Categories

Two categories. One entry per category—up to two submissions total.

Choose the category that best represents your work.

Story-driven, cinematic, documentary, and VFX/compositing-led edits.

Cinematic + VFX

This category covers narrative-driven and cinematic work, plus VFX and compositing. If the core goal is storytelling, atmosphere, or visual continuity, it belongs here.

Examples: Short films, narrative edits, documentary scenes, VFX shots, compositing breakdowns

Judging Emphasis:

  • Story clarity and editorial intent
  • Cinematic pacing and emotional impact
  • Visual continuity and compositing craft
  • Process documentation showing decisions and tradeoffs
Motion design, animation, experimental, and social-first edits.

Motion + Innovation

This category is for motion-forward and experimental work, including social-first and creator-led edits. If your piece relies on animation, kinetic typography, stylized transitions, or bold rhythmic cutting, this is the right place.

Examples: Motion graphics, kinetic typography, music edits, TikTok-style cuts, stylized transitions

Judging Emphasis:

  • Timing, rhythm, and motion design clarity
  • Creative experimentation and visual voice
  • Technical execution and polish
  • Process documentation and iteration

Recognition

In addition to category winners, we recognize excellence in specific craft areas. These awards are given based on the same submissions—no separate entry required.

Best Editing

Recognizes exceptional pacing, rhythm, and structural decision-making in post-production.

Best Sound Design

Honors outstanding use of audio, including music selection, sound design, and mixing.

Best Color Grade

Celebrates thoughtful color grading and visual tone that serves the story.

Best Story

Awarded for exceptional narrative construction and storytelling craft.

Guidelines

  • One submission per category: You can submit up to two entries—one per category. This lets you showcase different types of work and different skills.
  • Process documentation: Your process statement is as important as your final edit. Document your decisions, iterations, and learnings for each submission.
  • Category selection: Choose the category that best represents each work's primary intent. The screening committee may reassign entries if miscategorized.
  • Craft award eligibility: All submissions are automatically considered for craft awards. No additional submission required—each of your entries could win.