What is the 48 Hour Film Project?
The 48 Hour Film Project is a creative sport fueled by a love of film-making. Teams competete to make a film in a weekend, exercising mental and physical endurance, and building lifelong friendships and professional connections along the way.
Sometimes casually and unofficially shortened as "The 48", it is the world's most long-lived and popular timed film competition. Each year teams of all skill levels, ages and demographics, in over a hundred cities across the globe, compete to make a short film in just two days.
The weekend of the competition begins with each team assigned a random movie genre by chance.
Additionally, all teams must include in their films:
- A character name and occupation
- A line of dialog
- A prop
...and they only find out when the competition starts!
Some time after, completed movies are given a Hollywood-style premiere in a real movie theater packed with attendees. The audience selects an Audience Choice winner by voting. Then, all on-time films are considered for film festival judging.
The best films are honored at the 48's own "Best Of San Diego" screening and Academy Awards inspired ceremony, with many categories for recognition. The jury-awarded best film in San Diego goes on to compete in the 48 Hour Film Project's Filmapalooza, an international celebration and competition between city winners. Later, select winners are shown at the Cannes Film Festival (yes, that Cannes) Short Film Corner.