Welcome to the AAFTA Emerging Artists Film Festival, where actors take their first steps behind the camera and transform their storytelling skills into dynamic short films. This festival celebrates the journey from performer to filmmaker, offering a space for emerging new voices to explore their creativity and share unique perspectives.

Who We Are:
The American Arts Film & Television Academy (AAFTA) is a leader in vocational arts education, dedicated to empowering storytellers through practical, hands-on training. At AAFTA, we believe in the “Art of Experiencing,” an approach that emphasizes authentic, character-driven storytelling rooted in deep emotional connection. Our philosophy encourages students to explore the power of human connection—whether through friendship, family bonds, romance, empathy, or a sense of belonging within a community.

Festival Highlights:
Categories: Best First-Time Director, Best Actor-Turned-Filmmaker, Emerging Talent, Best Short Narrative, Community & Connection, and a special category exclusively for current AAFTA Conservatory Graduates.

Screening Focus:
All films must be under 15 minutes, showcasing concise and compelling stories.

Jury Panel: Films are reviewed by a panel of AAFTA alumni who have successfully transitioned from acting to filmmaking, along with a Finalists Jury Panel of Industry Professionals.

Deadlines & Fees:
Early Bird Deadline: November 1st - December 1st | Entry Fee: $25
Regular Deadline: December 2nd - January 10th | Entry Fee: $35
Late Deadline: January 11th - January 20th | Entry Fee: $50
Final Submission for AAFTA Conservatory Graduates: February 14th | Free Entry using a special waiver code.

Event Date: Join us for an inspiring day of screenings and an awards ceremony on the first weekend of 20th February at TBC.

Why Submit?
Gain exposure in front of industry professionals and peers.
Showcase your work at a festival that values authentic storytelling and artistic growth.
Connect with a community of fellow emerging filmmakers and receive valuable feedback.

Eligibility:
This festival is open to actors transitioning into filmmaking who have directed, written, or produced a short film. Films must be under 15 minutes in length.

Awards & Prizes

Awards
*Best Short Film (Overall): Recognizing the standout film that exemplifies excellence in storytelling, direction, and overall production quality.

*Best First-Time Director: Awarded to a filmmaker making their directorial debut, showcasing vision and creative storytelling.
(AAFTA Conservatory Students not eligible)

*Best Actor-Turned-Filmmaker: Celebrating an actor who has made a successful transition into a new role behind the camera.

*Emerging Talent Award: Highlighting a promising new voice in filmmaking, recognizing innovation and originality.

*Best Short Narrative: Focused on the strongest story-driven short film, emphasizing character depth and narrative structure.

*Best Community & Connection Story: For films that best explore themes of human connection, such as friendship, family, and belonging.

*Best AAFTA Short Film - Current Conservatory Graduate: Exclusively for films made by AAFTA Conservatory Graduates, showcasing their skills and growth.

*Best Producer: Recognizing the producer who has shown exceptional skill in coordinating and bringing a film to life, ensuring its creative and logistical success.

*Best Male Actor: Honoring the most outstanding performance by a male actor in any film category.

*Best Female Actor: Honoring the most outstanding performance by a female actor in any film category.

*Best Supporting Male Actor: Recognizing the best performance by a male actor in a supporting role.

*Best Supporting Female Actor: Recognizing the best performance by a female actor in a supporting role.

*Best Ensemble: Celebrating a cast that demonstrates exceptional chemistry and collaboration, bringing their story to life as a cohesive unit.

*Audience Choice: Best Film: Selected by audience vote during the festival screenings, honoring the most popular film among viewers.

*Audience Choice: Best Male Actor: Recognizing the audience’s favorite male performance from the festival lineup.

*Audience Choice: Best Female Actor: Recognizing the audience’s favorite female performance from the festival lineup.

*Jury Special Mention: Acknowledging a film that stands out for a unique aspect, such as a creative approach, powerful message, or outstanding technical achievement.

Prizes:
All Winners: Receive a festival certificate, recognizing their creative achievements and contributions to the festival.

Major Prizes: Recipients of major awards will be honored with a plaque and/or trophy to commemorate their accomplishments in categories like Best Film (Overall), Best First-Time Director, Best Actor-Turned-Filmmaker, and more.

Industry Mentorship: Winners in the following categories will receive exclusive one-on-one mentorship sessions with an industry professional, offering personalized guidance to support their next creative endeavors:
Best Film (Overall)
Best First-Time Director
Best Actor-Turned-Filmmaker
Best Producer
Best Male Actor
Best Female Actor
Best Ensemble
Jury Special Mention

Best Film (Overall): This category is recognized as the festival's major award, celebrated for its overall excellence in storytelling, direction, and creative vision. The prestige of this award will be combined with industry mentorship that will offer significant recognition and opportunities for future growth.

Rules & Terms

Eligibility:
Submissions must be directed, written, or produced by actors transitioning into filmmaking.
All films must be 15 minutes or less in length, including credits.
Films must be submitted digitally through Film Freeway in HD format (1080p preferred).
This festival is open to both national and international filmmakers. Non-English films must include English subtitles.

Special Rules for AAFTA Conservatory Graduates:
All films must be 12 minutes or less, including credits.
Each film must feature at least two AAFTA class members in starring roles.
Submissions for AAFTA Conservatory Graduates are free with a special waiver code and are due by February 14th.

Submission Timeline:
Early Bird Deadline: October 21st - December 1st | Entry Fee: $25
Regular Deadline: December 2nd - January 10th | Entry Fee: $35
Late Deadline: January 11th - January 20th | Entry Fee: $50
Final Submission for AAFTA Conservatory Graduates: February 14th | Free Entry using a special waiver code.

Screening Rights:
By submitting a film, the filmmaker grants AAFTA Emerging Filmmaker’s Festival the right to screen their film during the festival on February 20th.
Filmmakers retain all other rights to their film.
Selected filmmakers must provide a downloadable HD version for screening purposes.

Judging Process:
Submissions will be reviewed by a jury of AAFTA alumni and a Finalists Jury Panel of Industry Professionals.
Decisions of the jury are final.
Feedback from the judging process is not guaranteed.

Notification:
Selected films will be notified via email by mid-January.
AAFTA Emerging Filmmaker’s Festival is not responsible for incorrect or non-functioning email addresses.

Entry Fees:
All submission fees are non-refundable, and submission does not guarantee selection.
Multiple entries from the same filmmaker are accepted, but each entry must be submitted separately with its own fee.

Promotional Use:
By submitting, filmmakers agree that selected clips or trailers may be used for festival marketing and promotional purposes, including social media and press releases.
The festival may also use still images or promotional graphics provided by the filmmakers.

Content Guidelines:
The festival reserves the right to disqualify films containing extreme violence, hate speech, or discriminatory content.
Films must be original works. If your film is an adaptation or uses licensed material, proof of rights must be provided upon request.

Acceptance of Rules:
By submitting a film to the AAFTA Emerging Filmmaker’s Festival, the filmmaker acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to all terms and rules outlined here.
Any violation of the rules and terms may result in disqualification and removal from the festival lineup.