FLIGHT MANUAL

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. 

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. 

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)

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.

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)

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

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)

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.

Filmmakers.
Creatives.
First-timers.
Professionals.

Anyone ready to make something real.