AVL Film 60-Second Film Contest
A one-minute filmmaking challenge, all October long.
Inspired by the 48 Hour Film Project, it's a fun creative challenge for everyone! Never made a film before? This is the perfect excuse to try, and a video from your phone is totally fine. We can't wait to see what people do with sixty seconds of storytelling.
Submit by midnight on 🎃 Halloween 🎃. Winners are announced at a screening about a week after the deadline.
This Year's Prompts
Totally optional. Use one, combine a few, or skip them and make whatever you want.
The Threshold
Someone crosses an everyday threshold, like a doorway, bridge, creek or trail, and something subtly changes on the other side. Think of October as the space between seasons, or between worlds.
A Message From the Woods
A character finds something, like a feather, note, key, photograph or ribbon, that seems meant just for them.
The Witch Next Door
A playful documentary portrait of a totally ordinary person whose daily routines, like herbs, gardening, tarot, baking or tending animals, start to feel quietly magical.
Things We Carry
Someone empties their pockets or bag onto a table. Each object reveals a small piece of who they are.
The Ghost of Who I Used to Be
Someone comes across an object, photo or place tied to an earlier version of themselves. More emotional than spooky.
The Invisible Thread
Two strangers pass through the same places over the course of a day without knowing it, until their paths finally cross.
The Portal
Find a real but visually striking location, like a tunnel, old barn, foggy trail or swimming hole, and shoot it as if it leads somewhere else.
Three Knocks
It's 3 a.m. and someone knocks. The whole film is 60 seconds of deciding not to open the door.
The Loop
The last frame is the first frame, so the story traps the viewer.
Played Backward
Shoot it so the story only makes sense in reverse.
> EXTRA_CHALLENGE
Add an optional constraint to any prompt, or to no prompt at all. Use one, stack a few, or skip them.
One take
Shoot the whole film in a single continuous shot, with no cuts.
No faces
Never show a face on screen. Tell the story through hands, objects, places or shadows.
No dialogue
Nobody speaks. Let the images, sound and music carry the story.
FAQ
Who is eligible to enter and win?
Anyone in North Carolina, from people who have never made a film before to people who do it professionally. All are welcome. Let's have fun!
What are the prizes?
Prizes are TBA, so stay tuned!
Can I make more than one?
Yes! Each film should be a self-contained story.
Why 60 seconds?
Because 10 and 20 seconds was ridiculously short.
Any tips?
Keep it simple. You can do multiple angles and cuts, but look for places to simplify. Some people submit a oner (a single continuous take), and that's totally okay.
Are credits included in the total length?
No. Ideally your credits will fit on a single screen and not scroll. Credits should, of course, not be longer than the film itself!
How do I find cast & crew?
For crew, browse our directory. For cast, check our partner Screen Artists Co-op.
Any examples I can see?
Watch the films from our 20-second contest back in 2023!
What are the requirements?
- Make a film no more than 60 seconds in length. 16:9 aspect ratio (sideways on your phone) preferred
- Any genre, with or without this year's prompts
- Include "This was made for the AVLFilm.com 60-second film contest 2026" at the end of your credits
- Submit by 11:59pm on October 31st
- Get weird with it!
Follow @avlfilm for updates.