Music Video Asheville returns on September 10, 2025 for its 17th year of showcasing collaborations between musicians and filmmakers. Through June 15, bands from Asheville and beyond are invited to submit their full-length music videos for a chance to win cash, a 100-album record pressing, and recognition.

To submit: The film must be a music video and the song featured must be original. The film does not have to have been produced this year, but current projects are recommended and must be fully completed (no works in progress). A film can only be screened once by MVA, so prior rejected submissions can be resubmitted. And at least one musician in the band must be local (defined as within a 60-mile radius of Buncombe County).

The annual event usually receives around 100 submissions, and approximately 30 of the best entries will be selected as finalists for viewing at the red-carpet runway awards ceremony on September 10, 2025, at Wortham Center in downtown Asheville. The winners will be chosen by a judging panel of over 25 local and national judges. Attendees will have the chance to vote for People’s Choice.

SUBMISSIONS: For submission details and rules, as well as an archive of past finalists’ videos, visit http://musicvideoasheville.com.

DATES & DEADLINES

• June 15, 2025 Regular Deadline
• July 31, 2025 Late Deadline
• August 22, 2025 Notification Date
• September 10, 2025 Event Date

*Entry Fees: *$20 Regular Deadline; $25 Late Deadline

AWARDS & PRIZES

Prize Categories:

• Judge's Choice- $500 cash prize
• People's Choice- Echo Mountain Recording Gift Certificate for 8 Hour Day of Recording

Award Categories:

• Best Director
• Best Editing
• Best Cinematography
• Best Visual Effects
• Best Music Production
• Best Wardrobe/Makeup

UPDATE: We are including two new awards for those who enter from out of the Asheville Area. The two additional awards will not be screened at the festival but will receive laurels. The new awards are:

• Best of Not Asheville - USA
• Best of Not Asheville - International

TICKETS:

• Through June 15: $15 general admission, $30 VIP (premium seating + swag bag)
• Through Sept. 10: $25 general admission, $40 VIP (premium seating + swag bag)

Available at: https://www.worthamarts.org/events/music-video-asheville/