What to Expect at the 2025 Almost Famous Film Festival (A3F)

The Almost Famous Film Festival (A3F), created by brothers Jae and Kai Staats, originated in 2005 with a 48-hour Short Film Challenge that became an overnight success. Two years later, 82 teams of filmmakers took part in the annual 48-Hour Challenge, making it one of the largest film challenges in the country.

Based in Phoenix, Arizona, the A3F attracts filmmakers across the Southwest. With over thirty hosted film challenges, including 24- and 72-hour challenges, All-Stars events, three International Short Film Festivals, a Music Video contest, a Musical film challenge, One-Shot film challenges, and a 10-day film challenge in 2022, the A3F continues to expand its leadership role by giving participants opportunities to make movies.

“We are celebrating our 20th year in February, and I am just so excited to bring the film community together for another challenge,” said Jae Staats, Director of the Almost Famous Film Festival. “Over 1,500 short films have been created for our festival. There are so many wonderful moments and memories, and this upcoming event is going to be epic as we celebrate indie film in Arizona and beyond.”

Become Almost Famous

The 2025 A3F Short Film Challenge is a creativity-fueled adventure for both seasoned filmmakers and enthusiastic novices to showcase their cinematic prowess. All ages and abilities are invited to register a team and demonstrate their skills at the A3F Film Challenge Kickoff party, taking place on Friday, February 14, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Moon Pie: Pizza & Patio in Downtown Phoenix.

“This film challenge is going to be one for the record books!” said Jae Staats, Director of the Almost Famous Film Festival. “We will have 50+ teams of filmmakers from around Arizona participating and trying to beat the 72-hour clock. What a true adventure for these filmmakers.”