Shrek (2001)
Remember the Titans (2000) 
The Iron Giant (1999)
Mulan (1998)
Matilda (1996)
Pocahontas (1995)
I Saw the TV Glow (2024) 
Queen of the Ring (2024) 
The Six Triple Eight (2024) 
Barbie (2023) 
Champions (2023) 
The Creator (2023) 
CODA (2021) 
Tick Tick BOOM (2021) 
In the Heights (2021) 
West Side Story (2021) 
Minari (2020) 
Mulan (2020)
Never Rarely Sometimes Always (2020) Harriet (2019) 
Wonder Woman (2019)
 Black Panther (2018) 
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) 
Love, Simon (2018) 
On the Basis of Sex (2018) 
Ready Player One (2018) 
The Hate U Give (2018) 
Okja (2017) 
The Post (2017) 
Race (2016) 
Joy (2015) 
Suffragette (2015) 
Imitation Game (2014) 
Selma (2014) 
The Giver (2014)
Theory of Everything (2014) 
42 (2013) 
The Book Thief (2013) 
Hunger Games (2012) 
Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) 
The Help (2011) 
The King's Speech (2010) 
Avatar (2009) 
Juno (2007) 
Persepolis (2007) 
Pursuit of Happyness (2006) 
i-Robot (2004) 
Super Size Me (2004) 
Mona Lisa Smile (2003) 
A Beautiful Mind (2001) 
Legally Blonde (2001) 
Miss Congeniality (2000)
Pay It Forward (2000)

WHY THIS CAMPAIGN MATTERS

Art has always been a powerful force for change, and this contest is about more than just photography—it’s about using creativity to spark conversations on some of the most pressing social issues of our time. By recreating a movie poster that highlights themes like human rights, environmentalism, and justice, participants have the opportunity to reinterpret these messages in ways that feel urgent and relevant today.

This is a chance to showcase not only artistic talent but also a deep understanding of storytelling and advocacy. Each submission is a statement—one that can inspire, educate, and challenge audiences to see these issues from fresh perspectives. Through this contest, we aim to amplify the voices of young artists and activists, proving that visual storytelling can be a catalyst for awareness and action.

By participating, you’re not just creating an image; you’re making an impact.

WHAT CAN YOU WIN?

Grand Prize
One winner will receive $500.00 USD, an artist spotlight on our website and in our email newsletter, social media and partner network features, a donation of a streaming service subscription to an approved charity or nonprofit of their choice, and exclusive IDEALIST merchandise.

Finalists Award
Four finalists will receive a social media feature and exclusive IDEALIST merchandise.

Shipping Eligibility: Participants are encouraged to verify that merchandise can be shipped to their location before entering, as U.S. law and international agreements restrict shipments to certain countries under embargo or subject to trade restrictions, including–but not limited–to Afghanistan, Balkans, Belarus, Burma (Myanmar),Central African Republic, Dem. Rep. of Congo, Cuba, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Nicaragua, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine/Russia, Venezuela, and Yemen.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

This contest is open to all creative individuals aged 13 to 21 years old, regardless of country of residence.

We welcome entries from talented youths around the world, encouraging diverse perspectives and artistic expression from every corner of the globe. Applicants must meet the age requirement at the time of submission.

JUDGING CRITERIA

The Judges will select images based upon the following criteria:

  1. Creativity: The ability to execute ideas with innovation and style.

  2. Artistic Merit: The quality of the visuals paired with the power of the narrative.

  3. Impact Potential: The ability of the project to captivate audiences and spark meaningful conversation.

WHATS NOT ALLOWED?

Each applicant may not submit more than one entry.

Submissions that contain or depict inappropriate and/or offensive content, including but not limited to nudity, violence, or any other explicit material, will be disqualified.

Submissions that include AI-generated or AI-enhanced content will be disqualified.

Any submission that includes images not created by the applicant, or, that are not copyright-free will be disqualified.

HOW TO SUBMIT

STEP 1: Review eligibility and guidelines

STEP 2: Follow us on Instagram at @Theidealistproject

STEP 3: DM us your entry with your FULL NAME and the POSTER’S MOVIE TITLE e.g., “Stanley Yelnats, HOLES”

STEP 4: Check our social media accounts on Friday, March 28th, 2025, to see if you’ve won!

BONUS TIP: Share your entry on your social media using the hashtag #THEIDEALISTPROJECT

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Submissions will be accepted until 11:59 PM on Friday, March 21st, 2025.

  • No cost to enter.

  • All participants submitting work for the Movie Poster Re-Creation Contest must meet the minimum age requirement specified by the film’s MPAA rating. Submissions will only be considered if the contestant meets the stipulated age and can provide proof of age upon request.

  • Contestants are free to creatively reinterpret the posters in any way they choose. However, their re-creation should be based on the primary movie poster as displayed on IMDb.

  • Inclusion of the movie title, reviews, billing block, and other typography is not required for your submission. However, these elements are allowed and can be included to enhance your poster design if desired.

  • If a person is recognizable in a photo, you must be able to provide a model release from the individual, or from the individual’s parents or guardian if the subject is a minor, upon request by IDEALIST.

  • Shortlisted images may need to provide a high-quality PNG.

  • Photos must be taken in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. 

  • The contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law.

  • Participation in the contest requires the collection of your name and social media account(s). By entering this contest, you are consenting to the use of your name and social media account(s) for further communication regarding this contest. To access our privacy policy, click here. 

  • This contest is not sponsored by, endorsed, or administered by Instagram, Meta, Twitter, or TikTok.  It is fully sponsored by IDEALIST and its contributing partner networks. IDEALIST and entrants release Instagram and/or any of its parent or affiliated companies from any liability related to this contest.

  • By participating, entrants agree to release and hold IDEALIST harmless from any liability, claims, or damages arising from their participation, including but not limited to issues related to submission, copyright, or any other disputes.

  • The winner will be notified by DM and a list of the winners/finalists will be published on Friday, March 28th 2025.

NOT SURE WHERE TO START?

To make your movie poster re-creation process as smooth and inspiring as possible, we’ve gathered a collection of free resources. From image libraries and fonts to editing tools and movie poster databases, these sites will provide you with all the assets and inspiration you need to create a standout design. Explore these resources to find high-quality visuals, fonts, editing tools, and iconic poster references!


Looking for images to supplement your design?

Try no-cost copyright free image libraries such as Unsplash, Pexels, or Pixabay. Each offer a massive library of free, high-resolution images available for personal and commercial use.

Looking for the perfect font to match your poster’s aesthetic?

Try free font libraries such as Google Fonts, Dafont, or FontSquirrel. These platforms offer a wide variety of high-quality, copyright-free fonts, from bold and dramatic to sleek and minimalist. Whether you're aiming for a classic Hollywood feel or a modern indie vibe, these libraries have the typeface to bring your design to life.



Need an easy way to edit and enhance your poster?

Try free design tools such as Canva, Photopea, or GIMP. These platforms provide powerful editing capabilities, allowing you to manipulate images, add text, and apply effects—without needing expensive software. Whether you're a beginner
or an experienced designer, these tools will help you create a professional-looking poster with ease.


Still have questions or would like additional guidance?

Email us at Contact@TheIdealistProject.com or send us a DM on Instagram @TheIdealistProject.