The Aeries Drone Film Festival & Award Show

Ticket Prices:                                                                                                                                                                                     Fee

Early Bird General Admission      (9/8/2025 - 10/8/2025)                                                                                            $45

General Admission                                                                                                                                                                         $75

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Film Submission Prices:

 Once the submission fee is paid we will send you a Submission Form 

Submission  Phase                        Opens                                           Deadline                                                                       Fee 

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Early Bird                                 Mon, Sep 8, 2025                      Sun, Oct 19, 2025                                                               $45

Regular                                     Mon, Oct 20, 2025                       Sun, Nov 2, 2025                                                                 $60

Late Entry                               Mon, Nov 3, 2025                        Sun, Nov 24, 2025                                                               $75

Extended Final                     Mon, Nov 25, 2025                      Sun, Nov 30, 2025                                                               $85

Notification Date                Mon, Nov 24, 2025

Event Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025 ~ Location: Mr. Brainwash Museum, Beverly Hills, Ca. 90210

• Films may be from any date or time, as long as the content is 100% original and meets the standards below.

• Film Times must be between 15 seconds & 2:00 Minutes

• All content must be original, including video, audio, and music.

• If outside music is used, entrants must provide written permission from the artist or copyright holder.

• No artificial intelligence (AI)-generated footage, imagery, or music will be accepted.

• Entrants must be able to provide all original media files (raw footage, audio, music licenses) if requested for verification.

• At least 80% of the total runtime must contain aerial cinematography captured with a drone.

• Submissions may be from any country; non-English dialogue must include English subtitles.

• Final submissions must be of sufficient resolution and sound quality for large-screen projection.

• Watermarked or timecoded submissions will not be accepted for final screening.

• Drone footage must be shot in compliance with local aviation laws and safety standards at the time of production.

• All entries must credit the aerial cinematographer(s) responsible for the footage.

         The Aeries celebrates artistry, storytelling, and technical mastery in drone cinematography.

       Each category will feature five finalists, judged on:

• Artistic Vision – How aerial imagery enhances storytelling and emotional engagement.

• Technical Mastery – Execution of drone shots, including precision, stability, and lighting.

• Narrative Integration – How drone cinematography supports or elevates the subject or story.

• Innovation & Creativity – Distinctive approaches, new perspectives, or unique applications of flight.

1. Best Overall Drone Film

• The top honor recognizing excellence across all aspects of aerial film making.
• Any genre or length. Judged equally on storytelling (40%), cinematography (40%), and production quality (20%).

2. Best FPV One Shot

• Recognizes the most impressive continuous FPV drone sequence.
• Must be a single, unbroken take showcasing flight precision, creativity, and execution.

3. Best Choreographed Flight Scene

• Awarded for the best multi-drone or drone-to-subject sequence.
• Judged on timing, movement coordination, and visual storytelling impact.

4. Best Cinematography (Drone)

• Celebrates visual artistry in framing, light, motion, and composition from the air.
• Must demonstrate at least three distinct aerial techniques (e.g., reveals, orbits, tracking, FPV dives).

5. Best Subject

• Recognizes the most compelling use of subject matter captured from the air.
• The drone cinematography must highlight the subject in a way that adds emotion, power, or significance.
  

📌 Each category will feature five finalists, with one winner announced at the awards ceremony.

• Submission Windows: Early Bird, Regular, Late, and Extended deadlines with tiered fees.

• Jury: Comprised of aerial cinematographers, filmmakers, and industry professionals.

Two-Stage Judging:

               ~ Preliminary scoring to determine 5 finalists per category.

               ~ Final screenings and jury deliberation to select winners.

• Confidentiality: All jury members sign a non-disclosure agreement; conflicts of interest must be disclosed.
  

Winners receive The Aeries Trophy, symbolizing excellence in drone cinematography.

• All finalists will be recognized in press releases, festival marketing, social media spotlights, and the printed event program.

Attendance Requirement:

• All finalists must attend in person to accept their award unless prevented by extraordinary circumstances (e.g., medical emergency, visa restrictions).

• Travel cost or inconvenience cannot be considered as a valid exemption.

• If a finalist is not present without a valid exemption, the award will be presented to the next eligible finalist.

Awards will be presented at the red carpet ceremony at the Mr. Brainwash Museum, Beverly Hills, Ca. 90210 on Saturday, December 6, 2025.