Vote for winner: Lumia Icon Challenge

What do these intriguing short films have in common?

One is about an electronic-rock band from Tehran that relocates to New York City to create and play music. Another follows Ghanaian chef Charles Cann as he shares his love of West African cuisine via cooking classes. A third shows what happens when long-distance lovers play the game “Truth or Dare.”

All three films are among the five finalists of the Lumia Icon Challenge contest.

In April, with the help of the Rppled creative community, we called for submissions from filmmakers to submit their best story ideas around the theme “see and hear what you’ve been missing.”

The production teams with the best proposals received several Lumia Icon smartphones, a camera tripod, and a $10,000 film-production budget to breathe life into their stories. The filmmakers hail from across the U.S., from Los Angeles to “Motor City” Detroit and Austin, Tex. And as you will see, their films showcase their talents and unique views of the world.

Here’s a short video overview of the five films that made it to the final.

[rpsb_youtube]http://youtu.be/bWBFPy7MQg8[/rpsb_youtube]

These films, produced in just three short weeks using no other equipment than Lumia Icons, are below for your viewing pleasure. If you’re in the U.S., vote for your favorite.

The overall winning team will be featured on Nokia.com and get written about on Thrillist, a lifestyle site. By voting, you’ll be eligible to win a brand spanking-new Lumia Icon of your very own.

So grab a bowl of popcorn and beverage of choice and enjoy these short films. Then tell us what you think of them. I have my favorite. Which one is yours, and why?

“One Sky” by Bad Hero Production:

[rpsb_youtube]http://youtu.be/w1u0M9UAYgg[/rpsb_youtube]

“Harlan VII” by Detroit Lives!:

[rpsb_youtube]http://youtu.be/fDjUitVh9ko[/rpsb_youtube]

“Tropical Ghana Everywhere” by Charles Cann:

[rpsb_youtube]http://youtu.be/hVqrv3EJQGE[/rpsb_youtube]

“Truth or Dare” by Hollye Westbrook:

[rpsb_youtube]http://youtu.be/nL3IAl7BJM4[/rpsb_youtube]

“The Casualty Process” by Van Ditthavong:

[rpsb_youtube]http://youtu.be/K1vDxvtpO9Y[/rpsb_youtube]