Production & Digital Film/Video

Upload your media art from the past school year to compete against the best in the Midwest. All media arts will be uploaded through FilmFreeway

A student or program may only enter ONE category per project. Limitations to the number of projects submitted and time limitations are listed under each category. Please select the best single category to fit your project submission.

Upload Competition

  • The Video Program of the Year excels on a high level in promise and potential not only in content created, but in quality of students. Teamwork and spirit is important to create a lasting impression. Write a short explanation of why your program deserves to be ‘Of The Year’ and submit a program demo reel..

  • Minimum Time: 1 Minutes; Maximum Time: 15 Minutes, allowed is 16 Minutes, including credits (if included). All forms of animation is accepted – stop-motion, 2D, 3D, Claymation and more. All audio and visual elements must be original or properly licensed - existing copyrighted characters are not allowed unless owned by the creator(s). Entries will be judged on storytelling, originality, emotional impact, and technical skill.

    Digital Cinema (Level 2-3) Pathway. CTE Framework Match - Digital Compositing

  • Maximum time: 15 minutes; allowed is 16 Minutes. Digital Cinema (Level 2-3) Pathway.

    CTE Framework Match - Documentary & Field Production

  • Maximum Time: 5 Minutes; allowed is 6 Minutes. Any non-narrative forms and alternatives to traditional narratives or methods of working.

    Digital Cinema (Level 1-2) Pathway. CTE Framework Match - Visual Theory

  • Minimum Time: 5 Minutes; Maximum Time: 15 Minutes, allowed is 16 Minutes Any narrative short film.

    Digital Cinema (Level 2-3) Pathway. CTE Framework Match - Cinematic Storytelling

  • Minimum Time: 1 Minutes; Maximum Time: 15 Minutes, allowed is 16 Minutes Any narrative short film.

    Digital Cinema (Level 1-2) Pathway. CTE Framework Match - Narrative Pacing

  • Maximum Time: 5 Minutes, allowed is 6 Minutes Action Sports videos should showcase, or be inspired by, action sports including but not limited to skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, wake, BMX bike riding, freeski, football, volleyball, softball, basketball, baseball, etc. Highlight reels are acceptable but music must meet copyright rules stated earlier.

    A/V Tech (Level 2) Pathway. CTE Framework Match - Post-Production

  • Maximum Time: 5 Minutes, allowed is 6 Minutes

    A/V Tech (Level 2) Pathway. CTE Framework Match - Rhythmic Editing

  • Minimum Time: 1 Minutes; Maximum Time: 2 Minutes, allowed is 3 Minutes Personal Demo Reels should highlight the strengths, uniqueness, quality of content, and proficiency in skills of the creator. Role labels are encouraged (Director, Cinematographer, Editor, etc.), but not required.

    All Pathways (Level 3). CTE Framework Match - Industry Readiness

Please note: Upload Contest submissions will be selected to air as Screeners during the festival. This is so cool to know that thousands of people are viewing your work!

Awards will be given during the opening ceremony on October 14th in downtown, Springdale.

The Grid is Live 

The 2026 OMAF Upload Competitions are now open. Secure your spot in the matrix

Submit Now
Submit Now

During OMAF26, students will compete in On-site Competitions on the first day of the festival. Students will have 4 and a half hours on DAY 1 to create content from start to finish. Prompts will be available to registered teams just after the Opening Ceremony, and winners will be announced and shown at the Closing Ceremony of OMAF26.

Onsite Competition

  • A topic will be given, and teams will be asked to plan, shoot and edit a 30-second PSA. Music and graphics can be used but must be non-copyrighted. You may use anyone from your school as actors as needed. Please be aware, there is a difference between a commercial and a PSA.

  • This event is a thorough summary of OMAF. This event begins when the festival begins and ends on day two. Students will receive a prompt at the beginning of the festival to help guide their shooting, editing, and storytelling. Recaps should range between 90 - 150 seconds. Thats 1½ to 2½ minutes in length. Judges will look for use of prompt, camera angles, storytelling, creative shots, editing techniques, overall creativity and complexity. This challenge may be showcased at the closing ceremony.

  • Teams will receive a script with the first two scenes, which they MUST shoot. The dialogue and directions should be closely followed. Try to stay on script for the first two scenes. Then, each team will write and shoot the third and final scene in any way they see fit. Lighting and audio are a concern and will be taken into account by judges. Final video run time should be between 3 - 5 minutes. This is a school sponsored festival, any film that may not receive a “PG” rating should be avoided.

  • Entries must be at least 3 minutes but not over 4 minutes. Credits and opening titles DO count against the minute limit. Teams will receive a prompt and have a set time to finish their film. Judges will look for films that meet all prompts and prop requirements, and also tell a great story. Lighting and audio are a concern and will be taken into account by judges. This is a school sponsored festival, any film that may not receive a “PG” rating should be avoided.

  • This contest is not for the long-winded. General guidelines will be given and students must tell a compelling story within 30 seconds. BE CREATIVE! Music and graphics can be used but must not break copyright laws. Entries final length should be as close to 30 seconds as possible.