CFA Quarterly Film Challenge – February 2025 Recap
From February 15–18, 2025, our 2nd CFA Quarterly Film Challenge brought together an inspiring community of filmmakers, actors, and crew members to create short films in just 72 hours.
The final projects? A bunch of stories that truly showed the heart of the CFA community. Watch the trailer below!
Award Winners
CFA Pinnacle Award (Overall Winner)
“Falling In”
Logline:
Can our love withstand the challenge of being truly Unconditional?
Directed by: Jonathan Davis
Producer/Camera Op: Alice Daedric
Starring: Ashley Fletcher , Elijah Smith, Jazlynn Renay, Brianna
CFA Breakthrough Award (Best First-Time Director/Producer/Writer)
“The Exchange”
Logline:
What starts as a simple errand turns into a chaotic journey as a girl tries returning her ex’s clothes.
Key collaborators:
Directed by: Carter Davis & Addison Lamaute
Written by: Carter Davis, Addison Lamaute & Isabelle Esdaille-Henley
CFA Spotlight Award (Best Actor-Led Initiative)
“Daisies”
Logline:
A young man conducts a ritual in his apartment to keep a demon at bay.
Key collaborators:
Directed by: James Werner
Written by: Adam Riva
Producers: Cleo Selander, Grace Westlin
Cast: Adam Riva
Cinematography: Clyde Keener Mulroney
Editing: Will Abbott
Sound/Gaffing: Kalief Sconiers
Typography: Grace Westlin
Runner-Up
“Heartbeat”
Logline:
When a pregnant Muslim woman’s life is at risk in a state that bans abortion, she and her husband must choose between hiring an illegal midwife or fleeing to his home country—where the procedure is legal, but his immigration status may prevent him from ever returning.
Key collaborators:
Directed by: Jumai Yusuf & Uzma Faizan
Written by: Uzma Faizan & Sarah Mostafa
Starring: Faizan Sheikh & Noora Hawari
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
This challenge wouldn’t be possible without the support of our amazing sponsors. Thank you for empowering indie creators with the tools and resources they need to shine:
Great Video Maker
Blackmagic Design
Hollyland
League of Filmmakers
Zeiss
Cooke
Boomcaster
We Make Movies
Festival Formula
Indie Spunk
Finally, to every filmmaker, performer, and behind-the-scenes collaborator—you brought passion and perspective to this challenge. We’re so proud of this season’s showcase and can’t wait to see what stories you tell next.