TWO DAYS. ONE SHORT FILM.

A fast-paced weekend challenge bringing Connecticut's student filmmakers together to write, shoot, edit, and premiere an original short film in just 48 hours.

Open to all CT college and university students!

Join the 2026 challenge →

Get started today

CHALLENGE YOUR CREATIVITY

48 HOURS TO CREATE A SHORT FILM

Gather your crew, take on a surprise creative brief, and turn an idea into a finished film before the clock runs out. It's creativity, collaboration, and storytelling at full speed.

48

HOURS

1-3

MINUTES

5

TEAM MEMBERS

YOUR WEEKEND, FRAME BY FRAME

HOW IT WORKS

From registration to the big screen, five simple steps take you through the challenge.

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 submission guidelines. Be sure to review all rules before the challenge begins!

Only registered names can appear in the film's credit list as filmmakers and producers. Actors can be credited separately.

START THE CHALLENGE

When the challenge starts, your team leader will receive an email with the key elements that need to be included in your film. You have 48 hours to write, shoot, edit, and submit your short film.

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.

SUBMIT YOUR FILM

Submit your film by the deadline via the provided link. Late submissions will not be accepted, so make sure your project is completed on time.

SCREENING & AWARDS

Films will be showcased at our 48 Hour Challenge ceremony. All event information, including the location and time, will be sent to team leaders.

THE CREATIVE BRIEF

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED.

At kickoff, each team receives surprise requirements to spark their story. Here's a sample of what could land in your inbox.

FILM LENGTH

Your film must be between 1–3 minutes long, including opening and closing title sequences.

REQUIRED CHARACTER

Your story must include one of three characters revealed when the challenge begins.

REQUIRED OBJECTS

The film must include a close-up of an apple and a pair of scissors in one of the scenes.

REQUIRED DIALOGUE

"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

Include the official DMCT 48 Hour Film Challenge disclaimer at the end of your film.

MADE POSSIBLE TOGETHER

IN COLLABORATION WITH

We are excited to partner with ITV America. One of the largest reality tv profuction companies in the world, and is based right here is Stamford, CT. Thanks to their commitment, films will be evaluated by their production team.

WATCH WHAT THEY MADE

PAST CHALLENGES

2025

NOVEMBER 7-9

LIVE ALL WEEKEND. SCREENED TOGETHER.

The 2025 challenge was livestreamed on YouTube throughout the weekend, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look as student filmmakers raced to complete their films. The finished work was then celebrated in a virtual screening on YouTube.

Explore 2025 Films

2024

NOVEMBER 15-17

THE CHALLENGE THAT STARTED IT ALL

Explore 2024 Films

THE CLOCK IS WAITING

YOUR STORY STARTS NOW.

Don't miss your chance to put your creativity to the test. Register your team today!