HIGH STRANGENESS

An underground art and film challenge from NIGHT SHIFT

You've seen something you can't explain.

That flicker in your peripheral vision. The dream that felt too real. The pattern that shouldn't exist.

Now you have the tools to show everyone else.

Artists who capture the uncanny. Skeptics with something to prove. Believers ready to manifest their visions. Complete outsiders with impossible ideas.

The age of "I wish I could create that" is over.

WHAT WE WANT

Push every limit. Submit your AI-generated artwork or short film that explores contact, distortion, and revelation at the edges of reality.

No boundaries. No apologies. Just pure vision made manifest.

WHAT YOU WIN

🏆 VISUAL ART WINNERS:

  • Featured in the first-ever, limited-edition HIGH STRANGENESS art book

  • Spotlighted across NIGHT SHIFT platforms and social channels

  • Exclusive NIGHT SHIFT merch

  • 🥇 First Place: Cash prize

🎬 SHORT FILM WINNERS:

  • Premiered in a special NIGHT SHIFT broadcast event

  • Promoted to a global audience of contact-curious viewers

  • Exclusive NIGHT SHIFT merch

  • 🥇 First Place: Cash prize

REGISTER & PAY
SUBMIT YOUR WORK
“A stunning collision of art and the unknown. Nothing else like it exists right now.”
— Jenna Varela, visual artist and researcher

“you have to believe it to see it.”

There’s a growing community of people with stories that don’t fit conventional reality—
encounters, sightings, experiences they can’t forget.

HIGH STRANGENESS brings them together. Artists, experiencers, and visionaries from around the world are invited to document their strangest moments—through image, film, and design.

This book is the result: a curated snapshot of modern myth-making at the edge of belief.

It doesn’t ask you to believe.
Just to imagine the impossible.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • HIGH STRANGENESS: Encounters at the Edge of Reality is a global art challenge hosted by NIGHT SHIFT. It’s open to anyone, anywhere, working in any medium, from paintbrushes and photography to AI-assisted imagery and experimental video.

    Whether you’re a traditional artist, an AI tinkerer, or something in between, this is your invitation to document the inexplicable.

  • We want original work that explores contact, abductions, covert tech, psychic phenomena, altered states, or other unexplained encounters. Think UFOs, UAPs, crashed craft, coverups, remote viewing, and high weirdness. If it gives you chills or makes you question the official story—it probably belongs here.

  • You can submit up to 3 still images OR 1 short film (5 minutes or less) per entry.

    Step-by-step:

    1. Register & pay the entry fee

    2. Upload your artwork or video (video max: 3 minutes)

    3. Complete the submission form (includes short artist statement)

    4. Agree to the terms

    5. Watch the skies


      If you want to submit to both categories—art and film—you’ll need to register and pay separately for each.

  • AI is welcome, but not required. You can submit traditional artwork, photography, animation, live-action footage, or any creative mix. What matters is the concept and execution.

  • Yes. You can enter both. Just make sure you register and pay separately for each entry.

  • Every submission requires a short artist statement (1–3 sentences). Tell us what inspired the work—what it means, where it came from, or what you were trying to communicate.

    This helps us distinguish between hollow output and meaningful vision.

  • We judge the work—not the tool. That’s why we’ve designed a blind, fair process focused on intention, impact, and originality.

    • Blind Round 1: No names, no tools disclosed—just art and artist statements

    • Finalist Round 2: Work is scored on:

      • Originality

      • Emotional or conceptual depth

      • Interpretation of the theme

      • Execution

    • Guest Judges: Respected voices in art, paranormal research, and experimental media weigh in

    • People’s Choice: The community votes on a fan favorite after finalists are announced

    We’ll also award Special Recognitions like:

    • Most Original Concept

    • Best Traditional Technique

    • Best Use of AI Tools

    • Most Emotionally Resonant

    • Weirdest Encounter

    • People’s Choice

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

  • Accepted Formats: JPG, PNG, or flattened TIFF
    Resolution: 300 DPI
    Minimum Dimensions: 3000 pixels on the shortest side
    Color Mode: RGB
    Maximum File Size: 10MB
    Orientation: Portrait preferred, but landscape accepted
    Watermarks: Not allowed
    Limit: Up to 3 submissions per registered artist

    Notes:

    • AI-assisted artwork is welcome as long as it reflects your creative direction.

    • Prompt engineering, curation, paintovers, and remixing are encouraged.

    • No purely raw, unedited AI screenshots.

  • Accepted Format: YouTube or Vimeo link only (do not upload files)
    Max Runtime: 3 minutes
    Aspect Ratio: Any, but 16:9 preferred
    Style: Open—animation, collage, experimental, documentary, mixed media
    Limit: 1 short film per registered entrant
    Originality: Films must reflect your creative vision—even if using AI tools
    AI Tools: Pika, Runway, Veo, ElevenLabs, D-ID, etc. are allowed
    Credit: Include all collaborators and tools used in your submission form

    Director’s Statement (Optional):
    You may submit a 100–200 word explanation of your concept, process, or story.

    Note:
    Selected films will premiere in a Night Shift YouTube livestream showcase and may be featured across our platforms.

    • All submissions must be original and created by you.

    • You retain full ownership of your work.

    • By submitting, you grant Night Shift a non-exclusive license to feature your work in our printed book, livestreams, and promotional materials—with full credit.

    • Your work will never be used to train AI or sold to third parties.

    • Submissions that are incomplete, off-topic, or infringe on copyrights will be disqualified. text goes here