Deja View Film Challenge
Film is often defined by transformation where the characters begin in one place and end in another, changed by what they’ve experienced. From the very first frame to the final image, a story quietly reveals its journey, with the opening and closing shots acting as powerful mirrors of that change.
This challenge asks filmmakers to explore that idea in its purest visual form: create a short film that begins and ends on the exact same shot. What has changed? What hasn’t? And what can an audience discover in the space between two identical images?
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Create a short film 5 minutes or less that begins and ends with the exact same shot.
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See all of the rules for this film challenge below and find out how you can take part!​​
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Challenge Rules
LENGTH OF FILM: 5 minutes or less (including credits)
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DATES: March 22nd - May 2nd, 2026
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FILM REQUIREMENTS:​
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Your film should start and end with the exact same shot
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The first and last frame need to be the exact same. If you are editing the film, the clip that starts the film is the exact same clip that ends the film.
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Your film must use one line of dialogue from the list below:
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"This must be a glitch."
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"Say that again."
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"Wait, that's not mine."
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Your film can be any genre (comedy, drama, sci-fi, documentary, etc.)​
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You must upload subtitles (.txt) file with your entry
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So that we know you made this film for the challenge you will need to take a Behind The Scene (BTS) photos of you / team and show us you were filming during the challenge timeline
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This could be with a phone with date on it, with a newspaper with date on it, etc.
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You can upload these BTS photos to our Members HUB
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You can upload these BTS photos to social media but you must tag Newcastle Film Club
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Somewhere within your credits please include:
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The line 'Made as part of Newcastle Film Club 2026 Deja View Film Challenge'
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Submit a poster or screenshot thumbnail for your film which includes the name of your film on the image which can be used on social media
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Image size: 1920x1080 png or jpeg image
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​AI Rules specific to this challenge:
- If you used AI to help in the creation of your product, you must disclose what AI programmes you used in your credits.
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When submitting your film please identify if your content will need a Trigger Warning.
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See list of content that can result in trigger warning here.
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If we believe your submission will need a trigger warning, we will create a trigger warning slide that will need to be added to the front of your video. This slide will not effect the time you have for your film.
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DEADLINE: You must submit your film via google drive or WeTransfer to NewcastleFilmClub@gmail.com by 23:59 on May 2nd, 2026
SCREENING: Films will be screened on at The Star & Shadow Cinema on May 17th. See Events Page for more details.
Film Challenge Judging
Meet the judges for this challenge and connect with them online. The judges look at all of the submissions and give the films a rating based on certain criteria. Together, their scores are combined to determine the winners of each category. ​
Judging Criteria
Judges Criteria
The judges for this challenge will be looking at the following 5 key areas when judging and will be ranking each point out of 5 points, for a total of 25 points. The film with the most points will win best overall or runner up.
Learn what's the judges are looking for when it comes to this challenge.
Directing
How well would you rate the directing of actors / story within the film?
Does the film effectively communicate the story? How well would you rate the directing?
Challenge Creativity
How well did they use the restriction of beginning and ending their film to drive their short film narrative?
Did the film use the open/end shot creatively?
Did the line of dialogue work for the story they told?
How would you rate the overall integration of the challenge with their film?
Relevance
Did the submitted film follow the guidelines for the challenge?
For this challenge we want you to create a film which begins and ends with the exact same shot.
5 minutes or less (including credits), full rules on NFC website
Audio / Production
How well was the film made? You may take team size into this consideration. How well produced do you think this film is?
Do shot choices enhance the storytelling (e.g., camera angles, movements, and pacing)?
Does the film use visual storytelling effectively to convey information without relying on exposition?
Originality
Have you seen anything like this before?
Rate the overall creativity here!
Is the film visually engaging, with creative use of cinematography, colors, and design that enhances the story?
Film Challenge Prizes
Take a look at what's up for grabs in this challenge below!
Best Overall Deja View Film Challenge Film
(1st Place)
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SMALLRIG LED Video Light P96
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NFC Mug & Tote Bag
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Winning film uploaded to NFC's YouTube Channel
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Framed Certificate & Digital Certificate
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Official Film Challenge Film Wreath
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Runner up Deja View Film Challenge Film
(2nd Place)
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Camera Bag
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NFC Mug
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Winning film uploaded to NFC's YouTube Channel
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Framed Certificate & Digital Certificate
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Official Film Challenge Film Wreath
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Honourable Mention Film (3rd Place)
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NFC Mug & Tote Bag
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Winning film uploaded to NFC's YouTube Channel
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Framed Certificate & Digital Certificate
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Official Film Challenge Film Wreath
The Double Take (Audience Award)
​As voted on by the audience on the day of the film challenge screening, this award goes to the film that the audience enjoys the most.
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Engraved Item for Audience Award
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NFC Tote Bag
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Winning film uploaded to NFC's YouTube Channel
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Framed Certificate & Digital Certificate
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Official Film Challenge Film Wreath