New 'From Minutes to Movies' film festival celebrates human achievement

From Minutes to Movies ShortFest is a new short film festival organized by Imagine Entertainment, Adobe, and The Film Zone. Open to US residents, it aims to provide a platform for filmmakers to transition into longer formats while championing human achievement and inclusivity.

Entry details

Submissions are open to US residents from July 9 to August 25, and the organizers have left a wide field for the types of stories that can be told. Beyond the festival's themes of "stories that inspire human achievement and celebrate inclusivity," there are no genre limitations, and the films can run up to a generous 25 minutes in length. All original content must have been filmed within the last two years, but beyond that, there is a broad canvas for creators to tell their stories.

Prizes and opportunities

A panel of judges from Imagine Entertainment, Adobe, and The Film Zone will select the winners. The top 10 entries will be showcased on Instagram via the @TheFilmZone, @ImagineEntertainment, and @Adobe accounts.

The first-place winner will receive $7,500, a one-year Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, and mentorship from Imagine Entertainment and Adobe executives. Will that include Imagine Entertainment's co-founder Ron Howard? No word on that, but it never hurts to dream. The winner will also attend Adobe MAX in Miami Beach from October 14-16, where their film will be screened.

Co-founders Ron Howard and Brian Grazer at a Tribeca Film Festival panel

Additionally, Imagine Entertainment will assist in shopping the winner's treatment to potential buyers, offering a unique opportunity to develop their short into a full-length feature, documentary, or TV show.

Second and third-place winners will receive $5,000 and $2,500, respectively, along with Adobe MAX attendance, mentorship, and a one-year Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. An Audience Award, comprising a one-year Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, will also be given.

Festival vision

Marc Gilbar, President of Imagine Brands, IP & Partnerships, highlighted the hopes the sponsoring companies hold for the festival: "We believe that great stories are everywhere, and the next generation of filmmakers are likely to be discovered on social platforms. This festival is a step towards creating new pathways for storytellers."

Heather Freeland, Adobe's Chief Brand Officer, added, "Everyone deserves the opportunity to create and express themselves. This festival will give creators and filmmakers a springboard to launch the next phase of their careers."

There is a clear show of passion on display for the festival, with Christian Dwarica, The Film Zone Founder. commenting, "As a community of film lovers and creators ourselves, being able to shape and nurture talent with the likes of Imagine Entertainment and Adobe is monumental."

For more information and to submit entries, visit Imagine Entertainment.