Asbury Park has a long history of providing catharsis through music, movies, galleries, theater, dance and more. The city’s artistic energy is a sustaining and transformative force. The Asbury Park Arts Council seeks to provide the support to ensure that the arts thrive.
The AP’N3 Film Challenge is presented by the Asbury Park Arts Council (APAC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Asbury Park. The Challenge is sponsored by the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce, the Coaster and Primal House New Jersey.
The AP’N3 Short Film Challenge
March 31 until August 31 2026
Can you tell a complete story in three minutes? Filmmakers from across New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia are welcome to participate.
The AP’N3 Short Film Challenge is a creative competition where participants produce a three-minute film in Asbury Park that includes a required theme, prop, location, and line of dialogue that are revealed upon registering for the Challenge.
AP’N3 encourages filmmakers to experiment, test ideas, and showcase the kind of storytelling that can launch larger projects. The Challenge brings filmmakers and audiences together for a screening event celebrating originality, risk-taking, and cinematic short storytelling.
All genres are accepted and the AP’N3 Trophy is awarded to the top 3 winners in both main and student categories. Through our partnership with PRIMAL HOUSE NEW JERSEY, filmmakers may use music from their library for FREE in their films.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – click the Film Asbury Park button.
And the Winner of the "Counter Talk" Social Media Challenge IS...
The Asbury Park Arts Council and Chamber of Commerce organized a social media challenge called “Counter Talk” to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the APN3 Film Challenge. Businesses were encouraged to create short videos that showcased their unique stories and vibes. Sam Zuckerman, the owner of Eyeris Art Gallery, received the most likes for their video. The award of a year membership to the Chamber of Commerce was presented on April 20 at the AP Chamber of Commerce business card exchange at the Iron Whale in Asbury Park.
Asbury Park Arts Council's work is sustained through the generous support of private, institutional and corporate partners who share our vision of an Asbury Park where all creative practices can thrive and coexist.
