Today, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced the “Look Up Film Challenge.” As part of “Look Up,” their thee-year campaign to promote public awareness in the architecture profession, the national organization is calling upon filmmakers, AIA Emerging Professionals, and architects to collaborate on short films. The works should inspire viewers to “look up” beyond their everyday gaze. In doing so, they will gain a new appreciation for architects’ contributions and hopefully inspire a new generation of innovators.

Registration for the timed film challenge is now open to filmmakers of all skill levels. The competition will officially start on July 17. To communicate how architects solve problems with their ability to imagine and visualize, the participants will create a 3- to 5-minute video. The storytellers can find inspiration from either personal connections, or are encouraged to contact their local AIA chapter. 

A panel of AIA members and media professionals will judge submissions. Winners will be announced in September, and be presented with a cash prize of $3,000, in addition to two roundtrip tickets to Austin, Texas, and badges to SXSW—the city's annual festival for music, film, and interactive design.

Back in May, the AIA premiered their first documentary, “An Architect’s Story: Chris Downey,” at the AIA Conference. The three-minute showing chronicled the San Francisco-based architect’s loss of sight and subsequent work focusing on environments for the blind and visually impaired. 

Check out the two videos for #ilookup below.