Top 5 reasons to participate in the AIA Film Challenge

1. Invest in important projects

Filmmaker and 2019 Grand Prize winner Weston Waugh invested his winnings back into his community. “The prize money enabled us to be able to tell more stories and create more videos for community groups on the east side [of Oklahoma City]. There are a number of projects that are in the works right now that I’m really excited to share.”

Watch Waugh’s Grand Prize-winning film, The Eastpoint Project.

2. Spotlight powerful stories

Honolulu-based filmmaker and 2018 People’s Choice winner Marq Morrison entered the Film Challenge to raise awareness of cultural projects on the island. “Winning the People’s Choice Award and a screening at Chicago Ideas was a breath of fresh air. I now feel like people want to see and learn more about the Hawaiian culture and indigenous architecture.”

Watch Morrison’s People’s Choice Award-winning film, Ka Hale: A Revival.

3. Show how design impact communities

2020 Film Challenge finalist Nastassja Lafontant explains that “the most impactful moments weren’t just seeing the history of the architecture come to life but mostly how it affected the people. For me, interviewing the residents, employees, architects, contractor, etc. is what really made the film animated. Understanding how much their hearts were connected to the building and why it needed to be cherished is what gave the film its power.”

Watch Lafontant’s film, Building New Hope in Bellflower.

4. Make connections that advance your brand

After creating his film, filmmaker and 2020 Grand Prize winner John Gordon noted, “Participating in the film challenge opened up so many doors for me, specifically doors into the minds of others. In some way, it gave me reason to make connections I wouldn’t have made on my own.”

Watch Gordon’s Grand Prize-winning film, Dallas Holocaust & Human Rights Museum.

5. Win—there’s 15K+ in cash prizes!

The Grand Prize is $5,000 in cash, plus a film screening, promotion, and recognition in the architecture and film communities. The People’s Choice Award is $2,000 in cash. Win both, and you’ll take home $7,000. There’s also prizes the Runner Up, Third Place winner, and up to 10 finalists.

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