A Recap of the First CFA Quarterly Film Challenge Winners
From November 8th to 11th, 2024, our first CFA Quarterly Film Challenge brought together filmmakers, actors, and crew to create short films for 72 hours.
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 truly inspired by the passion and ingenuity behind each submission.
Here’s a spotlight on the standout winners of our first challenge:
Award Winners
CFA Pinnacle Award (Overall Winner)
“Playground Director”
Logline:
An eccentric amateur director and a curious bystander embark on an imaginative journey at a playground, transforming reality into cinematic wonder and rediscovering the joy of play, creativity, and connection.
Key collaborators:
Carlos Torres | Director - Editor - DOP
Karen Hernandez | Director - Actress - Writer
Nic Few | Actor
Maritza Ramirez | Sound Mixer - 2nd AC
Daisy Acosta-Campos | BTS Photography - PA
Andy Yeganegi | End Credits Composer
CFA Breakthrough Award (Best First-Time Director/Producer/Writer)
“Marilyn”
Logline:
A young man is approached by a mysterious stranger at his grandmother’s funeral.
Key collaborators:
Grace Garrett | Director
Jonathan Tysor | Actor - Writer
Haylee Grund & Grace Garrett | Producers
Gio Ursino | DOP
CFA Spotlight Award (Best Actor-Led Initiative)
“The Red Queen”
Logline:
During a final game of carrom, one fragile relationship—through playful banter and deep emotions—forces a couple to confront love, tradition, and their true feelings.
Key collaborators:
Sheheryar Ahsan | Director
Chhaya Nene | Actor - Writer - Co-Producer
Faizan Sheikh | Actor - Producer
Heng Theng | Cinematographer
Runner-Ups
1st Runner Up
“Clue’n’Flu”
Logline:
Two roommates investigate a mysterious illness spreading through their house, leading to an intense debate over who is to blame.
Key collaborators:
Olimpia Volpi | Actor
Edoardo Soi | Actor
Bellei Zoe & Simone Chesi | Directors - Writers
Riccardo Boldrini | Cinematographer
Lorenzo Angeli & Sara Bizzaro | Editors
Sara Bizzaro | Editor
Julia Ballón Fox | Sound Engineer - Sound Designer
Vittorio Ferrucci | Sound Designer
Cristian Teanini | Script Supervisor
2nd Runner Up
“Prayer is Whatever You Say on Your Knees”
Logline:
A late-night photography session unravels skeletons in a couple’s closet.
Key collaborators
Tini Goyogana | Marissa
Ronald Prokeš | Matt
Sydney Ribot | Writer - Director - Producer
Shannon Bobo Cordeaux | Casting Director
Austin Shelton | Cinematographer
Mario Fierro | Editor
Alex Bologna | Sound
Ashley Pavičić | Gaffer
Cam Broule | 1st AC
Jack Taylor | G&E Swing
Martí Bolívar | Executive Producer
Honorable Mention
“For Sale”
Logline:
A woman shows her used car to an enthusiastic buyer, but the encounter forces her to question if she’s ready to let go.
Key collaborators:
Sarah Rich & Floriane Andersen | Actors
Sarah Nixon & Evan Rashby | Directors
Aron Meinhardt | Cinematographer
Floriane Andersen | Editor
These films captivated us with their storytelling, innovation, and emotional depth. Congratulations to all the winners, runner-ups, and participants for making the first CFA Quarterly Film Challenge an unforgettable success. We can’t wait to see what you create next!