Spy Hop’s Backyard Film Bash is a national short film competition and outdoor festival, open to filmmakers across the country, with a special focus on emerging voices and early-career storytellers.

At its core is the 7-Minute Film Challenge—a nationwide call for bold, original films that must incorporate a required “Signature Item.” For the inaugural year, that element is SALT—a creative constraint and a nod to Salt Lake City’s cultural and geographic identity. Whether interpreted visually, narratively, or symbolically, filmmakers are invited to push boundaries and surprise us.

Submissions will be accepted via FilmFreeway, with 12 finalist films selected for premiere screenings at the Backyard Film Bash. Finalists will compete for cash prizes recognizing excellence in storytelling, creativity, and craft—all in front of a live, engaged audience.

Beyond the screen, the Bash transforms into a vibrant, family-friendly outdoor festival, featuring live music, food vendors, interactive art, and hands-on creative experiences. The event also showcases Spy Hop’s four artistic pathways—film, music, audio, and design—through youth-produced work, installations, and collaborations with local creatives.

Backyard Film Bash is a one-night, open-air celebration of storytelling—where big ideas meet backyard vibes. It’s a space to amplify bold voices, champion youth creators, and bring filmmakers and audiences together under the same sky.

Funny, heartfelt, experimental, or completely unexpected—if it’s bold, we want to see it.

Awards & Prizes

Selected films will be screened at the Backyard Film Bash in Salt Lake City—outdoors, together, and on the big screen. The event features a live jury and cash prizes, with awards including Best Film, Directing, Cinematography, Youth Film, and an Audience Favorite (prize values to be announced).

We keep it celebratory, not overly formal—this is as much about community as it is about competition.

Rules & Terms

Big ideas. Short films. Backyard vibes. SALT required.

Rules at a Glance
- Max runtime: 7 minutes (including credits)
- Open to all ages (youth strongly encouraged)
- Original films only (created by you/your team)
- Completion date: On or after Jan 1, 2026
- Signature Item required: SALT (must appear in the film)
- Finalists: 12 films selected for outdoor screening in Salt Lake City
- Awards + cash prizes (TBD)
- Deadline: August 14, 2026 (Midnight MST)
- Premiere event: September 19, 2026

Bold, original, and under 7 minutes? You’re in. Submit early.

Eligibility Requirements
- Open to filmmakers of all ages (youth strongly encouraged)
- Films must be original works created by you or your team
- Must be completed on or after January 1, 2026
- Maximum runtime: 7 minutes (including credits)
- All genres and styles welcome—we love range

Signature Item Requirement (The Backyard Film Bash Twist)
Inspired by festivals like Tropfest, every film must include our annual Signature Item—a shared creative thread across all submissions.

2026 Signature Item: SALT
- SALT must appear somewhere in your film (not just in the credits)
- How you include it is up to you—literal, abstract, subtle, or bold
- Think of it as a creative prompt, not a restriction

Submission Guidelines
All entries must be submitted via FilmFreeway. Multiple submissions are allowed (each requires a separate entry).

Please include:
- Completed entry form
- Working screener link
- Short synopsis
- Filmmaker info (tell us about you!)
- Indication of where SALT appears in your film

Deadlines
Submissions Open: May 1, 2026
Final Deadline: August 14, 2026 (Midnight MST)

Submit early—don’t let a last-minute export ruin your shot.

Selection Process
A preselection panel of creative partners, community voices, and industry leaders will review all submissions.

12 Finalist Films will be selected to screen at the Backyard Film Bash on September 19, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

We’re looking for:
- Original storytelling
- A strong creative voice
- Thoughtful use of the Signature Item
- Work that connects—with an audience, an idea, or a feeling

Notifications: By August 31, 2026

Selected filmmakers will also be invited to create a short “Meet the Filmmaker” piece to support promotion.

Screening & Awards
Finalist films screen outdoors, together, and on the big screen at the Backyard Film Bash.

Awards may include:
- Best Film
- Best Directing
- Best Cinematography
- Best Youth Film
- Audience Favorite

Cash prizes awarded (amounts to be announced).

Festive, not formal—this is as much about community as it is about competition.

Rights & Permissions
By submitting, you confirm that:
- Your film was created specifically for Backyard Film Bash
- It has not been publicly exhibited (online or otherwise)
- The Signature Item is included
- You hold all necessary rights (music, footage, performances, etc.)
- No third-party rights prevent exhibition
- All submission details are accurate

You grant Spy Hop permission to:
- Screen your film at the event
- Use clips, stills, and titles for promotional purposes

If selected, you agree to grant a nonexclusive license (starting September 1, 2026) for festival screening and promotion.

You retain full ownership of your work—always.

Content Guidelines
We welcome bold, original storytelling. Please note:
- No unlawful, hateful, or harmful content
- No extreme violence or explicit sexual content
- Be mindful of a broad, community audience

Spy Hop reserves the right to make final programming decisions.

Technical Specifications
- Preferred: HD (1080p or higher)
- Formats: .MOV or .MP4
- Subtitles encouraged (for community accessibility)

Entry Fees
- Entry fees (if applicable) are non-refundable

General Terms
- Submission does not guarantee selection
- All decisions are final
- Categories and details may evolve as the event develops