Entries now open for Columbia Streams Art smartphone filmmaking contest
September 9, 2025
The City of Columbia officially opens the submission gateway for the Columbia Cell-A-Brates Cinema smart phone filmmaking competition on September 2.
The City of Columbia’s Columbia Streams Art public art program announced the submission gateway for entries for the Columbia Cell-A-Brates Cinema smart phone filmmaking competition is now LIVE.
All entries for the Columbia Cell-A-Brates Cinema competition must be uploaded to the submission gateway at https://mayor.columbiasc.gov/columbia-cell-a-brates-cinema-cellphone-competition/. The deadline for submissions will be Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
Movie enthusiasts and filmmakers of all skill levels are encouraged to create new independent productions between three to ten minutes in length, and all entrees must be entirely shot on mobile phone (smartphone) cameras. All models of smartphones, cellphones or mobile phones are eligible.
While the short film subject matter is open to all cinematic genres, we encourage stories or content exploring themes that are uplifting, illustrate or encourage civic or community engagement, bring happiness to others, promote personal growth, beautification or conservation, celebrate creativity, or illustrate resilience. Special consideration will be given to short films that:
- Amplify the rich history and story of Columbia, South Carolina.
- Improve and expand public knowledge of our rivers, the Saluda, the Broad, and the Congaree, and encourage public activity at river access sites.
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.
