24 Hour Video Race 2026

VideoFest is the oldest independent video festival in the United States. Since 1986 it has specialized in independent, alternative, and non-commercial media rarely seen on television or in theaters. The 24 Hour Video Race was inaugurated in 2002 and was wildly successful with 95 teams in 5 categories, submitting on various formats of tape.

After a brief hiatus, the 24 Hour Video Race returns in 2026, updated for the modern era with all-digital submissions and a category for AI-generated videos.

All teams will be assigned four critical elements, which will be revealed right before the race begins on Friday, September 4 at both an in-person event at the Angelika Film Center Dallas and via a link for teams not in attendance: 

•   a theme, 

•   a prop, 

•   a location, 

•   and a line of dialogue.

Anyone with a camera and the willingness to race can participate. Past teams have included everyone from elementary-school students all the way up to professional filmmakers. Student teams compete against other student teams and adult teams are categorized by team size rather than skill level.

All videos submitted before the midnight deadline will be screened and judged on Tuesday, September 8 at the Angelika Film Center Dallas. First place in each category will be awarded a $500 gift card to B&H Photo.