A3F 72 Hour Film Challenge 2026
February 13-16, 2026
GRAB your gear, GATHER your cast and crew and GET ready for a 72 Hour Adventure like no other! The 21st Annual A3F Short Film Challenge takes place February 13-16, 2026. Open to all ages and skill levels, this is the only film challenge that promises to make you Almost Famous! Registered teams so far. Competing from out-of-town, click here.
HOW IT WORKS
On Feb. 13 at our official Kick-Off Party (details coming soon) or online, we will announce our 2026 Guidelines. Teams then have 3 days or 72 hours to complete their 3-5 minute films. Our panel of judges will watch and score the films and select the Top 20 which will premier at our Public Screening on Thursday, Feb. 26 at AMC Arizona Center 24 Theatres in downtown Phoenix.
REGISTER
To register for the A3F Short Film Challenge, type in your Team Name below and pay the entry fee; $30 (Jan. 2-9), $40 (Jan. 10-31) and $50 (Feb. 1-13). Teams must also sign this online release form before participating in the challenge. The Team Leader receives an official A3F Challenge T-Shirt as well as two complimentary tickets to the Top 20 Public Screening on Feb. 26. *No refunds please.
GUIDELINES
Theme: To be revealed on 2/13/26 at 7p.m.
Line of Dialogue: To be revealed on 2/13/26 at 7p.m.
Prop: To be revealed on 2/13/26 at 7p.m.
TOP 20 PUBLIC SCREENING - THURSDAY, FEB. 26
This very special event takes place 2/26/26 at 7p.m. at AMC Arizona Center 24 Theatres (565 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004) in downtown Phoenix. Check back here for more info and to purchase your tickets!
RULES
Films must be 3-5 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.
AI assistance is allowed, but please acknowledge its use in your credits.
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 2026 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 5 vs. the Chicago Bulls. **Includes 9 tickets and 2 parking passes. 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.
Amanda Melby - is a professional Actor, Producer and Coach with a long list of credits and achievements in film, television, commercials, industrials, print, voice over and theatre. She also runs Verve Studios for aspiring actors and actresses.
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.
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.