What Is It?

The AAHSFF Spring Film Invitational is a fast and furious creative filmmaking competition designed to provide a creative boost and competitive warm-up for our on-site FI Competitions in New York City this October.

The Spring FI is a production experience for student filmmakers and video production programs - your chance to “crew up” and produce a short film in just 5 days. We believe that the best classroom is a film set, and our Film Invitational Competitions provide participants with an unparalleled chance to productively collaborate, improve their craft, and test their skills while competing against student teams from around the world. Competing in the Film Invitational is a team-building, tech-fueled, creative experience like no other!

Production Specifics:

We’re not going to share all of the details, but we can tell you…

- Teams will be tasked with creating a short narrative film 2-6 minutes in length.

- Participating teams will be provided with a specific prompt that will form the foundation of the story concept and/or theme (Ex- “View from the top…”, “Beginnings…”, “Mind on Fire…”).

- Teams will also be tasked with incorporating a few REQUIRED elements in their production (like a specific line of dialogue, foley sound fx, prop, etc.).

- Teams will be required to provide location and talent release forms (forms provided by AAHSFF).

- All music and imagery must be royalty free (AAHSFF will provide a library of royalty free music).

COST: $150 per team (Max 10 team members)*

Schools/programs are welcome to register as many teams as they wish.*

Who Is Eligible?

Any student filmmaker who is currently in high school is eligible to participate in our competitions. Schools, clubs, and community organizations are welcome to form teams. There is no limit to how many teams a school/organization can register, AND schools/organizations are welcome to compete in any/all of the competitions. ALL TEAMS MUST HAVE AN ADULT TEAM LEADER/MENTOR RESPONSIBLE FOR COMMUNICATION WITH AAHSFF AND CHAPERONING THE TEAM WHILE IN PRODUCTION.

- Schools - Form a team (or teams) representing your high school’s film program.

- Clubs - Form a team (or teams) representing your high school’s film club.

- Community Organizations - Form a team (or teams) representing your workshop, camp, after school, or other community film organization.

How It Works:

Registration is now open and will continue until Monday, April 14th, 2025. The competition starts Friday, April 10th, 2025 at 8 am EST when your team receives the official FI Welcome Packet. In this packet, you will find all of the details, rules, and prompts.

Teams then have five days to write their script, plan their shoot, secure locations and actors, film, and edit before the final submission deadline on Tuesday, April 14th, 2025, at 8 pm EST.

All films will be reviewed and judged by the AAHSFF Team and Industry Professionals. The nominees and winners will be announced live on Instagram on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 at 8 pm EST.

All nominated and winning films will be featured on the AAHSFF website and social channels, and the winning team will receive a commemorative 2025 Spring Film Invitational Tindie trophy and special AAHSFF swag bag of merchandise! All participating teams will receive an official certificate of participation.