Lights. Camera. Help. is hosting the 1st non-profit film festival July 31-August 2 at the University of Texas at Austin. Founded by David Neff (@DaveIam) and Aaron Bramley (@AaronMSB), the film festival is intended to bring attention to the “films-for-a-cause” genre by showcasing the best PSAs, shorts and feature-length films that nonprofits use to spread the word about their cause.

Out of 140 submissions, the list has been narrowed to 20, and with this line-up, you can understand why I wish I could be in two places at one time. (Bonus: The event is more affordable than most with tickets from $7-$15!)

1. “Aid to Artisans” – Aid to Artisans
2. “Survivors of Dating Abuse” – Break the Cycle
3. “Manifesto” – Lance Armstrong Foundation
4. “Family Portraits” – Jewish Family Service of Seattle
5. “Give 5” – United Way Capital Area
6. “Reality, Mobility, Independence” – Wheelchair Foundation
7. “Think Pink Lemonade” – Women Playing For T.I.M.E.
8. “Think B4YouSpeak” – Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network
9. “Fowl Play” – Mercy For Animals
10. “From the Mills to Manhattan” – Best Friends Animal Society
11. “In A Place Like This” – Mobile Film School
12. “Fighting Goliath: Texas Coal Wars” – Texas Cities for Clean Air Coalition
13. “Red Ink” – We Are Family Foundation
14. “Perfect Match” – Michigan Humane Society
15. “Time Bomb” – charity: water
16. “Impacting the Future” – National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
17. “Tale of Two Brothers” – Los Angeles Urban League
18. “Thoughts in a Hijab” – Reel Grrls
19. “The Perfect Parent PSAs” – AdoptUSKids
20. “Art From The Streets” – Art From The Streets

The “judge’s winner” will receive all the proceeds and donations raised from the event. Kudos to Aaron and David for following their goals and highlighting these moving films. I wish you, all attendees and the non-profit organizations themselves, the very best. Can’t wait to hear how it goes!

flickr credit: evalin