AIA Film Challenge 2020
Design has the power to solve some of the biggest issues facing cities today. We believe these stories are among the most important stories we can tell. The AIA Film Challenge is a film contest that amplifies these stories—architects partnering with communities and civic leaders to design a healthy, sustainable, just world that improves lives. More about the prompt >
The challenge is open to everyone. Use your smartphone or computer to produce a 60- to 90-second mini documentary. You could win up to $7,000!
Get started
Important dates
- Films due: August 24
- Public voting: August 31-October 4
- Winners announced: late October
Archived webinar
Watch this webinar with the judges to hear what they are looking for in the winning films.
Prizes
A panel of judges made up of architects and film/media professionals will select the Grand Prize, Runner Up, and Third Place winners.
There’s also a People’s Choice Award for the film that receives the most votes online.
Grand Prize
$5,000 cash prize
Film screening at virtual celebration event
Physical award
Film promotion through AIA channels
Official awards badge (digital)
Runner Up
$3,000 cash prize
Film screening at virtual celebration event
Physical award
Film promotion through AIA channels
Official awards badge (digital)
Third Place
$2,000 cash prize
Film screening at virtual celebration event
Physical award
Film promotion through AIA channels
Official awards badge (digital)
People’s Choice
$2,000 cash prize
Film screening at virtual celebration event
Physical award
Film promotion through AIA channels
Official awards badge (digital)
Finalists
$500 cash prize
Film promotion through AIA channels
Official awards badge (digital)
Up to 15 awarded
Judges
Sarah Curry, Assoc. AIA
Sarah Curry, Assoc. AIA, lives and works in Washington, DC as the current President of the American Institute of Architecture Students.
Kezi Ban
Kezi Ban is a photographer and director who invites the viewer to take a closer look at what is going on in the scene. She has worked with major brands such as Puma, Adidas, New Balance, and HBO.
Bob Borson, FAIA
Dallas architect Bob Borson, FAIA, is widely recognized as the blogger behind Life of an Architect—one of the world’s most popular architectural blogs.