UNDERGROUND FILM CONTEST

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

4.10.25

VIRTUAL FILM FESTIVAL

FILM AWARDS CONTEST

IMDB QUALIFIER

AREA51

COLLABORATORS

The AREA51 Cinematic Division is tasked with the identification, evaluation, and recognition of covert cinematic operations conducted by emerging auteurs. Our primary objective is to expedite the acknowledgment of exceptional audiovisual transmissions that have yet to infiltrate mainstream channels.

AREA51

2026 UNDERGROUND FILM CONTEST

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

2026

FINALISTS

PREVIOUS COMPETITION ROUNDS

2025 AUTUMN

2025 SPRING

2024 WINTER

COLLABORATORS

The AREA51 Cinematic Division is tasked with the identification, evaluation, and recognition of covert cinematic operations conducted by emerging auteurs. Our primary objective is to expedite the acknowledgment of exceptional audiovisual transmissions that have yet to infiltrate mainstream channels.

AREA51

2025 UNDERGROUND FILM CONTEST

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

JURY PANEL

Dylan Taylor is a seasoned Music Producer and Sound Designer with a proven track record of creating compelling compositions and enhancing audio quality within the music industry. His expertise in trend analysis and creative direction in sound makes him an invaluable asset to our film festival jury.

DYLAN TAYLOR

FILM SOUNDTRACK SPECIALIST

Gianna Brown is an acclaimed screenwriter and director with a MFA in Screenwriting, known for her dynamic storytelling and leadership in producing original content. Her extensive experience in mentoring and media production education makes her a profound contributor to our film festival jury.

GIANNA BROWN

VISIONARY SCREENWRITER & DIRECTOR

Danielle Shapira stands out as a transformative video director and creative producer, celebrated for her compelling video content for top-tier brands and her creative leadership at Condé Nast. Her expertise in brand storytelling and talent for pioneering successful marketing campaigns make her an asset to our film festival jury.

DANIELLE SHAPIRA

INNOVATIVE VIDEO DIRECTOR

Drew Rosenfeld shines as an accomplished Exec VP and multi-media specialist with a prolific 25-year career in entertainment, covering TV, film, and music, known for steering innovative content development across multiple platforms. His adept leadership in global broadcast licensing and production, coupled with a rich background in music, positions him as an industry luminary.

DREW ROSENFELD

STRATEGIC EXEC VP & MULTI-MEDIA MAESTRO

Michael B. Sieve is an acclaimed screenwriter with a talent for crafting impactful narratives across genres, garnering over 90 film writing awards. His expertise in script consultation and development is sought after in the film industry, reflecting a career highlighted by compelling storytelling and recognition from top film entities.

M B SIEVE

SCREENPLAY VIRTUOSO & STORY CONSULTANT

Jason Young is a distinguished Director of Photography and Photographer, known for his skill in creating powerful visual narratives. His work, marked by a blend of technical mastery and creative insight, spans from leading roles at top firms to a dynamic freelance career, solidifying his status as a cinematic innovator.

JASON YOUNG

VISIONARY DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Grant Livingstone, esteemed Creative Director, excels in delivering impactful storytelling and visual narratives. Educated at Seattle Central College, his work with META, Contrast Films, and clients like Nordstrom and Vogue showcases his ability to direct with a compelling creative vision.

GRANT LIVINGSTONE

VISIONARY CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Farrell Roth is an Emmy-nominated TV Field Producer and Unscripted Director with significant experience at E! News and roles on shows like "Entertainment Tonight" and "Extra." As a Film Podcaster and On-Camera Host, she shines in team management and celebrity interviews. Based in Los Angeles, her work spans the Tribeca Film Festival to MTV, highlighting her media industry impact.

FARRELL ROTH

EMMY-NOMINATED TV PRODUCTION MAESTRO

The AREA51 Cinematic Division is tasked with the identification, evaluation, and recognition of covert cinematic operations conducted by emerging auteurs. Our primary objective is to expedite the acknowledgment of exceptional audiovisual transmissions that have yet to infiltrate mainstream channels.

The AREA51 review board seeks audiovisual communications and narrative blueprints that exhibit the following characteristics:

Deployment of avant-garde storytelling methodologies

Evidence of visionary cognitive processes

Exploration of restricted thematic terrain

Novel interpretations of societal phenomena

Resourceful utilization of limited tactical assets

Our panel of experts prioritizes originality, psychological impact, and the capacity to instigate cognitive recalibration among viewers. We encourage the submission of materials deemed too unconventional for standard evaluation protocols.

NOTE: THIS COMMUNICATION IS CONSIDERED

UN-CLASSIFIED AND APPROVED FOR PUBLIC DISSEMINATION.

DISTRIBUTION TO ALL POTENTIAL OPERATIVES IS ENCOURAGED.

The designation "AREA51" was selected due to its association with clandestine innovations and classified information. Much like its namesake, this division serves as a secure facility for ideas and techniques that challenge established norms in visual storytelling.

AREA51 Cinematic Division issues the following directives to all field operatives:

Engage in high-risk, high-reward creative maneuvers

Infiltrate restricted subject matters and illuminate obscured truths

Conduct experiments with narrative architecture and visual cryptography

Produce artifacts capable of reconfiguring public consciousness

Expand the parameters of cinematic possibility

Be advised: AREA51 is not merely a testing ground. It is a top-secret initiative designed to revolutionize the landscape of independent cinema.

ABOUT

AWARDS LIST

LIVE-ACTION NARRATIVE

FILM - MAIN COMPETITION:

Best Picture

Best Feature Film

Best Film (Medium-Length)

Best Short Film

Best Micro-Short Film

Best Student Film

Best Experimental Film

Best Mood Film (Dance or Poetic)

Best Transgressive Film

Best Queer Drama

Best Zero/Low-Budget Film

TECHNICAL AWARDS or INDIVIDUAL MERIT:

Best Directing

Best Emerging Director

Best Directorial Debut

Best Young Filmmaker (16-25)

Best Original Screenplay

Best Original Concept

Best Cinematography

Best Lead Actor

Best Lead Actress

Best Supporting Actor

Best Supporting Actress

Best Ensemble Cast

Best Sound & Film Editing

Best Visual Effects

Best Original Score

Best Art Direction

Best Makeup & SFX

NARRATIVE FILM - GENRE COMPETITION:

Best Drama

Best Comedy or Musical

Best Action, Sci-Fi or Fantasy

Best Horror or Thriller

ANIMATION & VFX COMPETITION:

Best Animated Film

Best Character Design

Best Created Environment

Best Original Animation Style

Best 2D Animation

Best Student Animation

Best CGI & Visual Effects

DOCUMENTARY FILM COMPETITION:

Best Feature Documentary

Best Short Documentary

Best Student Documentary

Best Film Essay

Best Documentary Directing

Best Documentary Cinematography

Best Documentary Editing & Sound

Best Nature Documentary

TV & NEW MEDIA COMPETITION:

Best Series or Pilot Episode

Best New Media

Best Filmed Theatre

Best Fashion Film

Best Fan Film

Best Mobile Film

Best Commercial/Ad Film

Best Original Podcast

Best Film Trailer

Best Film Poster

MUSIC VIDEO COMPETITION:

Best Music Video

Best Experimental Music Video

Best Original Song

Best Music Video or Commercial Directing

Best MV or Commercial Cinematography

Best Music Video Artist

Best Music Video Montage Editing

Best Music Video or Commercial Scenography

SCREENPLAY COMPETITION (WRITTEN/UNPRODUCED):

Best Feature Screenplay

Best Short Screenplay

Best TV Script

Best Drama

Best Queer Drama

Best Romantic Drama

Best Comedy or Musical

Best Family Adventure

Best Action Drama

Best Horror

Best Psychological Thriller

Best Semi-Professional Screenplay

RULES FOR COMPETING

Why Compete at AREA51 FilmFest?

Competing at the AREA51 FilmFest offers numerous benefits to filmmakers and artists aspiring to make their mark in the industry:

1. Regular Competitions:

- With three contests held annually, AREA51 provides continual opportunities for new talent to emerge and be recognized, fostering a dynamic environment that celebrates cinematic innovations all year round.

2. IMDb Qualifier:

- As an IMDb-qualifier, our contest ensures that winners and selected entrants gain valuable exposure and credibility, which are critical for advancing careers in the competitive film industry. This affiliation not only enhances your project's visibility but also significantly boosts your professional profile.

3. Reputation and Prestige:

- The laurels awarded by AREA51 are recognized symbols of quality and achievement within the international film community. Winning or being nominated at AREA51 can substantially enhance the reputation of the filmmakers and the films themselves, marking them as distinguished entries in the global cinematic landscape.

4. Career Advancement:

- Achievements at AREA51 can profoundly impact your professional trajectory. These accolades open doors to further opportunities in filmmaking.

6. Online Festival Dynamic:

- AREA51 is an exclusively online film contest that operates with a unique structure featuring three classification periods throughout the year. This model allows for multiple entries and flexible participation, culminating in a Results Day where category winners are announced, celebrating a wide array of filmmaking excellence.

7. Secure and Exclusive Streaming Opportunity:

- While AREA51 does not typically stream films, selected Best Picture winners may be showcased during a designated short window, under strict conditions to ensure copyright integrity and secure viewing, which includes encryption and robust anti-piracy measures such as geoblocking and digital rights management (DRM).

By competing at AREA51, you not only strive to excel in a competitive environment but also gain the opportunity to present your work on a prestigious, international platform that honors the art of film and the profound impact of visual storytelling.

Additional Guidelines and Policies...

1. Use of Stills and Clip Fragments:

- You allow us to use stills and short clips from your projects on our digital platforms for promotional, non-commercial, and educational purposes, affirming that all necessary rights are cleared worldwide.

2. Downloading for Jury Review:

- Permission is granted to the Festival Director and Jury to download your projects to assist with offline viewing and adjudication, underlining the festival's commitment to comprehensive and fair evaluation.

3. No Refunds and Commitment to Sportsmanship:

- Entry fees are non-refundable, and participants are expected to uphold respect and sportsmanship throughout the competition process.

4. Singular Fee, Multiple Categories:

- A one-time fee ensures your project is evaluated across all applicable festival categories, maximizing your potential for recognition and awards.

5. Submission Integrity and Restrictions:

- Each submission must adhere to the festival's guidelines, and once a project has been submitted to a particular edition, it cannot be re- submitted in subsequent editions unless significantly altered.

6. Opt-Out and Privacy Policy:

- Entrants agree to be added to our mailing list for further communication and promotion, you agree for our partner festivals to send you direct discount offers and promotions, with rights reserved to unsubscribe or opt-out at any time, ensuring respect for participant privacy and data protection.

These terms and conditions underscore AREA51 FilmFest's dedication to fairness, integrity, and the celebration of cinematic artistry, providing a robust platform for filmmakers globally to showcase their creative prowess.

INSCRIBE YOUR PROJECT AND COMPETE

©2023 AREA51 FilmFest