CATEGORIES
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COMMERCIALS and BRANDED FILMS up to 20 minutes, created for any media, can be entered in this section.
COMMERCIALS and BRANDED FILMS up to 20 minutes, created for any media, can be entered in this section.
COMMERCIALS and BRANDED ANIMATED FILMS up to 20 minutes, created for any media, can be entered in this section.
COMMERCIALS and BRANDED FILMS up to 20 minutes, created for any media, can be entered in this section.
Music Videos up to 20 minutes, created for a song or album with promotional or artistic purposes, meant to be broadcasted on any media can be entered in this section.
Branded music videos must be entered into our branded content categories.
This section recognizes creativity in commercial films and branded content produced for TV, cinema, online platforms and social media. Judges will prioritize the idea over the craft, and will award fresh, bold, and effective brand storytelling.
Entrants must provide additional materials to help the judges understand the project brief, the challenges involved, and the results achieved by the submitted piece. Campaigns consisting of 3 to 6 commercials, with a maximum total length of 20 minutes, are eligible in this section.
This section acknowledges the outstanding use of emerging technologies in the development of innovative projects with commercial, artistic, or cultural purposes. The Jury will evaluate the quality and innovation in the execution of the idea, the originality and the integration of technology with the creative concept, as well as the overall user experience.
Entrants must include additional materials that clearly explain the project brief, the technological and creative challenges addressed, and the outcomes achieved. Campaigns consisting of 3 to 6 commercial, with a maximum total length of 20 minutes, are eligible in this section.
Direction | 60 seconds and under
The Jury will evaluate the vision and the storytelling skills of the director, as well as the ability to guide performances, cinematography, art direction, and overall production and film-related aspects.
Content up to and including 60 seconds can be entered in this category.
Direction | 61 to 120 seconds
The Jury will evaluate the vision and the storytelling skills of the director, as well as the ability to guide performances, cinematography, art direction, and overall production and film-related aspects.
Content between 61 to 120 seconds can be entered in this category.
Direction | Over 120 seconds
The Jury will evaluate the vision and the storytelling skills of the director, as well as the ability to guide performances, cinematography, art direction, and overall production and film-related aspects.
Content over 120 seconds can be entered in this category.
New Talent in Commercials
The purpose of this category is to introduce emerging directing talent to the world. The Jury will evaluate the visual and narrative skills of upcoming directors, looking for innovative approaches across any kind of commercials or branded content, both in live action and animated films.
To be eligible in this category, directors must be up to 30 years old or have had less than two years of experience as directors. The organization and/or the Jury, if necessary, will have the right to request proof in any stage of the contest.
Entrants must upload an ID, as proof of age.
Cinematography
The Jury will evaluate the cinematographer’s artistic view and technical skills in the construction of a unique visual style, considering aspects such as shot composition, lighting, camera angles and movements, textures, among others.
Production Design
The Jury will consider the production design and art direction that inform the visual style and overall look of the film. Set design, location, other visual elements developed for the project will be considered.
Casting
The Jury will consider the casting director’s skills in selecting actors to play the main roles in the film, and the onscreen talent’s skills in evoking a captivating performance and their contribution to the piece.
Styling & Costume Design
The Jury will focus on the artistry, technical expertise and creative vision shown in the styling of a character’s wardrobe, make up/hair design, and the resulting overall effect.
Production Achievement
This category celebrates outstanding production in commercial filmmaking, recognizing the teams that bring complex ideas to life through exceptional execution.
The Jury will asses the overall quality of the work, the production challenges and constraints involved, the scale of the project and the creative use of resources to deliver an extraordinary piece of advertising. Special consideration will be given to productions that demonstrate sustainable practices.
Besides the original film, companies must submit a case study video or PDF detailing the brief, challenges, results, and total production budget. The supporting material should be clear and precise, explaining the challenges faced during production and how they were overcome.
Videos must be under 2 minutes long, and PDFs should be a maximum of three pages. The supporting material must NOT include any credits or logos of the companies involved.
Campaign (New!)
This category recognizes excellence in the production of multi-piece advertising campaigns, highlighting the ability to deliver consistent quality and creativity across multiple films. The Jury will evaluate the visual and narrative coherence maintained in the campaign (defined as a series of interconnected films developed under a unified concept), as well as outstanding examples of film craft.
Campaigns consisting of 3-6 commercial films, with a combined total length of 20 minutes, for broadcast across TV, cinema, online platforms, social media, and OOH experiences can be entered in this category.
The films must be edited to be uploaded as one single video file.
Any questions?
Please get in touch with our Awards Team at awards@ciclopefestival.com and we will email you back.
Visual Effects
The Jury will evaluate the artistry and technical skills used to seamlessly integrate VFX into the film, enhance realism or stylization, and support the creative vision of the piece. Judges will look for technical precision, innovation, and how effectively the effects contribute to the storytelling and overall viewer experience.
We highly recommend companies to upload a VFX breakdown in a separate file. The supporting video must be under 2 minutes long and must NOT include any credits or logos of the companies involved.
Editing | 90 Seconds & Under (New!)
The Jury will evaluate the creative contribution of the editor to the film, evaluating the pacing, rhythm, and the ability to shape narrative and emotion through seamless transitions, timing, and structure. The work should demonstrate technical skill, creativity, and a strong contribution to the storytelling and overall impact of the piece.
Content up to and including 90 seconds can be entered in this category.
Editing | Over 90 Seconds (New!)
The Jury will evaluate the creative contribution of the editor to the film, evaluating the pacing, rhythm, and the ability to shape narrative and emotion through seamless transitions, timing, and structure. The work should demonstrate technical skill, creativity, and a strong contribution to the storytelling and overall impact of the piece.
Content over 90 seconds can be entered in this category.
Color Grading
The Jury will evaluate the creative use of color to enhance storytelling, evoke emotion, establish tone, and elevate the overall visual impact of the piece.
We highly recommend companies to upload a color grading breakdown in a separate file. The supporting video must be under 2 minutes long and must NOT include any credits or logos of the companies involved.
Any questions?
Please get in touch with our Awards Team at awards@ciclopefestival.com and we will email you back.
Animation for Video Games
The Jury will assess the animator’s craft in developing and animating characters, environments, movements and effects in video games trailers, cutscenes or cinematics.
We highly recommend companies to upload an animation breakdown in a separate file. The supporting video must be under 2 minutes long and must NOT include any credits or logos of the companies involved.
2D & Stop Motion
The Jury will evaluate the visual elements created using 2D animation or stop motion techniques. They will assess the animator’s craft in developing characters, environments, movements and effects in a commercial.
We highly recommend companies to upload an animation breakdown in a separate file. The supporting video must be under 2 minutes long and must NOT include any credits or logos of the companies involved.
CGI
The Jury will evaluate the visual elements created using 3D/CGI animation. They will assess the animator’s craft in developing characters, environments, movements and effects in a commercial.
We highly recommend companies to upload an animation breakdown in a separate file. The supporting video must be under 2 minutes long and must NOT include any credits or logos of the companies involved.
Title Sequence
The Jury will evaluate the use of 2D, 3D, stop motion, mixed media or any other animation technique to create animated title sequences for feature films, short films, live events, exhibitions or games. Safety videos are also eligible in this category.
We highly recommend companies to upload an animation breakdown in a separate file. The supporting video must be under 2 minutes long and must NOT include any credits or logos of the companies involved.
Character Design
The Jury will evaluate the artistry, originality and technical skills behind the creation of animated characters. Judges will focus on the character’s appearance, visual style and personality, and it’s contribution to the film.
We highly recommend companies to upload an animation breakdown in a separate file. The supporting video must be under 2 minutes long and must NOT include any credits or logos of the companies involved.
Animated Campaign (New!)
This category recognizes excellence in the production of multi-piece advertising campaigns using animation, highlighting the ability to deliver consistent quality and creativity across multiple films. The Jury will evaluate the visual and narrative coherence maintained in the campaign (defined as a series of interconnected films developed under a unified concept), as well as outstanding examples of animation in any style.
Campaigns consisting of 3-6 commercial films, with a combined total length of 20 minutes max., for broadcast across TV, cinema, online platforms, social media, and OOH experiences can be entered in this category.
The films must be edited to be uploaded as one single video file.
We highly recommend companies to upload an animation breakdown in a separate file. The supporting video must be under 2 minutes long and must NOT include any credits or logos of the companies involved.
Any questions?
Please get in touch with our Awards Team at awards@ciclopefestival.com and we will email you back.
Sound Design
The Jury will evaluate the creation and the artistic use of sound effects, human or computer generated voices and/or elements of music to contribute to the overall impact, narrative, and emotional resonance of a commercial. Entries should demonstrate a thoughtful and deliberate approach to sound as a narrative and experiential tool.
Original Music
This category recognizes outstanding original music composed specifically for advertising.
The Jury will evaluate the originality, emotional impact, and effectiveness of the composition, instrumental or vocal, in supporting the narrative and enhancing the tone of the commercial. Entries should demonstrate how the music serves as a central creative element through melody, arrangement, rhythm or instrumentation.
Use of licensed or pre-existing music is NOT eligible for this category.
Companies are able to upload the track as a .MP3 file for the Jury to better appreciate the project.
Adapted Music
This category celebrates the creative use of pre-existing music in advertising—whether through reinterpretation, re-orchestration, remixing, or other forms of adaptation.
The Jury will evaluate the creative and intelligent adaptation of pre-existent music and its effectivness in enhancing the narrative, emotional tone, and overall impact of the commercial. The quality of production, the originality in the adaptation and integration of the music within the storytelling will be considered.
Direct use of licensed music without creative modification DOES NOT qualify for this category.
Companies can upload the track on a .MP3 file for the jury to better assess the project.
Licensed Music
This category recognizes the impactful use of licensed, pre-existing music in advertising, where the strength lies in the curatorial choice and its alignment with the narrative, tone, and brand message.
The Jury will evaluate how effectively the selected track enhances the emotional power and the messaging of the commercial, as well as the originality and cultural relevance of the musical choice.
Entries in this category must use the track in its original form, without significant rearrangement or reinterpretation. The focus is on the strategic and creative use of existing music to elevate storytelling and audience connection.
Companies can upload the track on a .MP3 file for the jury to better assess the project.
Any questions?
Please get in touch with our Awards Team at awards@ciclopefestival.com and we will email you back.
Direction
This category awards excellence in directing music videos. The Jury will evaluate the vision and the storytelling skills of the director, as well as the ability to guide performances, cinematography, art direction, and overall production and elements of film-craft.
New Talent in Music Videos
The purpose of this category is to introduce emerging directing talent to the world. The Jury will evaluate the visual and narrative skills of upcoming directors, looking for innovative approaches across music videos, both in live action and animation.
To be eligible in this category, directors must be up to 30 years old OR have had less than two years of experience as directors. The organization and/or the Jury, if necessary, will have the right to request proof in any stage of the contest.
Entrants must upload an ID, as proof of age.
Cinematography
The Jury will evaluate the cinematographer’s artistic view and technical skills in the construction of a unique visual style, considering aspects such as shot composition, lighting, camera angles and movements, textures, among others.
Production Design
The Jury will consider the production design and art direction that inform the visual style and overall look of the film. Set design, location, other visual elements developed for the project will be considered.
Visual Effects
The Jury will evaluate the artistry and technical skills to seamlessly integrate visual effects into the film, enhance realism or stylization, and support the creative vision of the piece. Judges will look for technical precision, innovation, and how effectively the effects contribute to the storytelling and overall viewer experience.
We highly recommend companies to upload a VFX breakdown in a separate file. The supporting video must be under 2 minutes long and must NOT include any credits or logos of the companies involved.
Animation
The Jury will recognize the use of 2D, 3D, stop motion, mixed media or any other animation technique in a music video.
We highly recommend companies to upload an animation breakdown in a separate file. The supporting video must be under 2 minutes long and must NOT include any credits or logos of the companies involved.
Editing
The Jury will evaluate the creative contribution of the editor to the film, evaluating the pacing, rhythm, and the ability to shape narrative and emotion through seamless transitions, timing, and structure.
The work should demonstrate technical skill, creativity, and a strong contribution to the storytelling and overall impact of the piece.
Color Grading
The Jury will evaluate the creative use of color to enhance storytelling, evoke emotion, establish tone, and elevate the overall visual impact of the piece.
We highly recommend companies to upload a color grading breakdown in a separate file. The supporting video must be under 2 minutes long and must NOT include any credits or logos of the companies involved.
Any questions?
Please get in touch with our Awards Team at awards@ciclopefestival.com and we will email you back.
Fashion & Luxury
Short films commissioned by fashion, beauty and luxury brands, up to 20 minutes long for broadcast in any media, are eligible for this category.
The Jury will evaluate the talent and storytelling skills of the director, as well as the quality and impact of film-craft elements such as cinematography, production design, styling, casting, and editing among others.
Short Film
Any non-branded short film (e.g. fiction or documentary, live action or animation) up to 20 minutes can be entered in this category. This includes experimental films that explore alternatives to traditional storytelling and cinematic style.
The Jury will evaluate the talent and storytelling skills of the director, as well as the quality and impact of film-craft elements such as cinematography, production design, styling, casting, and editing among others
Branded short films are not eligible in this category.
Unsigned Director (New!)
This category recognizes outstanding direction by emerging talent not currently signed to a production company. It celebrates fresh perspectives, bold storytelling, and strong directorial vision.
Individual films will be judged on originality, craft, and the director’s ability to bring a unique voice to the screen. This is a platform to spotlight the next generation of filmmakers making their mark in the industry.
Commercials, short films, documentaries and music videos, live action or animation, up to 20 minutes, are eligible in this category. Spec commercials are also eligible; in this case, the film must include a visible note, specifying it is a spec commercial.
Entrants must upload a brief one-page summary outlining their professional experience, to confirm their status as emerging, unsigned talent.
Low Budget
Films made with few resources for broadcast across any media, where the overall production budget was under USD 70,000 are eligible for entry in this category. Commercials and other short-form content including music videos, documentaries and short films (live action or animated) may be entered.
The Jury will evaluate the quality and impact of film-craft elements such as direction, cinematography, production design, styling, casting, and editing among others.
Please upload a PDF file detailing the production budget.
Branded Comedy
This category celebrates the use of humor in commercial storytelling.
The Jury will award the best examples of branded comedy, paying particular attention to the script, performances, and the overall comedic direction of the film.
Any questions?
Please get in touch with our Awards Team at awards@ciclopefestival.com and we will email you back.
Film | 60 seconds & under
The Jury will award the best commercials and branded content; outstanding ideas with superb execution. The overall quality of the work will be considered, however the Jury will prioritize the idea over the craft, looking for creativity, innovation and impact, and celebrating fresh, bold and effective brand storytelling.
Films up to and including 60 seconds can be entered in this category.
Companies must enter a written summary explaining the brief, the execution and the results of the project. Data showing the effectiveness of the idea can also be added. The PDF should not exceed 1 page.
We highly recommend companies to also upload a case video in a separate file. Videos can be up to 2 minutes.
The supporting material must NOT include any credits or logos of the companies involved.
Film | 61 to 120 seconds
The Jury will award the best commercials and branded content; outstanding ideas with superb execution. The overall quality of the work will be considered, however the Jury will prioritize the idea over the craft, looking for creativity, innovation and impact, and celebrating fresh, bold and effective brand storytelling.
Films between 61 to 120 seconds can be entered in this category.
Companies must enter a written summary explaining the brief, the execution and the results of the project. Data showing the effectiveness of the idea can also be added. The PDF should not exceed 1 page.
We highly recommend companies to also upload a case video in a separate file. Videos can be up to 2 minutes.
The supporting material must NOT include any credits or logos of the companies involved.
Film | Over 120 seconds
The Jury will award the best commercials and branded content; outstanding ideas with superb execution. The overall quality of the work will be considered, however the Jury will prioritize the idea over the craft, looking for creativity, innovation and impact, and celebrating fresh, bold and effective brand storytelling.
Films over 120 seconds can be entered in this category.
Companies must enter a written summary explaining the brief, the execution and the results of the project. Data showing the effectiveness of the idea can also be added. The PDF should not exceed 1 page.
We highly recommend companies to also upload a case video in a separate file. Videos can be up to 2 minutes.
The supporting material must NOT include any credits or logos of the companies involved.
Any questions?
Please get in touch with our Awards Team at awards@ciclopefestival.com and we will email you back.
Live Experience
The Jury will award the exceptional creativity in live, in-person experiences. Entries may include immersive events, installations, performances, or experiential activations designed to engage audiences directly.
The Jury will assess the concept, execution, audience impact, and how effectively the experience communicated the brand’s message in a physical, real-world setting.
Companies must enter a written summary explaining the brief, the execution and the results of the project. Data showing the effectiveness of the idea can also be added. The PDF should not exceed 1 page.
We highly recommend companies to also upload a case video in a separate file. Videos can be up to 2 minutes.
The supporting material must NOT include any credits or logos of the companies involved.
Immersive Digital Experience
This category recognizes exceptional use of digital technology to create immersive experiences. Eligible entries include web-based or mobile experiences, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality, and other interactive formats.
The Jury will evaluate innovation, user engagement, technical execution, and how effectively the experience draws the audience into a well-crafted, digital environment.
Companies must enter a written summary explaining the brief, the execution and the results of the project. Data showing the effectiveness of the idea can also be added. The PDF should not exceed 1 page.
We highly recommend companies to also upload a case video in a separate file. Videos can be up to 2 minutes.
The supporting material must NOT include any credits or logos of the companies involved.
Use of Data & AI
The Jury will recognize innovative and strategic applications of data-driven methods and/or artificial intelligence within the development and production of a creative project. From leveraging data and machine learning algorithms, to utilizing AI throughout the various stages of production, submissions should show the transformative power of these new technologies to enhance creativity.
Companies must enter a written summary explaining the brief, the execution and the results of the project. Data showing the effectiveness of the idea can also be added. The PDF should not exceed 1 page.
We highly recommend companies to also upload a case video in a separate file. Videos can be up to 2 minutes.
The supporting material must NOT include any credits or logos of the companies involved.
Interactive Web Film
The Jury will award the best film, or video content, created specifically for distribution and consumption on online platforms. The creative use of web formats, interactivity and consideration of audience viewing habits will be key in the evaluation. Judges will evaluate how effectively the experience blends film craft with interactive design to create a compelling and immersive journey for the viewer within a digital environment. .
Social media videos, commercials, branded content, short films, documentaries, web series, or any other type of video content that is elevated when viewed on digital platforms is eligible.
Besides the original film, companies must include a URL where the jury can watch the film in its original context.
In addition, entrants must upload a written summary explaining the brief, the execution and the results of the project. Data showing the effectiveness of the idea can also be added. The PDF should not exceed 1 page.
We highly recommend companies to also upload a case video in a separate file. Videos can be up to 2 minutes.
The supporting material must NOT include any credits or logos of the companies involved.
Any questions?
Please get in touch with our Awards Team at awards@ciclopefestival.com and we will email you back.