Announcing AudPop’s 4th Annual Indigenous Film Challenge: A Platform for Indigenous Filmmakers to Shine
The fourth annual Indigenous Documentary Challenge is back and it’s better than ever! AudPop, in partnership with Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, is thrilled to bring you the 2023 Indigenous Documentary Film Challenge.
A Platform for Indigenous Voices
We invite filmmakers to submit documentary films, 20 minutes and under, directed or produced by Indigenous filmmakers residing in North America. This includes Native American, Alaska Native, Kanaka Maoli, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit of Canada, as well as those of Indigenous heritage from south of the US border and Pasifika heritage living in North America. The goal is to celebrate the diverse and vibrant voices of Indigenous communities through the medium of documentary filmmaking.
Oscar Eligibility and Official Selection at Big Sky Documentary Film Festival
Three films will be selected and chosen as Official Selections of the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival. These films will have the unique opportunity for Oscar consideration as an official selection of the festival, making this challenge a crucial stepping stone for aspiring Indigenous documentary filmmakers.
How It Works
Filmmakers have until December 20, 2023, to upload and submit their short documentary films to the challenge. The submissions page is located at this link. The AudPop team will then carefully review the submissions and select three finalists. These top three films will be announced and screened at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival between February 16-25, 2024, in Missoula, Montana.
A panel of Indigenous industry professionals will jury the films and award a Grand Prize Winner and two Honorable Mention awards, which will be announced at the festival. The Grand Prize Winner will receive a $250 credit to the MPB camera and gear store in partnership with our prize sponsor, MPB.
The Mission of the 2023 Indigenous Documentary Challenge
- To Accelerate the Careers of Indigenous Documentary Filmmakers: This challenge aims to provide a platform for emerging Indigenous filmmakers to showcase their talents and gain recognition in the industry.
- To Stream the Films Across Eyeball-Driven Platforms: AudPop is committed to sharing the selected films with a wide audience, ensuring that the stories and voices of Indigenous communities reach a global audience.
- To Provide More Opportunities for Indigenous Doc Filmmakers: By screening their work at the largest documentary film festival in the Western United States, this challenge opens doors for Indigenous filmmakers, helping them gain recognition and new opportunities.
Awards and Prizes
- Grand Prize Jury Award +$1000 + a $250 Gift Certificate to MPB.com: The top film will receive this prestigious award along with a generous gift certificate to MPB, the renowned platform for used photography and videography equipment.
- 2 Honorable Mention Jury Awards win $500 each: Two films will be recognized with Honorable Mention awards, acknowledging their exceptional contributions.
- All Access Festival Passes to Big Sky Doc Fest: In addition to the prizes mentioned above, all finalists will receive all-access festival passes to the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, allowing them to enjoy the festival and its many perks.
About Big Sky Doc Fest
The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, now in its 21st year, is the premier venue for non-fiction film in the American West. This festival offers a unique opportunity for filmmakers to premiere new work and connect with industry professionals. With an audience of 20,000 and global film entries, it’s a must-attend event for documentary filmmakers. Big Sky is also an Academy Award-qualifying festival for short documentaries.
About Our Prize Sponsor, MPB
MPB is transforming the way people buy, sell, and trade photo and video gear. As the largest global platform for used photography and videography equipment, MPB is committed to making gear more accessible and affordable while promoting sustainability. With a team of camera experts and seasoned photographers, MPB provides outstanding service and extends the life and creative potential of equipment for creators worldwide.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be part of the 2023 Indigenous Documentary Challenge and showcase your unique voice and vision. Submissions are open until December 20, 2023. Learn more and submit your documentary film at AudPop’s 2023 Indigenous Documentary Challenge. Join us in celebrating and supporting Indigenous filmmakers as they share their stories with the world.
About AudPop
AudPop is a social impact video platform connecting filmmakers, brands, and audiences globally. We believe that real stories can change the world. That’s why we connect Creators with brands and audiences through the creation, curation, and promotion of authentic video content. AudPop powers turn-key video submissions and video production through connecting mission- driven brands and creators/filmmakers. Brands use AudPop to crowd-source addictive, gorgeous video content at scale from our award-winning diverse global filmmaker collective and to get the exact video that they need. AudPop has worked with many brands including Verizon, Southwest Air, GoDaddy, Hilton Worldwide, and DELL. AudPop supports a community of 75K global filmmakers and creators, has 14K short films on its platform, and has operated over 500 online film festivals, video contests, and film challenges awarding over $10M in cash and prizes to global diverse creators. Founded in 2013, AudPop is committed to facilitating collaboration and creating meaningful change.
