What Is It?

The AAHSFF Winter Film Invitational is a remote filmmaking competition designed to provide a focused, creative boost and competitive “warm-up” for our on-site FI Competitions in New York City next October. 

The Winter FI is a production experience for independent 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!

Competition Details:

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

• On Friday, January 10th at 8am EST, team advisors will receive the Official Welcome Packet containing a specific prompt that will form the foundation of the story concept and/or theme (Ex- “A Fresh Start”, “New Year, New Problems”, “A New You”, etc.)

• Teams will also be tasked with incorporating a few REQUIRED elements in their production (like a specific line of dialogue, foley sounds, 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: $200 per team (Max 10 team members)*

*Payment required upon registration

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 an 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.

Independent Filmmakers - Don’t have a film program? No problemo! Form a team with your friends (just make sure you have a parent or teacher that will serve as your official team advisor).

How It Works: 

Registration is now open and will continue until the competition start on Friday, January 10th at 8am EST when teams receives the official F.I. Welcome Packet. In this packet, you will find all of the details, rules, and prompts. Teams then have the five days to write their script, plan their shoot, secure locations and actors, film, and edit before the final submission deadline on Tuesday, January 14th at 8pm EST.

All Films will be reviewed and judged by the AAHSFF Team and Industry Professionals. The nominees and winners will be announced on Instagram on Thursday, January 25th at 8pm EST. All nominated and winning films will be featured on the AAHSFF website and social channels and the winning team will receive a commemorative trophy and special AAHSFF swag bag of merchandise! All participating teams will receive an official certificate of participation.

**Only submissions that meet all of the rules and guidelines and are submitted before the deadline will be judged and considered for nomination and awards.