Columbia Streams Art public art program announces new smartphone-based filmmaking contest, Columbia Cell-A-Brates Cinema
August 20, 2025
The City of Columbia opens the gateway for cellphone, mobile, and smartphone films from filmmakers of all levels. Submission portal for contest entries will go live on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
The City of Columbia’s Columbia Streams Art public art program is thrilled to announce the opening date for entries for the Columbia Cell-A-Brates Cinema smart phone filmmaking competition!
Movie enthusiasts and filmmakers of all skill levels are encouraged to create new independent productions and enter, and all entrees must be entirely shot on mobile phone (smartphone) cameras. All other production equipment such as lights, cranes, dollies, etc. can be used in the service of creating the independent movie. All entries must be between three to ten minutes in length, including titles and credits. All models of smartphones, cellphones or mobile phones are eligible to record entries.
Entries must be uploaded to an online submission portal that will go live and open for submissions beginning on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, and the URL location will be announced at that time, along with other entry specifications. The deadline for submissions will be Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
An independent jury of Columbia area filmmakers and film professionals will review all submissions and determine the winning entries. Four cash prizes will be awarded for First, Second and Third Place as well as an Honorable Mention, with special consideration given to Best Use of Columbia River and Public Outdoor Spaces.
Winning entries will be shown during a red carpet premier ceremony at Nickelodeon Theatre on the evening of Friday, November 14, 2025, with a follow up matinee screening on Saturday, November 15, 2025.
For more information, please contact Skot Garrick at [email protected] .
