VFX Challenges
Unreal Engine Short Film Challenge - “Worlds Beyond Reality”
Create a 2–3 minute cinematic short film entirely in Unreal Engine 5.4+ that transports viewers to a world “beyond reality.” This could be a reimagined mythological realm, a futuristic society,
or
an alternate history world — but it must be narrative-driven and emotionally engaging.
3D Character Design Challenge – “Legends Reimagined”
Reimagine a character from Indian or global myth/folklore in a futuristic
or
stylized setting. (Examples: “Cyberpunk Hanuman,” “AI Durga,” “Space Samurai Krishna”). The goal is to merge cultural depth with modern design.
● Project Breakdown (2–3 slides or short doc: concept → asset pipeline → lighting/animation → render).
● Optional: BTS video showing Sequencer timeline and Unreal workflow.
● At least one Metahuman character (customized).
● Sequencer for story beats and camera cuts.
Registrations Close: Oct 1, 2025
Submission Deadline: Oct 10, 2025
Finalists Announced: Oct 20, 2025
● Final Character Renders (beauty shots + turnaround).
● Wireframe & Texture Maps.
● Breakdown Sheet (concept → sculpt → retopo → texture).
● Optional: Unreal Engine import showcase (posed or simple animation).
● Texturing must be done in Substance 3D.
● Game-ready mesh: ○ Students: max 80K tris ○ Professionals: max 120K tris
Registrations Close: Oct 10, 2025
Submission Deadline: Oct 20, 2025
FX Simulation Challenge – “Forces of Nature”
Simulate the raw power of nature. Create a large-scale natural or magical phenomenon in Houdini — e.g., volcanic eruption, tsunami, sandstorm, magical burst, or
Black hole singularity. The output can be hyper-real or stylized cinematic.
AI Filmmaking Challenge
Create an original short film (max 2–5 mins) using AI tools for any or all of the
following:
Scriptwriting, Storyboarding, Character design, Animation/visuals, Editing & sound design
Theme: Films should align with the given theme (e.g., Future of Humanity, Dreams vs Reality, AI & Emotions).
Originality: Content must be created during the challenge, no pre-published work allowed.
Credits: Clearly mention which AI tools were used and how they contributed to the creative process.
● Final Simulation Render (5+ seconds, HD).
● Breakdown (simulation passes, wireframes, caches).
● Optional: WIP playblasts of solver setups.
● Houdini (mandatory).
● Rendering via Mantra, Redshift, Arnold, Karma, or Unreal Niagara.
● Submissions must be optimized and render-ready.
Registrations Close: Oct 10, 2025
Submission Deadline: Oct 20, 2025
Winner Showcase: Nov 1, 2025
MP4 video (1080p minimum, 16:9)
Duration: 2–5 minutes
Title + Synopsis (150 words max)
Deliverables from Participants
Final Film (2–5 mins, 1080p or higher)
Synopsis (short description of the film’s story & message)
Making-of Note (a short write-up on what AI tools were used at each stage)
Poster/Thumbnail (AI-generated or designed to represent the film)
Credits (team/individual, tools, acknowledgements)
Registrations Close: Oct 10, 2025
Submission Deadline: Oct 20, 2025
2D Animated Loop Challenge
Create a 15-second seamless 2D animated loop reimagining a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India as a fantasy world. This could be the Taj Mahal, Hampi, Konark Sun Temple, Ajanta Caves, or any other heritage site, transformed with magical, surreal, or fantastical elements. Your animation must be visually engaging, with strong atmosphere and smooth looping.
3D Vintage Modeling Challenge
Design and present a 3D Vintage Telephone CG Asset that captures the beauty, texture, and craftsmanship of a bygone era.
Your asset should look visually striking, realistic, and professionally presented — reflecting the essence of traditional design and aged materials.
“Don’t Forget to Mention the author of the original concept art if used”
● Final Video: 15s seamless loop, 1080p, MP4/MOV.
● Project Breakdown / WIP: Concept sheets, moodboard, character turnaround, environment sketches, rough 5–10s preview.
● Optional: BTS video showing animation workflow.
● 2D digital animation software (Toon Boom, Animate, Krita, After Effects, Blender GP, etc.).
● At least one original fantasy character.
● 2–3 moving background elements (clouds, glowing runes, vines, etc.).
● Seamless loop – first & last frames must connect smoothly.
Pre-Production: Concept sketch + moodboard, character turnaround, environment design.
Animation: Loopable character action + 2–3 moving background elements.
Post-Production: Composite, polish, and export final 1080p video.
Registrations Close: Oct 10, 2025
Submission Deadline: Oct 20, 2025
● Must retain recognizable elements of the heritage site with a fantasy twist.
● Strong atmospheric effects – glowing effects, surreal lighting, magical transformations.
● Must be 2D digital animation.
Winner Showcase: Nov 1, 2025
Create one 3D Vintage Telephone CG Asset.
Include all reference images used for modeling.
Use any 3D software except Blender and Unreal Engine.
Final artwork must be well-lit and properly presented with realistic lighting.
Emphasize authentic detailing, aged materials, and storytelling through textures.
AI references are not allowed; only real-life image references should be used.
Final Renders to be Submitted:
Beauty Render (Final Presentation)
Orthographic View Render
360° Turntable Render / Animation (Rendered using Marmoset Toolbag)
Resolution: 1920 × 1080 pixels (JPG format only)
Registrations Close: Oct 10, 2025
Submission Deadline: Oct 20, 2025
Wireframe View
Ambient Occlusion Pass
Viewport Screenshot (from the software used)
Render Passes used (with proper naming)
Winner Showcase: Nov 1, 2025
