AZDroneFest 2026
WHEN: March 14, 2026
WHERE: Grand Canyon University
AWARD CEREMONY
Videos will appear here about 15 min. after each award is presented.
AZDroneFest is a film festival and UAS Expo designed to educate, promote, cultivate and celebrate the art of aerial cinematography in Arizona. The film festival is dedicated to recognizing the best in aerial cinematography in multiple categories. Attached to the film festival is an education expo with industry panel discussions, keynote speakers and workshops for commercial drone pilots, drone enthusiasts and aerial cinematographers to attend. AZDroneFest is owned and organized by USDroneFest, Inc.
THE EVENT
AZDroneFest
Film Festival & UAS Expo
Date: March 14, 2026
9:30am - 3:30pm
Grand Canyon University
3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85017
A FREE FAMILY EVENT
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
- DRONE DEMO
- DRONE RACES
- OBSTACLE COURSE
- VENDORS
AN INDUSTRY EXPO
LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS
- KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
- BREAKOUT SESSIONS
- PANEL DISCUSSIONS
- TECH DEMO
AN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
WATCH AMAZING FILMS
- WALK THE RED CARPET
- MEET THE FILMMAKERS
- WATCH ALL THE FILMS
- CELEBRATE THE BEST OF EACH CATEGORY
CATEGORIES
All films must be 5 minutes in length or less and at least 50% must be shot using a drone or UAV (unless otherwise specified).
Films submitted to the "Narrative category" have no length restrictions and can have less than 50% of its shots being aerial shots. Narrative films will be selected based on aerial cinematography only and will be asked to provide a 5 min or less trailer to be used during the screening.
All entries must be through www.filmfreeway.com
Advertising
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: $35
Arizona
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: $35
Cinematic FPV
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: $35
Free Style FPV
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: $35
Hyperlapse
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: $35
Industrial
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: $35
Landscape
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: $35
Narrative/Documentary
Length: unlimited
Entry Fee: $35
Showreel
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: $35
Still Photography
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: $35
Youth
Length: 5 min or less
Entry Fee: FREE
OUR JUDGES
Dany McGee
Aerial Photographer
Isabelle Nyroth
Yvarbrims consultancy service
Maxime Pontoire
Emxpi
Saunders Staley
Drone & content creator
Tom Middleton
Lush Films / BBC
2025 WINNERS
Flying Robot
"Ping Golf"
Alex Edwards
"The SW"
Kara Murphy
"Four Seasons in One Reel"
Danny McGee
"Planet Earth - a birds eye view"
John Ott
"Commercial Construction Build"
Chris Tangey
"Living Australia"
Marcus Möller
Micke Mikeadelica
"The Light"
Magnus Shipe
"Kuinerraq"
Chris Peloquin
"Commercial Construction Build"
Issael Almonte
"Showreel 2023"
USDroneCast
Join us in this thrilling episode of USDroneCast as we dive into the exhilarating world of FPV cinematography with our special guest, Danny McGee @McGee.
Danny's FPV adventures have taken him across the globe, capturing jaw-dropping footage that will leave you in awe.
USDroneCast with Chris Tangey-cinematographer and drone pilot
In this captivating episode, we have the privilege of hosting the renowned cinematographer and drone pilot, Chris Tangey, hailing from the awe-inspiring Northern...
USDroneCast with Danny McGee-FPV pilot
Join us in this thrilling episode of USDroneCast as we dive into the exhilarating world of FPV cinematography with our special guest, <a...
USDroneCast with Mignonne Hollis-Aerospace AZ
Join our guest Mignonne Hollis, from Aerospace Arizona for an enlightening episode of USDroneCast as we explore the dynamic landscape of the...
USDroneCast with Saunders Staley-Aerial Cinematographer
Join us on this episode of USDroneCast with our guest Saunders Staley, an award-winning cinematographer whose remarkable work has left an indelible mark...
USDroneCast with Mako Reactra-Drone Racer
Dive into the captivating world of FPV drone racing In this electrifying episode with the extraordinary @MakoReactra. Mako is a trailblazing force in...
USDroneCast with Stuart Smith-The Droning Company
Join us as we explore the fascinating transformation of music icon Stuart Smith into the founder of The Droning Company.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AZDroneFest is governed by our Board of Directors, a group of volunteers dedicated to our mission
Eric Legnon
Board Member - Treasurer
Theresa Maher
Board Member - Vice President
Matthew Price
Board Member
Yasmin Tajik
Board Member
Chris Tinard
Board Member - President
AZDroneFest 2022
AZDroneFest 2021
2021 WINNERS
Cinematic FPV | A Visual Journey
Director: Danny Mcgee
Country: USA
Bosphorus, Churches and Galata Tower Tour
Director: Yasin Fedakar
Country: Turkey
EXPLORATION
Director: Craig Murley
Country: Switzerland
Outback Australia
Director: Chris tangey
Country: Australia
Arizona
Director: Todd Mowen
Country: USA
Luminescence ★
Director: Leo Ginailhac
Country: France
Hard Hat
Director: Saunders Staley
Country: USA
Southtyrol - Cinematic FPV
Director: Alex Kirchler
Country: Italy
22 Weeks
Director: Robert Smith
Country: USA
Love Letter
Director: Stephanie Marie Morales
Country: USA
Sleeping Siren
Director: Devon Foster
Country: USA
2020 WINNERS
Flying Over Switzerland
Director: Danny Mcgee
Country: USA
(Not only) Now it's epic.
Director: Mauro Pagliai
Country: Italy
Duality
Director: Craig Murley
Country: Switzerland
Away
Director: Jason Hatfield
Country: USA
Arizona Canyoneering
Director: Chris, Jessica Foncannon
Country: USA
Mighty Wings
Director: Chris Peloquin
Country: USA
Breathe
Director: Charlie Duncan
Country: USA
Deserted
Director: William Pitts
Country: USA
The Moon
Director: Saunders Staley
Country: USA
CONTACT US
Since 2019
International Drone Film Festival
The best in aerial cinematography is NOW on the big screen.
Experience AZDroneFest
See where film and flight come together.
Meet the filmmakers, pilots, educators, and industry professionals who make this international festival an experience worth sharing in person.
Current festival film · A new 2027 edition is coming soon.
Supporting the drone community
Our sponsors and partners.
Film Screening
Curated short films from around the world across every style and discipline.
Breakout Session
Learn from filmmakers, creators, pilots, and industry professionals in focused conversations.
Networking
Connect with fellow creators, collaborate on future projects, and celebrate the day.
International Film Festival + UAS Education Expo
Educate. Promote.
Cultivate. Celebrate.
AZDroneFest is a film festival and UAS Expo designed to educate, promote, cultivate, and celebrate the art of aerial cinematography in Arizona.
The film festival recognizes the best in aerial cinematography from around the world across multiple categories—and brings that work to the big screen.
Alongside the screenings, the education expo brings industry panel discussions, keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and workshops to commercial drone pilots, drone enthusiasts, first responders, and aerial cinematographers.
AZDroneFest is owned and organized by USDroneFest, Inc.
Call for entries · Filmmakers worldwide
Your aerial story belongs on the big screen.
Submit your strongest work for the opportunity to join an international program of exceptional drone films—screened for a live audience at an established nine-year celebration of aerial cinematography.
Big-Screen Showcase
Selected films are presented in a true cinema setting where aerial images can make their full impact.
Eleven Categories
From cinematic FPV and landscape to documentary, advertising, industrial work, and emerging youth voices.
Nine Years Strong
Join an established international festival built to recognize excellence, cultivate talent, and inspire creators.
One day · Full festival access
Festival Day Pass
Early-bird availability and ticket-sale dates will be announced.
Everything in one pass
Your ticket to the full AZDroneFest experience.
- 01All breakout sessions
- 02International film screening
- 03Awards ceremony
- 04After-party celebration
Your work belongs here—and so do you.
Each selected film receives one complimentary Festival Day Pass, plus the option to purchase up to five additional passes for $35 each.
The international film festival
The world, seen from above.
Eleven categories recognize quality and excellence across aerial cinematography—promoting established artists, encouraging emerging talent, and bringing remarkable work to a wider audience.
Advertising
Commercial spots, news stories, and branded work.
Arizona
Films featuring Arizona or created by Arizona filmmakers.
Cinematic FPV
Immersive filmmaking captured with an FPV drone.
Free Style FPV
Creative flying and technical freestyle expression.
Hyperlapse
Technical and creative mastery of aerial hyperlapse.
Industrial
Construction, inspection, and industrial applications.
Landscape
Nature, place, and the beauty of our world from above.
Narrative / Documentary
Fiction and nonfiction storytelling shaped by aerial craft.
Showreel
A filmmaker or pilot's strongest work in one reel.
Still Photography
A single compelling photograph captured by drone.
Youth
Celebrating the next generation of drone storytellers.
Award-winning aerial stories
Meet the 2026 winners.
See the films that rose to the top of last year's international competition—and imagine your work on the big screen next.
Marina Heights
Joseph Ludlum
Aerial Action
Joshua Segal
FPV Freestyle Montage
Ruben Caser
Hartsville Cooling Tower Implosion
Jordan Nelson
Australia—the Beautiful
Chris Tangey
The 3100
Mark Fisher
Swoosh
Kara Murphy
Cream City—An Ode to Milwaukee
Dusan Harminc
Global expertise · Thoughtful recognition
Judged by leaders in the field.
Award-winning filmmakers, international operators, educators, and aviation professionals bring a worldwide perspective to every official selection.
Danny McGee
Award-winning adventure photographer and filmmaker whose clients include Red Bull, Google, DJI, GoPro, and United Airlines.
Isabelle Nyroth
International drone pilot, instructor, and consultant with experience operating more than 20 aircraft types across dozens of countries.
Maxime Pontoire
Professional aerial photographer, cinematographer, and drone pilot recognized for his craft and international operating experience.
Saunders Staley
Highly awarded filmmaker with more than 20 years of experience across photography, cinematography, and creative production.
Travis Petet
Drone operations leader and recipient of multiple NBAA Flying Safety Awards and a Top 40 Under 40 Next Gen Award.
Tom Middleton
Cinematographer, director, BBC drone operator, and university lecturer with more than 15 years in multimedia production.
One day. Five moments.
Your festival journey
Welcome
Arrive, grab a badge, and meet the community.
Sessions
Join practical breakouts and filmmaker conversations.
Screenings
Watch the official selections in a true cinema setting.
Awards
Celebrate craft, innovation, and standout storytelling.
After-Party
Keep the conversation going with filmmakers and friends.
Detailed session times and the full festival program will be announced.
In their words
A community that lifts every voice.
Commercial pilots, aerial cinematographers, first responders, educators, students, and hobbyists rarely share the same room. At AZDroneFest, film becomes the common language that brings them together.
“I was really impressed with the entire event. I was thrilled to have an entry nominated and it was genuinely inspiring to see the other films.”
— Tim Daugherty, filmmaker
“Top-tier networking, a strong and engaged drone community, and real value for anyone serious about the industry.”
“I have found no better place for drone filmmakers to showcase their work.”
“Great as usual, family friendly and only going to get bigger and better.”
The setting
Made for the big screen.
RoadHouse Cinemas gives AZDroneFest a true theater home—bringing screenings, conversations, food, and community together under one roof.
Vendors and partners
Build the future of drone storytelling with us.
Partnership, local promotion, talent development, and a commitment to quality and excellence are essential to our mission. Vendors connect with commercial pilots, aerial creators, first responders, educators, students, hobbyists, and industry leaders through meaningful conversation and hands-on discovery.
March 20, 2027 · Scottsdale
See the world's best aerial stories—and meet the people behind them.
Ticket sales, speakers, sessions, and the full festival schedule will be announced as planning continues.