A3F 10 Day Film Challenge
October 2-12, 2026
The 2nd Annual A3F 10 Day Film Challenge takes place October 2-12, 2026. In addition to a Theme, Line of Dialogue and Prop, filmmakers must also include a "Musical Moment" in their films. A character(s) could sing, dance or play an instrument! Be creative and make your musical moment(s) shine! Films can be any genre, teams can be any size and open to all ages and abilities. Participating from outside of Phoenix, click here. Teams registered so far.
HOW IT WORKS
The Official Guidelines will be revealed at our Kick-off Party on October 2 (location TBA) at 7p.m. and online. You then have 10 days to write, film, edit and submit (upload) your movie before the 7p.m. deadline on Monday, October 12. Films can be 3-6 minutes long including credits. Films that beat the deadline will be watched/scored by our panel of judges to decide the Top 20 films. *Required film length could change depending on how many teams sign up.
REGISTRATION
Assign a Team Leader and register/pay below. Fee is $30 (Aug. 22-31), $40 (Sept. 1-18), and $50 (Sept. 19 - Oct. 2). With registration, the team leader receives an official A3F T-Shirt and 2 complimentary tickets to the Top 20 Public Screening. The BEST DEAL in town! *The team leader must sign the online release form to participate.
TOP 20 PUBLIC SCREENING - THURSDAY, October 22
The Top 20 films will make their World Premier on 10/22/26 at 7p.m. at AMC Arizona Center 24 Theatres (565 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004) in downtown Phoenix. Tickets will go on sale October 3. This red carpet event is not to be missed!
GUIDELINES
Theme: Revealed 10/2
Line of Dialogue: Revealed 10/2
Prop: Revealed 10/2
RULES
Films must be 3-6 minutes long (including credits).
All footage must be shot within the 10 day time period (locations can be scouted beforehand, animators are allowed to pre-sketch templates/characters).
In addition to the required Guidelines, you must also include a "musical moment" where a character(s) sings, dances or plays an instrument.
You can choose any genre, i.e. horror, action, comedy, western, etc.
Filmmakers should secure permission for all locations and any music/songs used within their films.
Adult content such as language, violence and sexual situations is allowed, however, make sure it fits your storyline and enhances your film.
AI and AI assistance is allowed, but please acknowledge its use in your credits. *AI scripts not eligible for Best Story Award.
Cast and crew must promise to have fun and become Almost Famous!
SPONSORS
We are delighted to announce that A3F Incorporated received a City of Phoenix Arts + Culture grant for the 2026-27 film festival. Thank you to Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and District 4 Councilmember Laura Pastor for this recognition. And a HUGE thanks to Downtown Phoenix Inc. and the Phoenix Film Office for sponsoring the 2026 A3F 10 Day Film Challenge. The winning team of this fall's film challenge will receive (donated by the Phoenix Film Office) the use of a Phoenix Suns Suite (TBA).
JUDGES PANEL
Jason Francois - As Assistant A3F Director, Jason brings a wealth of film knowledge and experience to the panel. Jason excels in script-writing, directing and has a technical expertise on a movie set that has translated into several award-winning short films and a feature currently on Netflix.
Laurie Love - returns as a judge and brings with her a prolific career as an actress, stuntwoman and producer. Her on-set knowledge and vast experiences combined with muti-faceted roles makes her a perfect judge for this year's competition.
Philip Bradstock - Film Commissioner Phoenix Film Office, grew up in Phoenix and has overseen all aspects of the Phoenix Film Office since 2006. In 2000, Phil worked as a PA on the TV show Suddenly Susan at Warner Bros. Studios and was promoted to a Production Coordinator for Warner Bros. Television.
Rachel Delovino - is an indie film producer and serial storyteller. Rachel attended Chapman University's Dodge College of Media and Film in both the MFA Production and Screenwriting programs until she was tapped to write for television as a Nickelodeon Writing Fellow. In 2021, Rachel opened The Dance Experience AZ, an innovative motion picture production company for dancers, studios and choreographers.
Jae Staats - Founded the A3F in 2005 to bring a high-quality and filmmaker-inspired festival to the valley. Jae also runs BallBoy Productions, a local video production company and has collaborated on several award-winning short films and national commercials.