M3 Competition
Two-Phase Process
Phase 1: April – June
The M3 Competition opens to middle and high school students nationwide, inviting them to create and submit original mobile films up to five minutes in length. Full submission guidelines and creative instructions are provided in the competition deck.
Phase 2: June 22
Submission Deadline: All entries must be submitted by June 22. No additional edits or resubmissions will be accepted after the deadline.
Judging Process: Submissions will undergo two rounds of evaluation. Finalists will be selected based on established judging criteria, with the top three films chosen in each genre.
CATEGORIES: FILM MUSIC, & SPORTS
CRITERIA: FILM & AI ASSISTED FILMS
TIME: Up to (3-5) minutes in length
GENRE: Comedy, Live Action, Adventure, Drama, Horror, Silent Short Films & Animation, Sports Docuseries & Latinx Category
FINALISTS: Three (3) will be chosen in each category
*Films created without AI and films created with AI will be judged in seperate categories*
REQUIREMENTS:
- MUST be created on a mobile device (anything else will be an automatic
disqualification) - Entertaining with true to life topics and narratives
- All films must be PG or G (Judges will determine if film is appropriate)
- Individuals or a maximum of three students can participate in a team
- Breakdown of video requirements: credits (ending credits), storyline (judges must see a beginning, middle and end to each film), cast (even if just one person)
- No graphic violence
- No stand-up comedy, reality shows or music videos
- You can edit on your phone or computer for the best quality
CRITERIA: ORIGINAL MUSIC & AI ASSISTED MUSIC
MOBILE MOVIE MUSIC: FOR MUSIC MAKERS & MUSICIANS
*Music created without AI and music created with AI will be judged in separate
categories*
TIME: Should NOT exceed four (4) minutes in length
CATEGORIES: Jazz, Hip Hop, Neo Soul, Pop, R&B, Reggaeton, Latin Pop and Reggae
FINALISTS: Three (3) will be chosen in each category
*Music created without AI and music created with AI will be judged in separate
categories*
REQUIREMENTS:
- Creative and entertaining video projects that feature entrant’s original music making process in an engaging way. Self-recorded video of entrant on a mobile device composing an original beat, track, instrumental composition, or song (the video can include a visual performance or storytelling
- and MUST include at least 30 seconds of music creation footage)
- NO explicit lyrics
- Keep visual images PG and G rated
- Work with an unlimited number of participants but limit main group members to one to three.
- Video and music must be filmed on a mobile device
- A student musician’s original or AI assisted track may appear in a film submitted to the film category, but to be recognized and judged in the music category, it must also be submitted separately
CRITERIA: SPORTS
TIME: Up to (3-5) minutes in length Asports category is essential for mobile filmmaking because it naturally captures real- time, high-energy moments using tools students already have. It provides built-in storytelling through authentic emotion, competition, and community connection, making it ideal for short-form content.
- Sports Documentary: Real, unscripted stories capturing athletes, teams, or defining sports moments in a
concise format - Student Athlete Spotlight: A focused profile on a middle or high school athlete—highlighting their journey, challenges, and ambitions
- Game Day Story: High-energy storytelling capturing the build-up, key moments, and emotional arc of a
single game or event - Road to Greatness (Training & Preparation): Short-form stories centered on practice, discipline, and what happens before the
spotlight - Women in Sports (Youth Edition): Celebrating young female athletes and their impact, leadership, and resilience
- Community Impact Through Sports: Stories showing how sports uplift communities, build unity, and create opportunity
- Behind the Scenes (Mobile Access): Intimate, authentic access to locker rooms, sidelines, or coaching moments
- Sports Culture & Hype Reel: Fast-paced, visually driven storytelling blending music, energy, and culture around sports
- Global Game: Soccer Stories (FIFA-Inspired): Short films celebrating the global power of soccer/football through local youth perspectives
- AI-Enhanced Sports Storytelling (NEW): Creative use of responsible AI tools (editing, voice, visuals, or data) to elevate storytelling
