What if students could take the filming and storytelling skills they already use and turn them into something bigger?
That’s the idea behind Team Film Challenge, an 8-week filmmaking experience from Destination Imagination, where students work together as a team to create an original short film from concept to final edit.
Registration for the 2026 Team Film Challenge is now open!
Designed for students in middle school, high school, college, and university settings, Team Film Challenge gives participants the opportunity to explore storytelling, cinematography, editing, creative problem-solving, and collaboration through the Creative Process.
And teams can participate using everyday recording tools they already have access to, including phones, tablets, or cameras. No special equipment is required.
This Year’s Challenge: That Escalated Quickly
This year, teams will create a short film that begins with an ordinary moment before spiraling into something completely unexpected.
Throughout the process, teams will experiment with storytelling techniques like foreshadowing and point-of-view shots while creating a story that eventually finds its way back to where it began.
From comedy and action to suspense and absurdity, teams will decide how far things escalate and how they bring their story to life on screen.
A Different Way to Explore the Creative Process
Team Film Challenge offers a different entry point into Destination Imagination for students who are interested in film, media creation, storytelling, acting, editing, or visual design.
Throughout the experience, students work together to:
- Develop an original concept
- Plan and organize scenes
- Film and edit footage
- Solve creative and technical challenges
- Make collaborative decisions as a team
The focus is not just on the final film, but on the process of creating something together.
Registration Is Now Open
Early Bird registration for Team Film Challenge opens May 15 and runs through July 14.
- Early Bird pricing: $299 per team
- Starting July 15: $499 per team
The 2026 Team Film Challenge begins in September 2026.
Learn more about Team Film Challenge and registration.
If you have questions or want to learn more about how Destination Imagination could work for your school, organization, or team, you can also join an Office Hours session to connect with a team member.
