A 48-hour animation challenge for CT college students. Build a team. Get the theme. Create. Animate. Submit.
OCTOBER 9-11, 2026
48 HOURS | UP TO 5 STUDENTS PER TEAM | 20-45 SECOND ANIMATION
Registration Deadline: October 7th, 2026
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Already registered? View the rules
WHAT IS ANIM8 IN 48?
Anim8 in 48 is a fast-paced animation competition where student teams create a complete 20-45 second animated short in just 48 hours. At the official kickoff, all teams receive the same theme simultaneously. From that moment, they have 48 consecutive hours to develop a story, animate, render, edit, and deliver a portfolio worthy animation.This challenge is designed to push creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and storytelling skills while working under real-world production pressure.
WHAT CAN YOU CREATE IN 48 HOURS?
CHECK OUT LAST YEAR'S WINNER:
Sophia Jortner - UConn
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
COLLEGE STUDENTS IN CT
Open to eligible college students enrolled at Connecticut higher education institutions.
SOLO
OR TEAMS
Participate individually or build a team of up to 5 students. Any combination of roles animators, designers, sound, directors.
ANY
MAJOR
Students of all majors are welcome to participate
HOW IT WORKS
01
Register
Build your team or sign up solo before the deadline: October 7th,2026
02
GET THE THEME
Join the kickoff call and receieve the challenge theme.
03
CREATE
Develop your concept and begin production. The clock is running.
04
SUBMIT
Complete, render, and upload your final animation and required materials before the deadline.
05
GET JUDGED
Industry professionals will review all submissions.
THE 48 HOUR CLOCK
OCT 9 | KICK OFF
OCT 9 | THEME REVEALED
OCT 9- 11 | CREATE
OCT 9-11 | ANIMATE
OCT 11 | DEADLINE
TBD | DMCT AWARDS
CHALLENGE RULES
THE BASICS
48 HOURS
Everything must be created during the challenge window.
20–45 SECONDS
Final animation must fall within the required runtime.
UP TO 5
Teams can have up to five students or participate solo.
LIMITED AI
AI tools may only be used during the ideation stage. AI-generated content and AI animation tools are not permitted for your submission.
YOU CAN USE
Any animation medium (2D, 3D, stop-motion, experimental, rotoscope, mixed media)
Royalty-free music, sound effects, fonts,
Raw textures (not UV-mapped for specific models)
3D scan objects you physically create during the contest
Any software or equipment available to you
YOU CAN'T USE
Pre-existing artwork
Pre-made animation
Pre-made rigs
Pre-made models
AI-generated content in your final submission
FAQ
