Asbury Park Arts Council Launches Third Annual AP’N3 Film Challenge

ASBURY PARK, NJ — The Asbury Park Arts Council (APAC) has announced the much-anticipated return of the AP’N3 Film Challenge, inviting filmmakers of all skill levels to create short films celebrating the vibrant culture of Asbury Park. Now in its third year, this creative competition challenges participants to produce 3-minute films shot exclusively within Asbury Park over a three-week period, from August 5th to August 26th.

Each film must incorporate a required theme, location, prop, and line of dialogue, which are revealed at the start of the competition. Entries will be submitted through the FilmFreeway web portal, with judging conducted by a panel of industry professionals. The top-rated films will earn the chance to be screened at the prestigious Premier Event scheduled for November 3rd, where cash prizes await the top three films and an audience favorite chosen by Premier attendees.

Nancy Sabino, Executive Director of the AP’N3, expressed enthusiasm for this year’s challenge, stating, “We are so pleased to give everyone a chance to showcase our city in film. You cannot believe the creativity that can happen in three minutes, and we are always pushing the envelope to offer help and community to those with talent and determination.”

The AP’N3 Film Challenge has become a hallmark event in Asbury Park, drawing participation from diverse groups including local organizations fostering young talent. In 2023, films from youth-serving organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County and Inspire Life Inc. were showcased at the Premier, highlighting the city’s emerging filmmakers.

Carrie Turner, APAC Executive Director, emphasized the community spirit of the challenge, saying, “AP’N3 is meant to be a fun exercise, open to the whole community, that invites people who live in or visit Asbury Park to share a story. We were excited by the increase in entries and Premier attendance from 2022 to 2023 and believe we are developing a valuable avenue for creative expression in our city.”

Reflecting on her experience winning first place in 2023, filmmaker Chloe Evangelista, who entered an animated film, remarked, “The AP’N3 is an opportunity to show people your unique view of Asbury Park.” Her film and others from past challenges are available for viewing on APAC’s website.

Registration for the 2024 AP’N3 Film Challenge is currently open through the official FilmFreeway page, welcoming aspiring filmmakers to join this celebration of creativity and community in Asbury Park.