A PREMIER 7 DAY SHORT FILM COMPETITION PRESENTED BY ALOHA TERMINAL
Welcome aboard The Take Off, a high-pressure, high-creativity short film competition operating on a 7-day flight plan from concept to final cut.
For one week filmmakers move fast, make bold choices, and execute under real-world constraints. Once the cabin doors close, there’s no turning back! Only instincts, collaboration, and commitment at cruising altitude.This flight is open to everyone, from first-time flyers to seasoned pros. The destination? The strongest short film you can land before final call.
FLIGHT MANUAL
The Take Off Competition Rules & Guidelines • May 2, 2026
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Departure Window: Thursday April 23, 2026 → Thursday April 30, 2026
Boarding begins at the official start time. From that moment, crews have exactly 7 days to complete their film. No delays. No extensions. Final call is final.Flight Duration: 7 days total for all writing, shooting, and editing must occur within the official flight window to create the film.
Runtime Limit: Maximum runtime: 7 minutes, including credits Films exceeding the time limit will not be cleared for landing / Your film will be disqualified if it does not meet this criteria.
Passengers (Team Size): Minimum of 3 Crew Members – Film is a collaborative art form. This is your chance to work with other likeminded people. Crews may include directors, producers, cinematographers, writers, key actors, supporting roles, and crew members.
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All submitted films must comply with the following requirements. Failure to meet any of these standards may result in disqualification.
Each film is issued three (3) randomly assigned elements. All elements must appear on screen. Missing cargo = disqualification.Possible assignments include:
Topic / Theme / Genre – A specific genre or topic that your film must operate within or include OR Character – A character with defined traits, a name, or a profession.
Prop – A designated object that must appear on screen for at least 5 seconds and be actively used or meaningfully integrated into the story.
Music – A specific musical track must be used for 10 seconds in the score of the short film. This music will be available through the Aloha Terminal Music Library
CONTENT & LEGAL RESTRICTIONS
No nudity
No hate speech
No content that violates local, state, or federal laws
All content must be suitable for in-flight exhibition
No silent films allowed
ORIGINALITY & PRODUCTION RULES
Films must be 100% original
No stock footage (Public filming allowed)
All production must occur during the 7 days
No use of A.i. Generated content
MUSIC & AUDIO GUIDELINES
All music used must have proper documentation for rights of use for your submission
Recommended music sources:
Royalty-free music
Creative Commons (Attribution Only)
Original compositions
Aloha Terminal Music Library
PUBLIC DOMAIN FOOTAGE
Public domain footage may be used for up to 30 seconds maximum
Required documentation must be submitted with the entry. Example: Link providing proof of Public Domain
VFX DOCUMENTATION
Here at Aloha Terminal we believe in the process. This set of rules is to ensure all filmmakers don’t use A.I.
Any VFX, set extensions, garbage matting, etc must be presented in a video file showing the entire process of the VFX.
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On April 23, 2026, each team will receive this month’s film criteria through the official digital Aloha Terminal In-Flight Magazine your onboard guide to The Take Off, featuring all rules, requirements, and essential documents.
Before final boarding is called, all materials must be properly completed and cleared for departure. This includes:
Cast and crew waivers
Materials and music releases
Any additional required forms
VFX videos
BTS footage (optional – this can be submitted up to 72hrs after premiere)
HOT TIP FROM GROUND CREW
Assign one team member as your Crew Captain and paperwork lead. The flight will already be turbulent, this keeps things running smoothly. -
On April 30th, 2026 5pm HST team videos must be uploaded to required link with following specs.
Export in HD quality
Accepted formats: .mp4 or .mov
Resolution: 1080p–4K (4K preferred)
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May 1st the cameras stop. The review begins.
Within 24 hours, the Aloha Terminal Board of Directors a collective of industry professionals will watch every submission.
Each film is scored through our 100-point system.
Only 12 films move forward.All films will be published on Aloha Terminal YouTube the following week.
Every team receives feedback.
Because this isn’t just a competition it’s a platform.The Top 12 are announced live on Premiere Night.
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On May 2, 2026 The Top 12 Films selected by The Board of Directors will be shown at the premier for all attendees and by a new set of eyes 3-5 Judges. These Industry Judges will use Aloha Terminal Judging criteria
Judge 1 • Industry Professional (TBA)
Judge 2 • A Notable Artisan (TBA)
Judge 3 • A Current Powerhouse In Film (TBA)
Judge 4 • A Notable Musician or Music Industry Executive (TBA)
Judge 5 • Special Guest (TBA)
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TOPIC, THEME & GENRE • 50%
Clarity and strength of the story / storytelling- 10 points
Originality and distinct point of view – 10 points
Effective & intentional use of genre (commercial, comedy, thriller, mystery) – 10 points
Emotional impact & relatability (Does it resonate?) – 10 points
Audience engagement (Does it capture the attention of the viewer?) – 10 points
PRODUCTION VALUE • 40%
Cinematography and lighting – 5 points
Performances and casting – 5 points
Wardrobe, hair, and makeup – 5 points
Production design and art direction – 5 points
Sound design and mix – 5 points
Music and/or score – 5 points
Editing – 5 points
Title Card – 5 points
VISUAL PRODUCT / PROP USE SPONSORSHIP • 5%
Evaluated based on how the sponsored product or prop is integrated and used within the narrative
Assessed on organic placement, clarity of use, and alignment with the story
Not evaluated as the film itself being a product, but on execution of the prop within the film
MUSIC USE SPONSORSHIP (ALOHA TERMINAL PLAYLIST) • 5%
Evaluated based on the thoughtful and intentional use of music selected from the Aloha Terminal Music Playlist
Assessed on how effectively the music enhances mood, emotion, pacing, and storytelling
Consideration given to originality of use, scene alignment, and overall cohesion between music and narrative. Music selection should feel purposeful and integrated, not purely decorative or promotional
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1st Place Winner Cash Prize (TBA)
2nd Place Winner Cash Prize (TBA)
3rd Place Winner Cash Prize (TBA)
Best Use of Sound Cash Prize (TBA)
Best Use ofProp Cash Prize (TBA)
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APRIL 19 • LIVE Q&A SESSION
Tap in with the team.
This is your window to ask questions, get clarity, and make sure your crew is cleared for takeoff.APRIL 23 • TAKE OFF
The clock starts.
7 days to create.
Your official Aloha Terminal In-Flight Magazine is your only guide.APRIL 30 • FINAL CALL
Submissions due.
No extensions. No delays.MAY 1 • BOARD OF DIRECTORS REVIEW
Films cleared for landing.MAY 2 • PREMIERE NIGHT
Where stories arrive.
Where culture connects.
Where it all takes flight. -
Short-form competition filmmaking has long pushed Hawaiʻi creatives to think fast, make bold choices, and tell memorable stories under pressure.
See below past examples that capture that spirit.
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Filmmakers.
Creatives.
First-timers.
Professionals.Anyone ready to make something real.
WHAT’S POSSIBLE
A LEGACY OF FAST TURN FILMMAKING
This isn’t new. It’s proven. For decades, filmmakers have been creating powerful work under tight timelines which builds community, generates audiences, and produces real cinematic output. The Take Off builds on that legacy and brings it into a new era.
The Foundation. Before the pace of modern content (social media), Hawaiʻi filmmakers were already moving fast. These works come from a generation shaped by competition – many of whom have gone on to contribute to major productions including Disney’s/Star wars “The Mandalorian”, Amazon’s “Fallout“, HBO’s “Westworld” and features from “The Revenant,” “Interstellar“, “Hunger Games“, “Jumani” and much much more.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Real filmmakers don’t create without constraints.
They create because of them.
Clients. Artists. Studios.
Every project comes with direction, expectation, and pressure.
This competition mirrors that reality:
Brand integration.
Music as narrative.
Assigned themes.
Limited time.
Not to restrict creativity,
to refine it.
Because in the real world,
you don’t wait for freedom.
You prove you can deliver, no matter the hurdles.
Created Under Constraint.
The following films were created under an intense fast-turnaround competition format—often in just a matter of days—with no large budgets, no extended production schedules, and only the creativity, instinct, and determination of the filmmakers.
It's also worth remembering that many of these films were created nearly two decades ago. The technology, cameras, editing tools, and production quality available at the time were vastly different from what creators have today. While the visuals may reflect their era, the imagination, ambition, and storytelling behind these films remain remarkable and stand as a testament to what passionate filmmakers could accomplish under extraordinary constraints.
Created by Subdivision Films (2006) – “GreenHouse Girls”
Film was written, shot, and edited for a 48 hour film competition
Date/Location: 2006–Honolulu, HI
Topic: Misconception
Prop: Buddha and Polaroid
Created by Subdivision Films (2006) – “Foot”
Film was written, shot, and edited for a 48-hour film competition
Date/Location: 2006–Honolulu, HI
Topic: Rich vs. Poor
Prop: Paint Brush & Check
Created by Subdivision Films (2008) – “Steel DollHouse”
Film was written, shot, and edited for a 48-hour film competition
Date/Location: 2008–Honolulu, HI
Topic: N/A
Prop: Calculator and Coffee Cup
Created by Dragonfly Films (2009) – “Click”
Film was written, shot, and edited for a 48-hour film competition
Date/Location: 2009–Honolulu, HI
Topic: N/A
Prop: N/A
Created by Faidai Richmond – “The Reflection Temple”
Film was written, shot, and edited for a 48-hour film competition
Date/Location: Honolulu, HI
Topic: N/A
Prop: N/A
Created by Rising Sons Films (2012) – “Ho’omau”
Film was written, shot, and edited for a 7 day film competition
Date/Location: 2012–Honolulu, HI
Topic: N/A
Prop: N/A
Created by Subdivision Films (2008) – “BANG”
Film was written, shot, and edited for a 24 hour film competition
Date/Location: 2008–Honolulu, HI
Topic: N/A
Prop: N/A
Created by Subdivision Films (2008) – “She love me, She loves me not””
Film was written, shot, and edited for a 48 hour film competition
Date/Location: 2008–Honolulu, HI
Topic: N/A
Prop: N/A
THE RUNWAY IS BUILT
THE CLOCK CHANGES EVERYTHING
YOU'RE NOT CREATING ALONE
YOU FINISH THE FILM
YOUR WORK IS SEEN
RAW. FAST. POWERFUL.