AZDroneFest Film Festival & UAS Expo Hits Phoenix on March 15

AZDroneFest Film Festival and UAS Expo, Arizona’s premier drone film festival, returns for
its sixth year on March 15, 2025, at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. This highly
anticipated event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and brings together drone enthusiasts,
filmmakers, and industry professionals for an unforgettable day of aerial innovation, education,
and entertainment.

Our Mission
At AZDroneFest, our mission is to educate, promote, cultivate, and celebrate the art of
aerial cinematography. We accomplish our mission by bringing together pilots from various
industries and expertise, fostering an environment where innovation and creativity thrive. We
believe that by coming together, we can be inspired and learn from each other, regardless
of how we use drones. Through hands-on experiences, expert-led discussions, and international
film screenings, AZDroneFest provides an opportunity for all participants to grow, learn, and
be inspired by one another.

A Free Family Event to Inspire and Educate

AZDroneFest is designed as a free, family-friendly event, offering a unique opportunity for attendees of all ages to explore the latest drone technology, witness thrilling live demonstrations, and engage with experts in the field. Whether you are a seasoned drone pilot, an aspiring filmmaker, or just curious about aerial technology, there is something for everyone at this year’s festival.

The event will feature drone racing, obstacle courses, drone delivery, rescue operations, and professional filming drones in action. These engaging demonstrations will showcase the diverse applications of drone
technology and highlight its increasing importance in various industries, from entertainment and filmmaking to search-and-rescue operations and commercial applications.

At AZDroneFest, FPV pilots will showcase their incredible talents. Attendees will witness drones navigating obstacle courses, racing and performing breathtaking aerial maneuvers. Whether you’re a fan of drone racing or new to FPV, this segment of the festival promises thrilling, fast-paced action that highlights the precision and skill of today’s top FPV pilots.

While general admission is free, VIP access is available for a fee, allowing attendees to
participate in exclusive keynote sessions and panel discussions with national industry
experts from aerospace, UAS, and drone cinematography.

AZDroneFest is proud to present an outstanding lineup of speakers and panel discussions featuring experts from across the commercial UAS industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from professionals at The Pilot Institute, Desert Rotor, Sonoran Desert Institute, and the Drone Service Providers Alliance, who will discuss the latest advancements and challenges in the commercial
drone sector.

The Phoenix Fire Department, Casa Grande Police Department, and Regional Fire and Rescue Department will provide key insights into how UAS technology is being used to enhance public safety and better protect our communities. These experts will share real-world experiences on how drones are aiding emergency response, search and rescue, and law enforcement operations.

For those interested in aerial cinematography, renowned cinematographers from Reel Bros, Flying Robot, and Jeremiah Davis will be on hand to discuss the evolving role of drones in filmmaking. They will provide valuable insights into how drone technology is being leveraged to capture stunning visuals, improve storytelling, and push creative boundaries.

Additionally, award-winning filmmakers Tom Middleton (joining remotely from England) and Marcus Moeller (joining from Florida) will share stories of some of their most challenging drone cinematography projects, offering attendees a chance to gain unique perspectives on the global use of aerial technology in filmmaking.

Celebrating Innovation in Aerial Cinematography

Since its inception, AZDroneFest has served as a platform to celebrate and elevate aerial cinematography and the rapidly evolving UAS industry. This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, featuring an exciting lineup of films from around the world, a diverse range of exhibitors from all aspects of the drone industry, and industry-leading speakers sharing insights on cutting-edge drone technology and innovation.

Festival director Chris Tinard expressed his excitement about this year’s event, saying:
“There’s so much innovation taking place among amateur and professional drone users, and this event is an opportunity to highlight the best of the best. We aim to recognize excellence and inspire attendees of all ages at this free family event.”

From breathtaking film screenings to hands-on experiences with the latest drone technology, AZDroneFest 2025 is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about drones, cinematography, and technological advancements.

Exciting Categories & Global Recognition

The festival showcases talent through various competition categories, each designed to highlight creative storytelling, technical expertise, and the power of aerial perspectives.

Participants submitted entries in many categories such as:

● Narrative Films – Aerial cinematography in feature films or documentaries
● Showreels – Highlighting a filmmaker’s best aerial work
● Still Photography – Recognizing excellence in drone-captured imagery
● FPV (First-Person View) Cinematography – Showcasing high-speed, precision drone
flying skills
● Industrial Applications – Featuring aerial images used in construction, inspection, and
commercial industries
● New Drone Pilot – Celebrating pilots with less than one year of flying experience
● Arizona Category – A special competition for filmmakers from Arizona

Submissions will be carefully evaluated by a distinguished panel of award-winning judges,
which includes renowned drone pilots and industry experts. These judges bring a wealth of
experience and global perspectives, ensuring that only the most outstanding achievements in
aerial cinematography are recognized.

Winners of AZDroneFest 2025 will receive international recognition, with awards shipped to
winners worldwide. Previous winners have come from countries such as Turkey, South
Korea, Australia, France, Greece, and the United States, including filmmakers from Alaska,
Colorado, and Arizona. The event’s global reach has helped place its awards in the hands of
some of the most talented drone filmmakers across the world.

For more information, including submission guidelines, sponsorship details, and event
registration, visit AZDroneFest.com.