The 3rd Pattaya Short Film Contest
“"Pattaya, the city of dreams, a creative city in the film industry."”
Compete for a total prize pool of 180,000 baht.
Short Film Contest Guidelines
- Contest topic
The "Pattaya: City of Dreams, Creative Film City" short film competition, organized by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Development Administration (DASTA), aims to promote and enhance Pattaya's potential as a "Creative Film City" and a future hub for film production and dissemination. The project focuses on creating films that promote tourist attractions and reflect Pattaya's readiness and charm to serve as a backdrop and inspiration for internationally acclaimed films. To foster diverse and inclusive short film productions, the competition is held under the theme "Pattaya: City of Dreams, Creative Film City," offering four creative themes. This provides an opportunity for individuals of all genders and ages to showcase their creative abilities, share their perspectives, experiences, and imaginations on Pattaya's crucial role in driving the Thai film industry, and contribute to the promotion of Pattaya through film.
Contest Topics (You can choose one or more topics)
1.1 Topic 1: Pattaya, the City of Films in the Future
A short film that expresses a “vision” or “imagination” of Pattaya's role as a central hub or key player in driving Thailand's film industry in the future. This might present Pattaya as a city with world-class studios, international film festivals, or a gathering place for filmmakers from around the globe.
1.2 Topic 2: Pattaya, a cinematic landscape.
This short film showcases the diverse range of attractions in Pattaya that make for compelling filming locations, from natural landscapes and vibrant communities to distinctive architecture. It utilizes existing landmarks or explores new perspectives of Pattaya as key storytelling elements, aiming to attract filmmakers of all genres to visit Pattaya and use it as a creative backdrop.
1.3 Topic 3: Sustainable urban development through the creative economy and culture.
This short film presents a concept reflecting "sustainable development of Pattaya City through the creative economy and culture," telling stories of lifestyles, communities, activities, and the promotion of creativity and cultural values to drive the economy and sustainable development of Pattaya City, such as cultural tourism, community arts, or innovations derived from traditional wisdom.
1.4 Topic 4 is a model of a creative city that connects the local area with the world through film.
This short film presents a story showcasing the "possibility" of Pattaya becoming a "model creative city," with "film" serving as the primary medium for connection and drive.
The film presents a unique identity showcasing the culture, traditions, lifestyle, places, or stories of Pattaya and its local people, making them known and attracting the attention of audiences worldwide. - Eligibility requirements for submitting short films to the competition.
Individuals of Thai nationality, regardless of gender, age, or educational background, may submit entries as individuals or teams. However, individuals or groups involved in the competition and the judging panel are prohibited from submitting entries.
*Note: Each team can submit only one story, and the names of team members must not be the same as those in other teams.* - The competition is divided into three rounds as follows:
3.1 The first round of the competition will be based on the synopsis.
3.1.1 Selection Round: Applicants must submit a title and plot summary no longer than one A4 page. There are no restrictions on presentation method or filming techniques. The committee will select the entries that advance to the next round; entries that do not pass the selection process will be eliminated and will not be eligible to compete in the next round.
3.1.2 The submitted work must not be a reproduction, modification, or previous use for any other purpose, and must not have been previously published or received any awards. If this is discovered, the organizers reserve the right to disqualify the participant immediately.
3.1.3 The organizers reserve the right not to return submitted entries.
3.1.4 Submission of Synopsis: Please submit the synopsis as a PDF file. Ensure the file is complete and accurate. The organizers will not be responsible for any errors or file damage. Send your synopsis to: dastafilmcontest@gmail.com
Write the subject line as "Submission for the Pattaya City of Dreams, Creative Film Short Film Contest, Round 1 Preliminary Round".“
3.1.5 The judging committee reserves the right to disqualify any contestant immediately, without explanation, if it is found that they have not complied with the rules and regulations, or have plagiarized/infringed on the copyright of others. The contest organizers shall not be held liable in any way for copyright infringement.
3.1.6 All award-winning works become the copyright of the Special Area Development Administration.
3.1.7 The Designated Areas for Development Administration reserves the right to change the details and conditions of the competition without prior notice, and reserves the right to review the suitability of the content before publishing it to the public.
3.1.8 The committee's decision shall be final.
3.2 The second round of the competition.
3.2.1 Contestants who pass the preliminary round will be eligible to compete in the second round, where they must produce a short film that aligns with the synopsis and adheres to the specified content framework.
3.2.2 Short Film Content: The short film must be at least 3 minutes long but no more than 5 minutes (including the project title at the beginning and closing credits). The credits at the beginning or end of the film must include the logo of the Designated Areas for Development Administration.
3.2.3 The content in short films must not contain any political references or cause any conflict, and must not be considered disrespectful to the nation, religion, or the monarchy. It must not use language that is insulting, demeaning, sarcastic, or that incites social division. Furthermore, it must not violate any customs, traditions, morals, ethics, or religious principles. If a regional dialect is used, Thai subtitles must be provided.
3.2.4 The submitted work must not be a reproduction, modification, or previous use for any other purpose, and must not have been previously published or received any awards. If this is discovered, the organizers reserve the right to disqualify the participant immediately.
3.2.5 The organizers reserve the right not to return submitted entries.
3.2.6 Submission of short films for the competition: Files must be submitted in MP4 format, either Full HD (1920x1080, 16:9 aspect ratio) or 2K (2048x1152, 16:9 aspect ratio). Please ensure the files are complete and correct. The organizers will not be responsible for any errors or file damage.
3.2.7 The judging committee reserves the right to disqualify any contestant immediately, without providing any explanation, if it is found that they have not complied with the rules and regulations, or have plagiarized/infringed on the copyright of others. The contest organizers shall not be held liable in any way for any copyright infringement.
3.2.8 All award-winning works become the copyright of the Special Area Development Administration.
3.2.9 The Special Area Development Administration reserves the right to change the details and conditions of the contest without prior notice, and reserves the right to review the suitability of the content before publishing it to the public.
3.2.10 The judging committee will select 10-12 teams to advance to the next round. The committee's decision is final.
3.3 The final competition.
3.3.1 Ten to twelve teams that have passed the initial competition will be eligible to compete in the final round and participate in the judging of the winning entries. They will be required to produce a short film based on the specified content or revise their previously submitted work, as per their preference. Each team will have an experienced film director as a mentor.
3.3.2 Short Film Content: The short film must be at least 3 minutes long but no more than 5 minutes (including the project title at the beginning and the closing credits). The closing credits must include the logo of the Designated Areas for Development Administration (DADA).
3.3.3 The content in short films must not contain any political references or cause any conflict, and must not be considered disrespectful to the nation, religion, or the monarchy. It must not use language that is insulting, demeaning, sarcastic, or that incites social division. Furthermore, it must not violate customs, traditions, morals, ethics, or religious principles. If a regional dialect is used, Thai subtitles must be provided.
3.3.4 The submitted work must not be a reproduction, modification, or previous use for any other purpose, and must not have been previously published or received any awards. If this is discovered, the organizers reserve the right to disqualify the participant immediately.
3.3.5 Submission of short films for the competition: Files must be submitted in MP4 format, either in Full HD (1920x1080, 16:9 aspect ratio) or 2K (2048x1152, 16:9 aspect ratio). Please ensure the files are complete and correct. The organizers will not be responsible for any errors or file damage.
3.3.6 The judging committee reserves the right to disqualify any contestant immediately, without explanation, if it is found that they have not complied with the rules and regulations, or have plagiarized/infringed on the copyright of others. The contest organizers shall not be held liable in any way for copyright infringement.
3.3.7 All award-winning works become the copyright of the Special Area Development Administration.
3.3.8 The Special Area Development Administration reserves the right to change the details and conditions of the competition without prior notice, and reserves the right to review the suitability of the content before publishing it to the public.
3.3.9 The committee's decision shall be final. - Evaluation criteria for the work.
4.1 Criteria for judging the preliminary round of the competition.
The judging of the preliminary round of the competition will be based on the title and plot summary.
In line with the competition theme and the accuracy and appropriateness of the content, the judges will select finalists using a pass or fail method, with the number of teams advancing to the next round determined by the judges.
4.2 Criteria for the second round of the competition.
The second round of judging will select the next round of contestants through a meeting to determine the winner.
The judging panel will use a pass/fail criteria, with 10-12 teams advancing to the next round as determined by the committee.
4.3 Criteria for judging the final round of the competition.
The third round of judging, the final round to determine the winner, will be conducted through a judging panel.
The winner of the contest will be determined by selecting from the top 12 candidates. If a decision cannot be made, the committee will use another method.
The discussion continued until a final decision was reached. - Contest prizes
5.1 Awards for those who pass the selection process.
Teams that are selected and submit short films will receive souvenirs and certificates.
Certificate of Merit
5.2 Prizes for the Grand Prize Competition
First prize: 50,000 baht, along with a trophy and certificate.
First prize: 50,000 baht, along with a trophy and certificate.
First runner-up prize: 30,000 baht, along with a trophy and certificate.
Second runner-up prize: 20,000 baht, along with a trophy and certificate.
Seven consolation prizes, each worth 10,000 baht, along with a certificate.
One Online Vote prize worth 10,000 baht, along with a certificate.
A total of 11 prizes were awarded, with a total value of 180,000 baht. - Application and submission of work.
6.1 Submission of entries for the preliminary round of the competition.
Submission of entries for the preliminary round: Submit application documents and competition entries.
Applications are open from today until August 5, 2025. Apply via Google Forms and send your details to confirm your application via email: dastafilmcontest@gmail.com.
(1) Apply via the Google Forms link https://forms.gle/W8VwpYc9PY16oJQ77
(2) Copy of ID card (with certified copy) 1 set/person
(3) The submitted work must include the title and a synopsis (Plot) no more than 1 page of A4 paper.
6.2 Submission of entries for the second round: Entries must be submitted by August 31, 2025.
You can submit your entry via email at dastafilmcontest@gmail.com.
6.3 Submission of entries for the final round: Entries must be submitted by September 10, 2025.
You can submit your entry via email at dastafilmcontest@gmail.com.
After contestants submit their applications or entries, the competition organizers will send a reply email within 3 days. If you have not received a reply email, you can contact us for more information via the Facebook page for the short film competition or the Line ID of the competition organizers. - Judging panel
7.1 Mr. Prachya Pinkaew (Judge of the competition)
7.2 Mr. Thanit Chitnukool (Contest Judge)
7.3 Mr. Bandhit Thongdee (Contest Judge)
7.4 Mr. Thanaphat Srisunthorn (Secretary of the Judging Committee)
