A3F 72 Hour Film Challenge 2025

Become Almost Famous February 14-17!

Kicking off our 20th year, we are hosting a 72 Hour Short Film Challenge on February 14-17, 2025. Open to all ages and abilities, this will be a festival to remember! Teams registered so far. Film submission info here.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Registered teams will have 3 Days or 72 hours to make a 1-5 minute short film based on a Theme, Line of Dialogue and Prop that will be revealed at 7p.m. on Friday, February 14 at our official Kick-Off Party (TBA) or online. Choose your own genre and teams can be any size. *Please read the official rules below.

Teams that beat the 72 hour deadline will have their films watched and scored by our Panel of Judges. The Top 20 films will make their World Premier at our legendary Public Screening on Thursday, February 27 at AMC Arizona Center 24 Theatres in downtown Phoenix followed by an Awards Ceremony and After Party!

REGISTRATION

To register for the film challenge, fill out this online release form and pay the entry fee below $40 (January 1-31) and $50 (Feb. 1-14). Be sure to type in your Team Name as well as your Team Leader and select your T-Shirt size (team leader receives a complimentary A3F T-Shirt!). **No refunds please.

T-Shirt Size:
Team Name:
Team Leader:

GUIDELINES

The Theme, Line of Dialogue and Prop will be revealed at 7p.m. on 2/14 at our Official Kick-Off Party (TBA) and online on our social media pages.

RULES
  • Films must be 1-5 minutes long (credits can extend 30 seconds).
  • All footage must be shot within the 72 hour time period (locations can be scouted beforehand, animators are allowed to pre-sketch templates/characters).
  • 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.
  • Cast and crew must promise to have fun and become Almost Famous!

  • SPONSORS

    A HUGE thanks to Downtown Phoenix Inc. and the Phoenix Film Office for sponsoring the 2025 A3F Film Challenge. The winning team of this year's film challenge will receive (donated by the Phoenix Film Office) the use of a Phoenix Suns Suite on March 2 vs the Timberwolves. **Includes 9 tickets and 2 parking passes. Food and beverages not included, attendees will be required to provide their names and email addresses.

    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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

  • More to come...

    Almost Famous Film Festival - The A3F