A3F 72 Hour Film Challenge 2026
February 13-16, 2026
The 21st Annual A3F Short Film Challenge has now concluded with 26 of the 33 teams completing their films in just 3 Days or 72 Hours! Registered teams. Our panel of judges will watch and score the films and select the Top 20 which will premier on Thursday, Feb. 26.
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. Tickets re now on sale for $11 each. Please choose the quantity of tickets and then type in the First/Last Name for our Will Call. Tickets will be available starting at 5p.m. in the AMC Theatre lobby. *Click "Checkout" to use Apple Pay. **No refunds please.
GUIDELINES
Theme: Do Over
Line of Dialogue: "There's always tomorrow."
Prop: an Eraser
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. We also want to extend our appreciation to The Dance Experience AZ for sponsoring this year's film challenge.
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.
Bonnie Selim - has been a part of the Phoenix film community for over 15 years, participating in many past A3F challenges and former overall winner. She went to SCC's Film School where she specialized in film editing, and works locally creating small business and comedy video content.
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.