The brickfilming community is gearing up for a new creative challenge as Bricks in Motion officially opens the Sticks and Bricks Contest, running from August 1 through October 3, 2026. This year’s event introduces a distinctive theme that pushes filmmakers to blend traditional LEGO animation with elements from the real world.
Participants are tasked with integrating real‑world objects or environments directly into their brickfilms. Whether placing minifigures in natural outdoor settings, incorporating everyday household items into sets, or intercutting live‑action footage with stop‑motion animation, the contest encourages filmmakers to explore fresh visual territory.
Organizers emphasize that “real‑world elements” should be genuine physical objects—such as plants, rocks, furniture, or outdoor locations—rather than non‑LEGO toys or materials commonly used in brickfilming. Story remains central, and entrants are encouraged to make these real‑world components meaningful to the narrative rather than simple set dressing.
The competition is open now and will continue until 11:59 PM on October 3. Films may be submitted at any point during the window, but entries must remain unreleased publicly until after the deadline.
There will be prizes to be won. Check out the full contest rules HERE for prizes and how to enter.
A special Promising Director Prize will also be awarded to a newer entrant, featuring the LEGO 31378 Creator Space Exploration Telescope.
A five‑member panel of experienced brickfilmers will evaluate submissions. The judges include: Nurtnaut, Jonah (JO Co), JYB Animations, MAOSL, and Austin (Frame5 Studios).
Judges will assess each film as a complete work, focusing on story, thematic interpretation, and the integration of real‑world elements. Each judge will produce a Top 10 list, which will be combined and refined into a final Top 10 ranking. The top three films will receive prizes from the main pool.
Rules and Requirements
To qualify, entries must include at least 30 seconds of animated footage, with no maximum runtime. While real‑world elements may appear extensively, LEGO or brick‑based animation must remain the primary focus.
Check out the official announcement video below.
Participants are tasked with integrating real‑world objects or environments directly into their brickfilms. Whether placing minifigures in natural outdoor settings, incorporating everyday household items into sets, or intercutting live‑action footage with stop‑motion animation, the contest encourages filmmakers to explore fresh visual territory.
Organizers emphasize that “real‑world elements” should be genuine physical objects—such as plants, rocks, furniture, or outdoor locations—rather than non‑LEGO toys or materials commonly used in brickfilming. Story remains central, and entrants are encouraged to make these real‑world components meaningful to the narrative rather than simple set dressing.
The competition is open now and will continue until 11:59 PM on October 3. Films may be submitted at any point during the window, but entries must remain unreleased publicly until after the deadline.
There will be prizes to be won. Check out the full contest rules HERE for prizes and how to enter.
A special Promising Director Prize will also be awarded to a newer entrant, featuring the LEGO 31378 Creator Space Exploration Telescope.
A five‑member panel of experienced brickfilmers will evaluate submissions. The judges include: Nurtnaut, Jonah (JO Co), JYB Animations, MAOSL, and Austin (Frame5 Studios).
Judges will assess each film as a complete work, focusing on story, thematic interpretation, and the integration of real‑world elements. Each judge will produce a Top 10 list, which will be combined and refined into a final Top 10 ranking. The top three films will receive prizes from the main pool.
Rules and Requirements
To qualify, entries must include at least 30 seconds of animated footage, with no maximum runtime. While real‑world elements may appear extensively, LEGO or brick‑based animation must remain the primary focus.
Check out the official announcement video below.
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