The 48 Hour Film Project is a creative competition fueled by a love of filmmaking. Teams are challenged to make a movie 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 longest running and most popular timed filmmaking 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. Amateur and professional teams around the world make movies over a weekend, which are later given a premier in a real theater. San Diego's competition takes place August 15-17th, 2025.
The weekend of the competition begins with each team assigned a random movie genre by chance.
Additionally, all teams must include in their films:
...and they only find out when the competition starts!
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 qualifying 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.