Watch the top winning entries of the AIA Look Up Film Challenge

Films depicting the social impact of architecture was in the spotlight in the AIA's Look Up Film Challenge. Launched earlier this year as part of the Institute's multi-year public awareness campaign, the competition challenged entrants to produce a short film in 16 days.

Out of 26 U.S.-based teams who submitted entries, the jury selected three top prize winners and seven more films received Recognition Awards in various categories. The three winning teams scored round-trip flights to Austin, TX and Festival Film Badges for the 2016 SXSW Film Festival, as well as US$3,000 total in cash prizes. Winners were also invited to the Chicago Architecture Biennial, which marks the start of the Look Up Film Challenge's next phase.

On the other hand, public voting for the People's Choice Awards winner is open. People can vote online for their favorite film until November 2, 2015 at 12 a.m. PT.

Scroll down to see the winning films.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER: "My City Listens"
by Andrew Jeric and Soha Momeni

"Filmed in downtown Los Angeles, 'My City Listens' looks at how discovering a city is tied to personal identity and observing the interplay of textures and surface.'"

My City Listens from CSpence Group on Vimeo.

2ND PRIZE WINNER: "The RED Office"
by Jeff Durkin, Dragan Radiocic

"This film is about a San Diego-based real estate development company by the same name, and their multifaceted business model that incorporates architecture into the pursuit of a more livable city."

The RED Office from CSpence Group on Vimeo.

3RD PRIZE WINNER: "Mixed Plate Hawaii"
by Kaoru Lovett, Graham Hart, and Ronald Ribao

"This film about how Hawaii’s diverse cultural heritage has proffered a diverse built environment over time, or as Kaoru Lovett says, 'life in four dimensions.'"

Mixed Plate Hawaii from CSpence Group on Vimeo.

The seven Recognition Awards films:

• Community Impact: Designing for Progress
• Design Resilience: Cradle to Cradle
• Historic Preservation (tie): Architect Tim Boden and Looking
• Design & Health: Hometown Care
• Diversity & Inclusion: Mixed Plate Hawaii
• Emerging Professionals: High Line