NEWLY ADDED!
our spring 2025 challenge
runs january – april, 2025
Looking for the 2024 Team Film Challenge schedule? Click Here
Lights, camera, creativity –
and a whole lot more!
Calling all young visionaries to embark on a blockbuster journey with Destination Imagination’s Team Film Challenge!
In this filmmaking adventure, students will discover the power of their own creativity and work together as a team to turn their imagination into a force for ingenious problem-solving and storytelling.
What's in Store for Teams
Explore Filmmaking Elements
From crafting compelling narratives to mastering the nuances of cinematography, sound, mise-en-scène, and editing, teams will immerse themselves in the diverse aspects of filmmaking.
No special equipment is required. If it can record audio and video, you’re good to go!
Ignite Creativity
Unleash your team’s imagination! Our Team Film Challenge encourages out-of-the-box thinking, fostering an environment where creativity knows no bounds.
Problem-Solving at its Core
Teams will base their films on a unique challenge to solve, encouraging innovative solutions and showcasing the power of teamwork. The catch? They have just 8 weeks to make it happen!
Shared Vision
The challenge encourages teams to collaboratively define their narrative, ensuring that every voice is heard and every idea contributes to the overarching story. It’s not just a film; it’s a collective vision.
Everyone's Invited!
From elementary school to university, all students are welcome to join the fun! Teams can consist of 2-7 members and will enter their solution in one of four levels:
- Elementary (grades 3-5)
- Middle (grades 6-8)
- Secondary (grades 9-12)
- University
Teams may consist of students from different levels but must enter their solution at the level of their oldest student.
Friendly Competition
While teams compete for top honors, the real victory lies in the global impact of storytelling. Share your narrative, learn from others, and contribute to the rich tapestry of creativity that spans continents.
Winners will be announced in December 2024 during an epic Awards Ceremony.
and...
will allow your team to learn from world class storytellers at Pixar, Netflix, Dreamworks, and more!
Every Team Film Challenge team will get
2 MONTHS of access to Story Xperiential’s platform.
&
Veterans from Pixar and Khan Academy will review team submissions
and select the team to receive our Critic’s Choice Award!
Learn more about Story Xperiential HERE.
january-april 2025 Challenge Preview
It’s the zaniest crime of the century! What ridiculous thing will your team attempt to steal when you undertake a high-stakes heist? Use your team’s strengths to your advantage as you mastermind your plan. Don’t get caught as you steal the show in this year’s Team Film Challenge!
For this Challenge, your team will:
- Create and present a story about a Dream Team that plans and carries out a Heist of something outrageous, ridiculous, and/or silly.
- Include a specialized skill and/or talent that helps the Dream Team during the Heist.
- Include a scene that builds suspense when at least one member of the Dream Team is almost caught.
- Use Split Screen to enhance the Video Presentation.
- Create and present one Team Choice Element that shows off the team’s interests, skills, areas of strength, and talents.
january-april 2025 TEAM REGISTRATION
Ready to roll? Then grab your popcorn, rally your squad, and join us for our Team Film Challenge! Registration is open, and the competition kicks off on September 13. Registration closes on September 5.
Inside the U.S.
$500*
Per Team
*Additional Team Manager Background Check cost may apply. See our Background Check page for more details.
Outside the U.S.
VARIES**
**Prices for Team Film Challenge teams outside the U.S. can be found here. Price will be based on the purchaser’s home country.
Sign up below to receive updates about the Team Film Challenge.
january-april 2025 SCHEDULE
JANUARY 24 - APRIL 30
Looking for the 2024 Team Film Challenge schedule? Click Here
Friday,
november 15
Registration Opens
Registration opens on November 15, 2024. Team numbers will be issued once your registration is complete.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
Team Manager background checks (required for US teams only) will be available November 15. Educators with current background checks may use our Background Check waiver to avoid purchasing a new background check.
Team registration and Team Manager background checks must be completed in order to access the Challenge on September 13.
FRIDAY,
january 24
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
This is the recommended deadline to register, complete the Team Manager background check (US only) and complete all Team Member forms.
Registrations may still be purchased after January 24, but the team will have less time to solve the challenge.
Challenge Release & Clarifications
Download the Challenge and get to work! If your team has questions about the Challenge, they may ask for a Clarification.
Sunday,
march 9
Clarifications Close
Make sure all of your Clarification questions are submitted by 11:59 p.m. PT.
Wednesday,
march 26
Solution Submission
All teams must have their solutions submitted by 11:59 p.m. PT.
THURSDAY,
april 10
Appeals Deadline
Teams will have received their raw scores by November 19 and will have until 11:59 p.m. PT on November 21 to make any appeal to their raw scores.
wednesday, april 30
Awards Ceremony
Join us for a special online awards ceremony hosted on our exclusive digital film festival platform.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT US
Not sure which option is right for you? Our chatbot at the bottom of our site can help or check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Call Us: 1-888-321-1503
Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern
Take a Deeper Dive
Live and On-Demand
Info Sessions
Are you a parent or in the education field? If so, it’s never too late to learn about how you can bring the power of Destination Imagination to your students. Register for an upcoming info session. You can also sign up to watch it on-demand.
Digital Open Archived Results
The Team Film Challenge was previously named Digital Open.
Thanks to all the teams who have participated in Digital Open.