This is the second APCC Short Film Contest, built from a simple idea: give everyday creators a platform to tell meaningful stories.
In 2024, creators from around the world submitted 60 second films about their hometowns, sharing what they loved, what they missed, and the places that shaped them. To keep the contest fair and accessible, we created two categories: mobile filmmakers & camera filmmakers, making storytelling the true advantage, not gear. Winners in each category received tools to help them grow into the next stage of their creative journey.
The response completely exceeded our expectations. We received 363 film submissions from creators across 186 cities and 69 countries, generating millions of collective views. The contest also led to live screening events in Los Angeles and New York City, drawing thousands of attendees and celebrating winning films.
This year, the contest returns with a new prompt, new stories, and an even bigger opportunity to spotlight creators and the communities that inspire them.
Stay tuned on Instagram and sign up for the APCC newsletter for contest updates, screening announcements, finalist reveals, and this year’s live screening event featuring selected films, contest winners, and Adrian’s official film premiere.
Create a short film that tells the story of a local business that matters to you.
This could be a business you love, a business that needs support, or a story about the person behind it and why they do what they do. Show us the heart of the business, what makes it special, and why people should care.
This is not a cinematic highlight reel contest. This is a storytelling contest.
Gear, color grading, and production value are not the advantage. The goal is to move people through the story you choose to share.
Your subject can be anything from a storefront, street vendor, home based business, or individual entrepreneur.
To keep the contest fair and accessible, submissions are divided into 2 categories:
Mobile Filmmaking and Camera Filmmaking. Both categories are judged using the same storytelling standards, where story, creativity, and emotional impact matter more than gear or production scale.
• Film must be shot horizontally (16:9 format)
• Film must be 90 seconds or less
• Submissions longer than 90 seconds will be disqualified
• Submission deadline: March 14 at 11:59 PM PST
This contest is about storytelling first. The prizes are meant to help winners continue growing their filmmaking journey.
We created two categories to keep the competition fair and accessible, with one winner selected from each category.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (Mobile Filmmaking)
A powerful, compact camera designed to help mobile creators step into dedicated filmmaking tools while maintaining portability and ease of use.
Sony FX3 (Camera Filmmaking)
A professional cinema camera trusted by filmmakers around the world, built for creators ready to elevate their production capabilities and storytelling scale.
All contest submissions are hosted inside the APCC Discord community.
To submit your film, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Join the APCC Discord
All submissions must be posted in the Short Film Contest channel inside the APCC Discord.
Step 2: Upload Your Film
Post your submission inside the #shortfilmcontest channel and include:
• Film Title
• Your Name / Social Handle
• Category (Mobile Filmmaking or Camera Filmmaking)
• Film Viewing Link
• Film Download Link
• Name of the Business Featured & Country/City
Step 3: Subscribe To The APCC Newsletter
• Contest updates
• Finalist announcements
• Winner announcements
• Live screening event details
• Future community opportunities
Audience Choice Award
Every submitted film is eligible for the Audience Choice Award. Inside the APCC Discord, community members can vote for their favorite films by hitting the 👍🏼 button directly on submission posts. The film with the highest number of 👍🏼 by the submission deadline will win the Audience Choice Award.