About the Contest
The Team Deakins Collegiate Short Film Contest celebrates the next generation of Chicago filmmakers through the mentorship and inspiration of Roger Deakins, ASC, BSC, and James Deakins.
Hosted by the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture, this invitation-only competition brings together emerging filmmakers from four of Chicago’s leading film programs:
Columbia College Chicago
DePaul University – School of Cinematic Arts
Loyola University Chicago
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
Each participating school may submit up to five short films. From these submissions, one finalist from each school will be selected by a panel of judges at the Athenaeum Center. Roger and James Deakins will personally view the finalist films and select the Grand Prize Winner.
Eligibility
The contest is open to currently enrolled students and recent graduates (2023–2025) from the participating institutions listed above. For recent graduates, submitted films must have been created while the filmmaker was enrolled at the participating institution. Each member of the production team must have been a student during the creation of the film. All submissions must be officially submitted through the participating school’s film program.
Film Requirements
Films must be 20 minutes or less, including credits
All submissions must be original works created by the submitting filmmaker(s)
All genres of live action film are welcome, including narrative, documentary, and experimental films
Animated films are not eligible
Artistic Vision
As an institution dedicated to encounters with Beauty, the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture invites films that engage the human experience with depth, integrity, and artistic intention.
Submission Materials
Each submission must include:
A director’s statement (maximum 200 words)
Additional submission formats, delivery instructions, and deadlines will be provided directly to participating schools.
Submission Guidelines
Five total submissions allowed per school.
Schools will coordinate internal selection before official FilmFreeway upload. Priority should be placed on films demonstrating outstanding cinematography and filmmaking.
Accepted formats: high-quality digital file or secure online screener (Vimeo/YouTube private link).
Judging & Selection
All submitted films will be reviewed by a panel of judges assembled by the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture. Four finalists, one from each participating school, will be selected. The finalist films will then be viewed by Roger and James Deakins, who will select the Grand Prize Winner.
All judging decisions are final.
