Filmmakers will sign up a team to make a 5-minute short film in 33 days. Teams will pull a random prompt in person or through zoom on Tuesday, January 12, 2027 at 7:00 PM EST. Teams will forfeit if they do not choose a prompt at that time or do not discuss an alternative way to be assigned a prompt.
All films must be 5 minutes or less in runtime, use the prompt as a major part of their film, and upload it to the secure link provided by Sunday, February 14, 2027 at 11:59 PM EST. No Artificial Intelligence (AI) or copyrighted music will be allowed.
All completed films by the deadline will be shown in person on Sunday, March 7, 2027 at Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square in Cleveland, OH USA. Team Captains who complete a film on time will receive one week-long festival pass. Good luck!
The films will be reviewed and judged by a separate team of judges. The top film will receive a check for $250, the second place team will receive a check for $150, and the third place team will receive a check for $50!
Additionally, we will award non-cash prizes to the top 3 in the following categories:
- Actor
- Actress
- Acting Ensemble
- Cinematography
- Directing
- Editing
- Musical Score
- Sound
- Special Effects & Makeup (SPFX)
- Writing
It is $35 to sign up a team in advance or $40 at the door. Teams will choose prompts in the order of signing up so the earlier you sign up the earlier you pick a prompt!