The Cinematography for Actors (CFA) Quarterly Film Challenge has officially launched, and we’re thrilled to share the highlights, winners, and next steps for this exciting program! This initiative brings filmmakers together to push their creative boundaries, craft compelling stories, and connect with industry professionals—all within a whirlwind 72-hour timeframe.

A Look Back at the First CFA Quarterly Film Challenge

From November 8th to 11th, 2024, the inaugural CFA Quarterly Film Challenge brought together filmmakers, actors, and crew to create short films under tight deadlines. Participants utilized short-term gear loans from our incredible sponsors and engaged in collaborative filmmaking that showcased the heart and soul of the CFA community.

We were blown away by the quality of the submissions and the passion each team poured into their work. Here’s a look at the winners who stood out:

Award Winners

• CFA Pinnacle Award (Overall Winner):
  “Playground Director”
  Directed by Carlos Torres & Karen Hernandez

• CFA Breakthrough Award (Best First-Time Director/Producer/Writer):
  “Marilyn”
  Directed by Grace Garrett

• CFA Spotlight Award (Best Actor-Led Initiative):
  “The Red Queen”
  Directed by Sheheryar Ahsan

Runner-Ups

• “Clue’n’Flu” – Directed by Simone Chesi & Zoe Bellei

• “Prayer is Whatever You Say on Your Knees” – Directed by Sydney Ribot

Honorable Mention

• “For Sale” – Directed by Sarah Nixon & Evan Rashby

These films captivated us with their storytelling, innovation, and emotional depth. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants!

Highlights from the Wrap Party

To celebrate, we hosted a wrap party that brought the CFA community together to screen the films, network, and honor the filmmakers. The atmosphere was electric, filled with creativity and camaraderie. Thank you to everyone who attended and made the event unforgettable!

Our Incredible Sponsors

A huge shoutout to the sponsors who made this challenge possible:

• Blackmagic Design

• Zeiss Cinematography

• Cooke Optics

• Hollyland

• Great Video Maker

• We Make Movies

• League of Filmmakers

• Boomcaster

Your generosity and support provided participants with the tools and resources to bring their visions to life.

What’s Next? Registration for Future Challenges

The CFA Quarterly Film Challenge is just getting started, and we’re excited to announce the next dates so you can join us for another round of creativity and collaboration.

• Second Challenge: February 1–4, 2025

• Third Challenge: May 1–4, 2025

• Fourth Challenge: August 1–4, 2025

How to Register

Registration for the February challenge is now open! Sign up here to join this incredible filmmaking journey. Build your team through our collaboration sheet, access professional gear, and test your skills in a supportive, fast-paced environment.

Join Our Community

After registering, don’t forget to connect with fellow participants and stay updated by joining our private Facebook group: CFA Quarterly Film Challenge Group. It’s the perfect place to network, share ideas, and get inspired as you prepare for the challenge!