Watch the winning AIA Film Challenge 2020 entries

The results of the latest AIA Film Challenge are in. Now in its sixth year, the 2020 edition of the annual call received nearly 100 new mini-documentary films showcasing architecture projects that transform "communities through the power of design and collaboration."

Enjoy the winning entries below and watch all the latest Film Challenge submissions here.

Grand Prize Winner: Dallas Holocaust & Human Rights Museum by filmmaker John Gordon

Description: "How can a building educate and change the world? This is the question posed by the team at Dallas architecture firm, Omniplan. The vision for the museum is to create a deep and authentic experiential journey that grapples with the most difficult and perplexing issues plaguing humanity. By partnering with community leaders and the museum's original founders, a group of dedicated Holocaust survivors, Omniplan set out to bring human rights to the forefront of their practice."

Runner Up: From Ruins to City by filmmaker Jake Catalanotto

Description: "The Buffalo grain elevators at Silo City once fueled the growth of the city - but now they are abandoned. This site can be a hub for the cultural and economic resurgence of Buffalo, a place of connection for the communities it once failed, and an experiment in creating a sustainable American city."

Third Place: BOXVILLE: Creating a Just World by filmmaker Asia Taylor

Description: "BRONZEVILLE, CHICAGO Years ago, segregation prevented African Americans from shopping in downtown Chicago. Bronzeville became a hub for black-owned businesses that sold the community everything segregation separated them from. This bustling business district was known as 'The Black Metropolis.' Over the decades, disinvestment removed resources and opportunities from the Bronzeville community. Boxville was created to bringing Bronzeville back to the Black Metropolis days by providing entrepreneurs an opportunity towards ownership. Boxville is Chicago’s first street food market and container mall, serving Bronzeville residents and visitors with unique products, services, and food. Boxville offers community entrepreneurs affordable spaces for building enterprises & creating jobs in order to revitalize community. The film’s soundtrack is by TheoryMartinx, a Bronzeville artist. The song is called Brighter Day from his latest album called, The Righteous Always Prevail. The viewer is visually guided through bright colors, healthy activities, customized shipping containers, and a design that promotes access for all, while listening to voices that celebrate black excellence."

People’s Choice Award: A Beacon of Light in Times of Crisis by filmmaker Jean-Marc Grambert

Description: "The dome offers a quiet space for a deep understanding of our life and purpose. Its circular design embraces occupants comfortably in a meditative oasis designed to unburden the mind. Spherical seating and empty space permit the free flow of positive energy. Four entrances reflect an aura of acceptance where all are welcome and can be healed and rejuvenated. A space to nurture the human spirit and create a new sense of community. Meet the Meditation Pavilion – the first of its kind to be built in the US– and the 'heart' of the Hudson Valley Park of Study and Reflection, Esopus New York, an educational center operated by the non-profit Pangea East. The Parks’ seeds and Pavilion design were planted by visionary Argentinian writer, humanist and spiritual teacher, Silo (1938-2010). Architecturally: The dome is constructed of a fire proof thin, hurricane and earthquake resistant shell. Its load transfers directly to the slab-footing. The air fabric form is a waterproof, highly efficient insulator that minimizes energy demand. The pavilion provides natural cross ventilation. The combined systems save on labor, materials, construction waste and maintenance. The pavilion's 45’x45’ footprint is a pinpoint within the 5 acres."

This year's jury was comprised of commercial photographer and director Kezi Ban; BOKA Powell Associate Principal and Life of an Architect Creator Bob Borson, FAIA; and AIAS Past President Sarah Curry, Assoc. AIA.