Imagine having just two days to write, shoot, and edit a complete short film. That's the adrenaline-fueled reality of AGBO's No Sleep 'til Film Fest, and this year's competition just got a major boost with the addition of a top-tier action director to its judging panel.
Collider can exclusively reveal that Sam Hargrave, the filmmaker behind the high-octane Extraction franchise, will lend his expertise to the sixth annual contest. Hargrave's career is a testament to the power of short-form storytelling—he cut his teeth on shorts before exploding onto the feature scene with the 2020 Netflix hit starring Chris Hemsworth. He's since helmed Extraction 2 and the upcoming Matchbox: The Movie, with Extraction 3 already in post-production.
The challenge is as simple as it is daunting: at 5 p.m. PT on January 8, 2027, participants will receive a secret prompt. From that moment, they have 48 hours—until 5 p.m. PT on January 10—to produce a film of three minutes or less. It's a sprint that demands creativity, resourcefulness, and nerves of steel.
Hargrave joins a distinguished panel that includes Fortnite creator Donald Mustard, AGBO's chief creative officer Angela Russo-Otstot, and the Russo brothers themselves, Joe and Anthony, who will be riding high on the release of Avengers: Doomsday. Also on the jury are AGBO's Michael Disco, Kassee Whiting, and Ari Costa.
Winners will be announced on February 11, with prizes including cutting-edge gear from RED Digital Cinema, Avid, GoPro, Blackmagic Design, and Happy Coffee, plus extras from AGBO and Red Bull. The festival is free to enter and open to filmmakers worldwide, making it a rare opportunity for emerging talent to shine on a global stage.
AGBO, founded by the Russos, has a track record of championing bold voices, from Assassination Nation to the Oscar-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once. Their production slate also includes the Extraction films, Avengers: Secret Wars, and series like Citadel and From. For those looking to break into the industry, this fest is a golden ticket—just ask Zach Cregger, who knows a thing or two about innovative filmmaking.
With Hargrave on board, expect the bar to be raised even higher. His own journey from stunt performer to director is proof that short films can be a launchpad to blockbuster success. As he once said, "Every frame matters," and in a 48-hour window, every second counts.
Mark your calendars for January 8-10, 2027. The clock starts ticking at 5 p.m. PT. Will you be ready to answer the call? For more updates on this and other film news, keep an eye on Collider.
