48-HOUR Film Challenge
NEW DATES!! - NOV 15-17, 2024
Offered in partnership with the CT Office of Film, Television, and Digital Media, the DMCT 48-Hour Film Challenge tasks emerging student filmmakers with creating a short film from start to finish within a 48-hour window.
Registered teams will receive specific criteria at the start of the challenge to guide their film’s development. Whether you’re experienced or new to filmmaking, this is a great opportunity to put your skills to the test. The challenge is open to all Connecticut undergraduate and graduate students. Please have your team leader register using the link below!
Our Partners
We are excited to partner with the Norwalk Film Festival (NFF) for our 48 Hour Film Challenge. Thanks to their commitment all films will be evaluated by industry judges and a selection of the best films will be screened at the NFF with the possibility of winning an award.
Learn more about the NFF here.
How It Works
1. Sign Up
Form a team of up to 5(or participate solo) and register through our site.* Your team leader will receive all important details, reminders, and submssion guidelines. Be sure to review all rules before the challenge begins!
*only registered names can appear in film's credit list as filmmakers and producers, this excludes any actors who can be credited as actors
2. Start the Challenge
When the challenge starts, your team leader will receive an email with all key elements that need to be included in your film. You have 48 hours to write, shoot, edit, and submit your short film. Below is an example of criteria that will be shared in your email (In the actual email, you’ll receive three options for some of the following elements, but this sample will show just one example):
Film Length: Your film must be between 1-3 minutes long, including both the opening and closing title sequences.
Required Character: Your story must include one of the following three characters. Here’s an example of one:
- Character: Riley - "They no longer want to attend college, and instead want to travel the world, but they are struggling to tell their parents."
Required Objects: The film must include a close-up of an apple and a pair of scissors in one of the scenes.
Required Dialogue: You will be given three lines of dialogue to choose from, but here’s an example of one:
- "Sometimes, the scariest monsters are the ones we create ourselves."
Credits: Include closing credits listing the five team members involved in the production, along with any actors.
Final Disclaimer: At the end of your film, you must include the following disclaimer: This film was produced as part of the DMCT 48 Hour Film Challenge in partnership with Norwalk Film Festival. Visit www.digitalmediaCT.com for more information
3.Create Your Film
Work with your team to plan and produce your film. Remember you only have 48 hours and all material must be created within that time frame.
4. Submit Your Film
Submit your film by the deadline via the provided link. LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED, so please make sure youur project is completed on time.
5. Screening & Awards
Films will be showcased at our 48 Hour Challenge ceremony. Location and time TBD. All information will be sent out to team leaders.
